Fuck.
The elevator dinged at the top, and we stepped out and went to the front door.
“Ready?” E asked.
“No,” I whispered. “I’m terrified.”
“You’re going to be the best fucking dad,” E said softly. “Get in there and meet your daughter. Your entire world is just beyond this door.”
He was right.
I reached out, opened the door, and stepped inside.
And there she was. Sitting on the couch next to Rosalie. They were silent as Enzo sat in his chair.
Rosalie’s gaze fell on me as I slowly came into the room.
“What’s her name?” I choked out as I looked from Rosalie to the beautiful little female version of myself.
“Elissandra,” Rosalie whispered. “We call her Ellis.”
She’d named her the name I wanted. Fuck, my heart.
Ellis’s blue eyes met mine, and she stood. I went to my knees as she approached.
Long, curly blonde hair. Big blue eyes. The prettiest pink dress and little dress shoes.
Pearls. She needs a pearl necklace and a cute little bag. Maybe some white gloves and a small dog…
I said nothing as she stopped in front of me.
Gently, she reached out and placed her little hand on my face. I closed my eyes at her soft touch, a tear leaking down my cheek. My throat tightened. I opened my eyes and stared at her.
“You have hair like mine,” she said, her eyes raking over my hair. “And you have eyes like me.”
I swallowed hard.
“Are you first daddy?” she asked, so much hope in her eyes.
“Yes,” I sputtered out. “I’m first daddy.”
She threw her arms around my neck, and I held her back, sobbing softly.
“Mommy said you would come,” she said, her voice so soft and sweet. “Mommy is always right.”
“She is,” I agreed as she released me. I didn’t want the hug to end. I wiped quickly at my eyes. “Um, I-I got you some flowers.”
“Ooh, other daddies get me flowers when I dance in ballet! They smell so good!”
I smiled, grateful Rosalie’s guys treated her well. It still hurt to know I’d missed out on so damn much.
She took the flowers and sniffed them, giggled, and ran to show Rosalie.
I watched as Rosalie smiled at her, tears on her cheeks.
I looked to Enzo, who was looking right back at me. He gave me a slight nod of his head, got to his feet, and walked to his office without a word.
E clapped me on the back and went to Rosalie.
