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I remembered just then that Molly had said her ex cheated on her and it made me feel even worse for lying, even though nothing like that had happened. I still betrayed her trust. "She's getting married, and she wants to take Hailey with her to Hawaii. She's willing to fight for custody."
Molly's eyes widened, and her voice trembled. "Oh, Jake. Are you serious?"
"Unfortunately, yes. It's been hard keeping this from you. I’m really sorry."
She stared at me; disbelief etched across her features. "If that’s all this was, why did you lie to me?"
"I don't know. I just felt like I needed space to take care of it myself. I've been on my own for so long that this whole —" I motioned my hands between us, "sharing myself thing isn't easy. I'm used to being in control and not having to answer to anyone. But I realize it was wrong and it's been eating me up."
"I just don't understand why you felt like you had to lie. I'm here for you, Jake. I'm not going anywhere. You can trust me."
"I know." My voice was barely above a whisper. "I'm sorry."
"What are you going to do about Natasha?"
I shrugged. "I have no idea. She wants to come over tomorrow to spend time with Hailey."
"Do you think that's a good idea?" Molly asked, her concern evident.
"No," I replied. "But part of me feels like it should be up to Hailey. Not, the custody part, but if she wants to get to know her mom, she should have the chance."
"You're a good dad, Jake. You're always putting Hailey first. I think that's all you can do. If you want me to be here, I will. If you want me to make myself scare, I can do that too. This is bigger than me and you."
I reached out and pulled her into my arms, the smell of her shampoo filling my nostrils. "I'm so lucky to have you, Molly."
She smiled, and for a moment, everything felt right in the world.
The next morning, I woke up early and went downstairs to make breakfast. My stomach was in knots, and I couldn't seem to focus on anything. I had no idea how Hailey would react, and it was driving me crazy.
When she came down the stairs, the smell of bacon and pancakes filled the air. Her eyes lit up, and she grinned.
"Wow, Dad, what's the special occasion?"
I swallowed hard. "No occasion. I just wanted to do something nice for my girl."
She sat down and dug into her food. After a few bites, she looked up at me, her expression serious.
"You're not dying, are you?"
"No." I exhaled slowly, trying to mask my unease. "Natasha wants to see you later, if you're okay with it."
Hailey's face turned to stone. "She does?"
"I mean, you don't have to if you don't want to."
There was a heavy pause. Hailey pursed her lips, looking thoughtful as she considered this. "I suppose it wouldn't hurt. But why now?”
I struggled to keep my composure, my heart clenching at the memories. "I don't understand her reasons for wanting to see you now. All I know is that she's getting married, and she wants you there. But, Hails...—" I faltered, fear and resentment bubbling up in my chest. "No matter what happens, remember your worth and never let anyone make you feel less. Your mother may have made her choices, but they don't define who you are. I just don't want to see you get hurt because of her."
Hailey's eyes were wide and glistening, but she nodded. Her mouth opened as if to speak, but before she could, Molly burst into the room singing off-key and sliding on her socked feet like a clumsy penguin. The tension in the room dissipated with laughter, like rays of sunshine breaking through a dark storm.
"Good morning, my lovelies!"
Hailey rolled her eyes, but there was no mistaking the smile tugging at her lips.
Molly waltzed over to me, planting a kiss on my cheek before sliding into a chair at the table. I brought her a cup of coffee and Hailey smirked, looking between Molly and me. "Did you spend the night?"
Molly choked on half laugh through a mouthful of coffee.
