Page 58 of Falling for Her

I’m just glad Dad allowed me to bring Aiden, though it does give him a chance to spend some time with Bailey, his girlfriend or was her name Penny?

I shake my head. I haven’t met her and won’t meet her until he knows they’ll last which is probably why I can’t remember her name.

I chuckle as Aiden squeals when the sandcastle turns out perfect in his eyes, even though half of it has collapsed and my phone rings again, and I sigh, checking the screen.

Boss Man

I smile and answer, “Daddy.”

“Hey, sweetheart, how are things going?” he replies, and I hum, my eyes on Aiden as I say, “Okay, Aiden is currently building sandcastles with my old bucket set.”

Dad chuckles, “You used to throw the biggest hissy fits when the sun started to set.”

I smile, “Being here was my favorite time.”

He hums in agreement, and then, without beating around the bush, he sighs, “He’s struggling with the silent treatment, sweetheart.”

I clear my throat and look down before I whisper, “But as soon as I speak to him, I’ll want to come home, and I’m just not ready. I don’t want to make decisions I’m going to regret.”

“You won’t, Mer,” Dad says firmly, “Look, I didn’t want to say anything or put pressure on you but sweetheart, we both know you are going to keep this baby. It’s not in your DNA to get rid of it. You raised your brother, helping me tremendously, and he is absolutely amazing, so you know being a mom will become second nature to you.” I swallow hard as he sighs, “That girl coming into the bakery just gave you the chance you needed to get away.”

I don’t deny, “I know, she kind of had perfect timing, really. This baby has sent my head into a loop, and Damian not putting in his two cents, allowing me to decide on what to do, was just frustrating, though she is very delusional.”

Dad chuckles and then admits, “According to Butcher, she is currently under house arrest until further notice.”

I sigh, “It can’t be easy for him, she’s his daughter.”

Dad groans, “Don’t go feeling bad for the woman Mer. She blackmailed her own father and forced your boyfriend to date her, then wanted more – the patch that he ended up handing in because of the crap with her. She has done nothing but create havoc for her father to get her own way. She not only lied about sleeping with your boyfriend and being pregnant, which her mother has confirmed there is no baby, but she also threatened your life, and no one threatens my daughter. I’ve already lost so much. I can’t bear losing you.”

I swallow, look at Aiden, and whisper, “Okay…,” Then I ask, “Do you think I should have this baby?”

He sighs, “It is not my decision, sweetheart. Only you can decide on what you do, and the reason why Damian won’t put in his two cents is that he knows exactly what happened to your mom,” I sniffle, and he whispers, “This baby is a blessing, and you and your mom are completely different. There is no guarantee you’ll have the same condition, but because of how your mother passed, they’ll see you more often and have more precautions. You know you won’t abort Mer and that is why you are running.”

I lick my bottom lip and admit, “I’m scared.”

“I know,” he replies, “but don’t have a termination out of fear because you will regret it, Mer. I understand needing time to think things through, but don’t push Damian away. If anything, tell him exactly how you are feeling, tell him your fears and let him give you the strength you need to make the right decision not just for you but also for him and while you are at it, convince him to let his family back in.”

I snort, “Really, Daddy?”

“What?” he asks, “The man misses them, anyone can see it. He’s just hurt, and if anyone can convince him, it’s you.”

“I am not going to convince him of anything. They hurt him, and just like me needing time, so does he, and deep down, I know he’ll be back with the club. They just have to continue showing him he is family and that they would have never allowed what he was forced to do. If they keep pushing into his life, showing him that they care, he’ll go back and hopefully he’ll do it before the middle of next month when he’s supposed to start at the new shop which, by the way, I do not like. The owner eyed him up last time, so tell Butcher to hurry up with the groveling. I really don’t want to stab a bitch’s eye out.”

Dad laughs, and I grin and declare, “I’ll do it, you know it, and I know it.”

“I know. I’ll be sure to tell Butcher,” Dad chuckles as Aiden shouts, “Sissy, come play with me!”

I smile at my little brother and say to Dad, “Little brother calls!”

He hums and replies, “I heard. Go and help him with those sandcastles, but sweetheart, please at least message Damian. I’m all for you taking some time to think things through and come to terms with your brother’s birthday next week, your mom’s passing, your finals and the fact you’ll be taking over the bakery and then there’s the baby, but don’t shut that man out. He has proven over and over again that he loves you so let him take the brunt of your fears and struggles.”

I chew my bottom lip and mumble, “Okay, I’ll message him, but we’re still not returning. Trina can continue to prove herself at the bakery if she wants the manager role.”

Dad snorts, “I think your new hire from last week, Abigail, is most likely more suited for that role, Trina just keeps hitting on married men.”

I laugh and agree, “True,” then say, “Thanks for the call, Daddy. I love you.”

Aiden shouts for me again, and Dad returns, “Love you too, sweetheart. Make sure you send pictures.”

---