“Cole, I think you just being there will be all she needs.”
“You’ve met my daughter?” I whispered. “Like, full on talked to her?”
“I have.” E nodded. “She’s perfect, man. You’re going to love her. She’s very outgoing. Smart. Silly. She will probably want to teach you ballet, even.”
I tightened my hold on the flowers as we drove.
I had a daughter. My little girl. My sweet princess.
Rosalie… fuck, why didn’t she tell me? God, my heart…
I couldn’t dwell on it. I had to get my head into the game. This was real. My dreams were coming true.
I breathed out as we pulled up in front of our building. I stared up at it, terror in my chest.
“Ready?” E asked gently.
“No,” I rasped.
“It’ll be OK,” he said. “Really. Don’t worry. You’re going to do great.”
“What if she doesn’t like me? What if she hates me because I wasn’t there?—”
“She won’t. She asked me to tell you to come to her. She wants her dad, man.”
“Really?” I looked hopefully at him. “Don’t just be saying shit to calm me.”
“I’m not. She really did.”
I breathed in and out, an attempt to steady my body.
“Will you stay with me? When I meet her?”
“If it’s what you want,” he murmured.
“Yeah.” I nodded. “Yeah, I-I need you guys.” I stared at the building again. “Is Rosalie pissed at me?”
“I honestly don’t know. I don’t think so if she’s here,” he said softly.
We sat in silence for a moment.
“What if?—”
“Cole, get out of the fucking car,” E said. “Seriously. We could sit here all day and go over the what-ifs. They’re pointless when the answer is just right there.” He pointed to our building. He was right.
Fuck it.
I opened the door and got out, my legs shaking.
E walked beside me as we went in and got into the elevator. I breathed in and out slowly as we continued to climb higher and higher.
I replayed scenarios over and over in my head. What I’d say. What I’d do.
Hi. I’m Cole. I’m your dad.
Hi. I’m your dad. Do you like cake?
My name is… Dad. Daddy. I’m your old man. Fuck. No. My name is Cole, and I made you.
