Page 33 of Forbidden Dunk

“You talked to my dad?” I cried, tears racing down my cheeks.

“I did this part at least right.”

He kissed my head again and I beamed at him. This was surreal to me.

“Yes,” I told him, taking his hand.

I never thought I’d be here, just months later, with my baby, the man I love, and my dad. I honestly thought my dad would disown me, and really, he had every right too. I betrayed him in ways that I didn’t think a daughter should have.

I would also love to say that he’s eased the reins up a bit, but he hasn’t. I feel sorry for the baby girl they were placing in my arms, because I had no doubt that her grandfather was going to be super protective of her too.

“Well hello Ella Davis,” I told her, kissing her tiny head. “You’re the one causing so many problems in mommy’s tummy. That wasn’t very nice.”

“She’s perfect, Shorty.”

“She’s also very long. She didn’t have a lot of room in there,” the doctor told us. “We’ll let you have a few minutes.”

Everyone cleared out of the room, leaving just the four of us alone.

“Want to hold her, Dad?” I asked, looking up into his tear-filled eyes.

“Yes. You named her after my mom?” he asked, taking the little bundle.

“We did. We also wanted to give her your middle name, but David didn’t work, so Davis it was.

“You didn’t have to but thank you. I’m honored.” He kissed my baby’s head before kissing mine. “I’m so proud of you, Marketa,” he whispered, making me get teary eyed again. “I shouldn’t have forced you to date someone else, and I’m sorry about that. But I’m glad you went against my rules and found a man who will always stand beside you. He’s proven his worth.”

“He’s a good man, Dad. I believe in him.”

“Don’t tell him I said all that.” Her dad straightened, holding Ella still. “Can’t believe I’m a young grandfather. And now I’m going to have a basketball player as a son-in-law. What is the world coming to? My poor life.” He glared at Shawn over hisshoulder before leaving the room to take the baby to Shawn’s mom in another room.

“You think your dad will ever stop poking me?”

“Never. And now you’re in it for life, buddy,” I told him, taking his hand as he sat on the edge of the bed.

“How are you, Shorty?”

“I’m okay. Pain is already fading. It’s one for the books. Can’t wait to tell Ella all about your proposal. You were only seconds old, baby girl, when your dad said to marry him. Yup, that’s going to be epic.”

“I think so.”

“I can’t believe you asked my dad.” I shook my head at that, even though I knew I shouldn’t have been surprised.

“I did it wrong to start off with. I had to gain some brownie points with him. Giving our daughter his name was going to help, but not fully cut it.”

“No, but it’s a good start.”

I watched as he playfully sighed, hanging his head, and I couldn’t help but laugh.

“He’ll come around; you know.” I wasn’t about to give away my dad’s secret. Watching them bicker, even knowing it was more jokes and playfulness than anything, was too fun.

“Oh, I know. I still like getting under his skin though, it’s great!”

“You two! Just like little boys, always having to steal the other toy. Poking at each other just for that rise.”

“You like it, so stop.” He leaned down, giving me the smallest of kisses that held so many feelings and I could feel the butterflies take off in my stomach. “He can tease me all he wants. He can glare at me all he wants. You were off limits, forbidden fruit, and we both know I will always enjoy going after the Forbidden Dunk."

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