Page 49 of Meant to Be

“Deal.”

“Okay, I know you’re wondering why I was at the court this morning and the answer is... my boyfriend was in court, being sentenced - drunk and driving. The next thing is probably worse, and I’m so sorry….” My voice weakens. He holds my hand giving me strength, “I’m pregnant…”

Dads mouth drops as his eyes widen, but nothing comes out.

“Dad?”

“Erm... I’m speechless.”

“Are you angry?”

“I'm not happy that my sixteen-year-old daughter is going to have a baby, but who am I to judge you? I’ll stand by you, you’re my baby girl.” He shrugs, taking me into his arms.

My chin wobbles, I take deep breaths and start to explain everything that’s happened between me, Jax and mum. By the time I’m done. Dad looks as shocked as hell. He puts his lips to my hair and kisses the top of my head.

“Oh Shelby, I’m so sorry baby. I wish I’d been with you.”

“So do I Dad,” I whisper. “What happened with you and mum? Why did you abandon me?”

“Sweetheart, I didn’t. I sent cards and letters, money at Christmas and birthdays…”

“I didn't get anything.” I cut him off. “Did she hide all that from me?”

“I know our divorce was hard on you and I tried to make it easier. I didn’t want you in the crossfire, but she was having none of it. In the end, she cut all my contact, had a solicitor send me a letter and told me you didn’t want anything from me anymore. She said it was upsetting you too much.”

“How could she do that?” I ask horrified.

“I wanted to come to you so much and for you to meet Anna, but she wouldn’t let me. I gave up, and I’d come to a conclusion in my head that you’d come to me when you were ready, and here you are.”

He tightens his hold on me, squeezing me. “It killed me when I couldn’t see you. I used to sit away from the primary school and watch you come out, of course I had to make sure it looked like I wasn’t some kind of child snatcher…”

“Dad,” I say shocked.

“What? I bet I looked like some pervert sitting outside the school. I gave up in the end. When you moved schools, I had to, I didn’t know where you’d gone to.” His smile matches mine, it’s wide and welcoming.

“I’ve missed you. I wanted to hate you, but when all this happened - I only wanted you. I never thought she could be this cold-hearted…”

“Hmmm. Well, you’ll stay with me. Get to know Anna, she’d love to build a bond with you. We couldn’t have kids, so it’s only you.”

“Ah, dad I’m so sorry.”

“It’s fine, she’s come to terms with it - we both did. The only thing that kept me going was that I had you. Now go and get some rest, you’ve had a trying few days.”

Nodding, I shift, “Oh, and maybe you should just let your mum know where you are.”

“Oh great.” Kissing dad’s cheek, I grab my phone from the arm of the chair and head upstairs. I stop halfway and take him in. His hair is beginning to grey, and he looks older, but he’s still the same man I remember from years ago. The sweet man that doted on me.

“Thanks, Dad.”

Winking at me, I smile back and carry on up to my room.

One Month Later

Shelby

I’ve heard nothing from Jaxon, not a phone call or a letter. I gave Harry my new address to pass on, but I still haven’t had anything. I know Harry has been to see him - he’s the only one who has.

Getting my paper and pen out, I decide to write him a letter, explaining a few things and putting some facts straight.

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