Page 227 of His Sunshine Baby

“What is it?”

“Are we going to live at Auntie Nora’s house now?”

I hesitate while Estelle is waiting for my answer with an anxious expression. What should I tell her? Until Elena wakes up, and even after, it will be a difficult question.

“I think so, until your mom wakes up.”

“And when Mommy wakes up?”

“It will be up to your mom to decide?”

“We can’t… live in your house in the sky?”

“Only if Mommy wants to, little star. But I’m not sure.”

That will probably depend on how mad her mother is with me… and if there’s a chance for all three of us to be a family again, I guess. Estelle nods.

“I understand. I hope Mommy will wake up soon.”

“Me too, little star. Let’s go see her after we are done shopping, okay?”

“Do we still need to buy more?”

“Didn’t you want a new bunny?”

Her eyes suddenly light up, and I’m glad she looks happy again. We finish eating quickly, and do some more shopping, but without finding a new plushie to her liking. She seems happy about her drawing set though and keeps looking at it in the car as I drive to the hospital.

“Nate?”

“Damian, we’re going to the hospital with Estelle.”

“I was about to call you; Elena just woke up.”

I stay speechless. Shit, really? Now? I can barely think. I park the car in the first spot I see, taking deep breaths.

“Daddy?”

“Give me a minute, baby.”

I grab my phone, fidgety, calling Damian.

“What?”

“Is she… she okay?”

“Yeah. She’s with a doctor, but she’s fine. She asked about Estelle as soon as she woke up, and Nora’s with her right now. Are you far from the hospital?”

“We were on our way. We’ll be there in five minutes.”

“See you then,” he says before hanging up.

Crap. I’m not ready. Despite all this time with Estelle, I’m so not ready to face her mom. What should I tell her? Should I apologize straight out, ask for forgiveness? Or try the friendly approach first? Damn it, what friendly approach, you dumbass.

“Mommy is awake?”

“Yeah, baby.”

“Can we go? Daddy, can we go see Mommy? Please?”

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