Page 44 of Claiming My Grumpy Ex

I shook my head. “No. If I call, they might not even agree to see me. I need to do this in person.”

Mom sighed, but there was understanding in her eyes. “Well, if that’s how you feel. I see Ellen Mitchell around town in the mornings sometimes shopping, you know.”

“Perfect,” I said with a nod, standing up from the table. “But I’d feel better starting with Jim first. If I can get through to him, maybe the rest will follow.”

“You be careful, son,” Dad said, folding his paper. “Jim’s a tough one. But if anyone can win him over, it’s you.”

I smiled, grabbing my jacket. “Thanks, Dad. And think about the foundation idea, okay? We’ll talk later about it.”

As I stepped out into the crisp morning air, I felt a mix of nerves and determination settle in my chest. Winning over Elena’s family was going to take time, but I was ready to do whatever it took.

The drive to the Mitchells’ house felt longer than it should have, a familiar song on the radio doing nothing to calm the nerves. I’d thought about this conversation a hundred times, but now that it was here, I wasn’t sure if any amount of preparation could make it easier.

Their house looked much the same as I remembered—white siding, a wide front porch, and a well-kept lawn lined with a few old oak trees. I parked along the curb and sat for a moment, gripping the steering wheel as I tried to gather my thoughts. Apologizing wasn’t my strong suit, but if there was ever a time to swallow my pride, this was it.

I stepped out of the car and spotted Jim Mitchell behind the house, the rhythmic sound of hammering drawing me toward his woodworking shop. As I walked closer, the smell of sawdust filled the air, mixing with the faint scent of freshly raked leaves.

Jim glanced up as I approached, his hammer pausing mid-swing. His expression was guarded, his brows drawing together as he set the hammer down on the workbench.

“Cory,” he said, his tone neutral but clipped. “Didn’t expect to see you here.”

I nodded, stuffing my hands into my pockets. “Morning, Mr. Mitchell. I know this is probably the last thing you wanted today, but I’m hoping we can talk.”

He straightened, crossing his arms over his chest. “Talk about what?”

“About the past,” I said, meeting his gaze. “About Elena. About Jake. I owe you an apology, and I wanted to give it to you face-to-face.”

His eyes narrowed slightly, his stance shifting just enough to show he wasn’t entirely closed off. “I’m listening.”

I took a deep breath, my words tumbling out before I could second-guess myself. “I made a mistake, sir. Leaving town the way I did, losing touch with Elena… it wasn’t fair to her or to youand Mrs. Mitchell. I didn’t know she was pregnant when I left, but even if I had, I wasn’t in the right headspace to be the man she needed. I thought I was doing the right thing by joining the Marines, but looking back, I can see how much I hurt her—and all of you—by not staying in touch.”

Jim’s expression didn’t change much, but the set of his jaw relaxed slightly. “Ellen told me you and Elena are seeing each other again. I guess that means you’re finally stepping up to help raise Jake.”

“Yes,” I said firmly. “I’m trying to be the father Jake needs and the partner Elena deserves. I know I’ve got a lot to prove, but I’m ready to do whatever it takes to make things right.”

Before Jim could respond, the sound of the back door opening drew our attention. Ellen Mitchell stepped outside, carrying a shopping bag in one hand and looking surprised to see me.

“Cory,” she said, stopping mid-step. “I wasn’t expecting you.”

“Hi, Mrs. Mitchell,” I said, offering a small smile. “I came to talk to Mr. Mitchell, but… I guess now’s as good a time as any to tell you both what’s on my mind.”

She glanced between me and her husband, setting the bag down on a nearby chair. “Alright, then. What’s this about?”

I hesitated for a moment before deciding to lay it all on the table. “Elena’s pregnant,” I said, watching their reactions carefully.

Ellen’s eyes widened, her hand flying to her chest. “Pregnant?”

Jim’s lips pressed into a thin line, but he didn’t look as angry as I’d feared. “Is that so?”

I nodded. “Yes. And I want to be there for her, Jake, and the baby. But that’s not the only reason I’m here. I came to apologize, and I came to ask for your blessing.”

“Blessing?” Jim asked, his brows raising.

“I want to marry Elena,” I said, my voice steady. “I love her, and I want to build a life with her and our kids. But I know I need to make things right with you first.”

Ellen’s eyes softened, tears brimming as she reached for her husband’s arm. “Jim, he’s trying to do the right thing.”

Jim let out a long breath, rubbing the back of his neck. “You’ve got a lot to prove, Cory. But if this is how you’re planning to start, then…” He paused, glancing at Ellen before nodding. “You have my blessing. And more than that, I hope you’re serious about sticking around this time.”

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