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“You need a restraining order.”
Elle frowns at me.
“I doubt I’ll be able to get anything.”
“You can get a civil protection order. Your dad is a family member and he’s harassing you.”
“But he doesn’t live in this state.”
“It doesn’t matter. You can still file it. Just tell my lawyer when you want it done, and it’ll be taken care of for you.”
But Elle is shaking her head.
“No.”
“What? Why not?”
“Because this is my family. Dad is my problem. I don’t want to get you involved.”
“Are you kidding me, Elle? I was there when he told you what he wanted from you. I heard him demanding to take Amy for him and that psychotic wife of his. Plus, I’m Amy’s father. Why wouldn’t I get involved?”
Something flickers behind Elle’s eyes. Then she looks away with a heavy sigh, her shoulders slumping.
“I’m sorry. It…it’s just that…I’m not good at accepting help. It took forever to be comfortable with Carly and Ben looking after me when I found out I was pregnant. I’m even reluctant to ask for help from my extended relatives, especially Grandma. Taking people for granted is not something I’m good at.”
I cross the room and cup her head in my hands, kissing her forehead.
“You don’t need to worry about that. You could never take me for granted, Elle. Anything you need for me, you can have. You only have to ask.”
“You do realize that could be dangerous if you said it to the wrong person.”
“But I know you won’t take advantage. I trust you.” I brush her hair away from her face. “And this involves both of us. We’re a team here. Anyone comes after our kid is going to have to deal with me as well.”
Elle still looks dubious. I can tell it’s hard for her to relax and let other people in. She trusts Carly and Ben, and I am hoping she can let me in as well.
“Okay. Maybe I’ll talk to your lawyer tomorrow. I’ve got a migraine, and I don’t want to deal with that mayhem anymore.”
“That’s fine. I’ll let him know you’ll be calling.”
“But I’m paying his fee. I won’t rely on you for that.”
“We’ll talk about that later.” I kiss her before pulling away and gesturing at the crockery across the counter. “Let’s clean up this place, shall we? And when Amy and Carly get back, I’ll order in. Whatever Amy wants, we’re going to have.”
“That means we’re going to end up having Chinese,” Elle grunts. “Amy loves it more than burger and fries.”
“I won’t argue with that. Whatever she wants.”
Elle manages a small smile.
“You’re going to spoil her, Luke. Don’t be surprised if she asks more and more off you.”
“She’s my kid. Of course I would.” I pause. “Are you going to tell her that she’s my daughter? I presume you haven’t done it yet.”
“I…” Elle bites her lip. “I’m still trying to find the right time. Be patient with me.”
I don’t want to argue it, so I let it go. But I am a little annoyed that she still hasn’t said anything. If she leaves it any longer, Amy is going to get confused.
However, Elle said she wants to tell Amy about me. I’m not going to be disrespectful of her wishes. Even if I’m itching to tell my daughter the truth about me.
