Page 50 of Chance

"Hello, Sebastian, how is my daughter?" he asks as an introduction.

Maisy’s dad looks more like an old college professor than the successful businessman I know he is. He owns several very large hotel chains all over Europe and America. I don’t think he is that involved in them anymore by the look of him. His suit has seen better days, despite the fact it’s an expensive make, and his face is pale. He looks a little ill as his hands shake around his drink.

"Very good, Mr. Reynolds. We are both looking forward to our son’s birth," I tell him, and I have to look down into my drink. The dark coffee reminds me of Maisy’s dark-brown eyes, and I clear my throat before looking at him.

"I came to ask for your blessing. I want to ask Maisy to marry me. She doesn't know I am here. I promise to always look after her. I love her very much," I tell him, managing to keep eye contact the whole time even when he looks emotional.

"You’re one of the best things that's ever happened to my girl. Yes, you have my blessing, Sebastian, and you don't have to tell me you love her, I can see it,"he says and then carries on speaking.

“I was disappointed when Maisy came home all those months ago and said she wanted to come with us on our trip to Europe. I knew something must have happened between you two, but we took her away with us. A month into the holiday, my ex-wife found out Maisy was pregnant. I cancelled our trip and made Maisy move back home. I hoped she would contact you, but I didn’t push her. I’m so pleased that you finally showed her where her home is. Don’t let her go,” he says, wiping away a few tears.

"Thanks. I'll speak to Maisy about her seeing you. I know she misses you," I tell him honestly, because we had a chat the other day. She does want her dad around, but she is too stubborn and, I think, scared to try. She’s worried she’ll get put down again.

"Thank you for your help. Can I give you some advice?" he says as he pushes his black hair out of his eyes.

He looks so much like Maisy at that point, it almost makes me smile. They have the same brown eyes and black hair, but his is going grey. The only thing she seems to have gotten from her mother is her body figure, but she has more curves now that she is pregnant, and I hope she keeps them. I could just get her pregnant again.

"I would like that." I smile.

"Don't let her go. I fell in love with a girl once, but I let her go for money, and I wish I hadn't." He looks away, clearly lost in thought.

"I won't. She is my life," I say firmly.

"Well, son, I hope I get to meet my grandson and see your wedding," he says with his voice full of hope.

"I can't promise because it’s Maisy’s decision, but I will try." I pat him on the shoulder before saying bye and leaving.

When I get home, it’s dinner time and Maisy is in the kitchen, cooking a stir fry as rice is boiling in a pot.

"Smells amazing again, May," I say as I walk in and kiss her cheek. She smiles up at me, and it takes my breath away how beautiful she is. Her long, black hair is wavy, and she is wearing a blue sundress that shows off all her curves as it falls to her knees.

"Don't you think it's getting a little cold for dresses?" I askher.

"Nope," she says, and I remember she always wears her dresses, no matter how cold. She would just add tights and a big coat when we went out. I help her dish it up, and we eat together in the dining room. We have a simple four-chaired, wooden table, but it's perfect for us. The room is quite bare, with just a wooden cabinet and a picture of the sunset on the wall, but I like it.

"I met with your dad today," I say, noticing how she tenses up.

"Why, Sebastian?" she asks, looking at my eyes.

"It doesn't matter, but he wants to talk to you." I grab her hand to hold over the table.

"Do you think I should?"she asks as she moves her food around the plate.

I walk over and crouch next to her, moving her chair to face me and tilting her face up with my finger so she is looking at me. I frown when I see the tears and kiss them away.

"That's your choice, and I'll support you in whatever you want, but I know you miss him. He wasn't a good dad before, but I think he wants to try, May,"I tell her.

"It's hard to forgive him," she says, resting her forehead against mine.

"I know."

We don't say anything more about her dad as we eat, and I clean up while she rests. When I'm done, I walk back into our lounge and hear her speaking.

"Okay, Dad. Why don't you come over next week? I miss you, too."

I smile to myself, knowing this is the best way forward for Maisy.

Chapter 17

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