“Dammit Hallie,” I whisper. I want to say more, but in some respects I can understand why she did what she did. Hell, I don’t even know if I’d have done anything differently if I was her. Still….
“I know.” She deflates a little more, and I can see the toll this conversation is taking on her. “In the short time I have left, I want to help get you and Ella settled.”
I run my hand through my hair. “Fuck. Hallie, how do you expect me to get settled with Ella when I’ve never even met her? Not to mention, my life is here in Austin and, if I remember right, you live down in Houston.”
“Piper wasn’t wrong when she told me to do this sooner,” she mumbles.
I interrupt her before she can say more. “How long has my sister known I have a child? And I want the truth,” I bite out.
“Before I answer that, know that Piper wanted me to tell you the truth as soon as she found out, but I’m the one that wouldn’t let her share anything with you. That’s also the reason she doesn’t call much. After Ella was born, and I started treatment, Piper and I moved in together. It made sense to me, because Ella would be with family even if Piper didn’t know Ella was her niece. As Ella got older, more of your family’s features started showing on her, and Piper put two and two together. She was pissed, but at the same time, we were just finding out that the cancer was more aggressive than the doctors originally thought. That was about five years ago.”
“Piper’s known for five fucking years?” I yell, popping off the couch to pace some more.
“Yes, and she and I have a monthly fight over that fact. Last year she talked me into looking at jobs here in Austin. About three months ago, I was offered a position at the University. I took it as a sign. However, it turns out it wasn’t the sign I was hoping for. Two weeks ago at my last check up, the doctors said the treatments weren’t working anymore, and the cancer is spreading.”
I stop pacing and spin to face her, my fight leaving me just that quickly once again. “Hallie, I’m so fucking sorry.”
She shrugs as if resigned to the fact she is dying. “It is what it is. Ella and I have been in the city for a little over three weeks so we could get settled in before I start my first day on the job. I’m in talks with the University to see if Piper can take over my position soon. During the off-seasons, she went back to school to finish her education to be a sports trainer. After I got my job, she thought it might be a good idea to see if she could find a job here as well, to help with the transition. We just didn’t realize this would all happen so quickly.”
My breath catches, and I try to clear my throat, but it won’t clear. “Three weeks, and I’m just now seeing you?” I run my hand through my hair. “You want Ella to stay with Piper?” I am so confused.
“No, sorry. This is all coming out so jumbled,” she huffs out. Taking a deep breath, she continues. “What I mean is, I think Ella needs to be with you, not Piper. I’m just saying you’ll have someone that Ella knows close by.” Hallie glances around my apartment. “I might suggest you move in to my place, though, and take over the lease. That is, if you’re up for it. It will keep things a little more stable for Ella.”
“I’ll think about it. I realize this place isn’t big enough for a child and myself.” Scrubbing my face with my hands, I’m not sure what the fuck to do. I’m not just pissed beyond belief with both Hallie and Piper, but I’m also overwhelmed learning I have a daughter. And I’m for sure still in shock. My hands are shaking as I remove them from my face.
I take a deep breath. “I’d like to meet Ella, and start whatever procedures I need to so we can start making her legally mine. No matter how pissed I am at you and Piper, I’m not going to take that out on your… our... little girl. I have to work tonight and, I know this makes me sound like a complete asshole, but I need some time to process the fact that I have a daughter, along with everything else you’ve thrown at me. Not to mention I need a stiff drink.” Or four. I look down at my watch before it registers that I’m not wearing it. “I’m betting it's still too early for that, though.”
She nods. “You’re right. It is a little early. How about you give me your number, and I can text you a couple pictures of Ella then set up a time where we can all meet? I’ve been gathering all the legal documents to give you custody. The last thing that's needed is a DNA test. Piper did one behind my back years ago, and it proved you’re her father. However, it would be better if you submitted one too, so there are no issues later.”
“That sounds good.” I rattle off my number for her, but it still feels as if I’m disconnected from my brain.
My phone buzzes in the other room.
“That's probably me. I sent you a picture.” Hallie reaches for her purse. “I should get going.”
She stands and heads for the door, stopping when she’s next to me, and places her hand on my arm. “Forest, thanks for hearing me out. And for not kicking me out before I could tell you everything.” She looks exhausted, and now that I’m this close to her, I can see the dark circles under her eyes that I hadn’t paid attention to when she first walked in.
“You were expecting the worst weren’t you?” I smirk slightly.
“Piper told me to stay optimistic, but considering everything…. It’s a lot. And normally you only ever hear the horror stories about situations like this. I didn’t want that for Ella. Or for you. So, thank you.” She rises up on her tiptoes and kisses my cheek. “Call me when you’re ready. I’ll show myself out.”
Before I can respond, the door is closing softly behind her.
“Fuck me!” I shout as I unconsciously move into the kitchen for my coffee.
I have a kid. A fucking seven-year-old daughter. I’m going to fucking kill Piper. Damn... Nessa might beat me to it. Shit! I’m going to be a single parent. What the fuck am I going to do? I don’t have the slightest idea how to be a parent!
The ringing of my cell phone brings me out of my thoughts. I need coffee, and I need it now. Whoever is calling can wait until I’ve had a cup. Or five.
* * *
Continue Reading Donut Leave Me!
Bearded Dessert (One of the Boys Book 3) Page 10