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Thomas would know about the baby. About us. And he’d have every right to hate me.
Focus on Ava.
“Dad,” she said in a small voice.
“Yes, Peanut.” Thomas smiled.
Her hand shook and I held tighter.
“There’s something I need to tell you.”
“That my focaccia is terrible?” He pressed a hand to his chest. “Say it quickly. Come on, get it over with.”
“Dad.” Ava’s voice cracked. “It’s important.”
Thomas heard it, too. He frowned and sat straighter. “This isn’t about the bread, is it?”
Ava shook her head.
Thomas blinked and gave me a passing glance before returning to Ava. “What is it, then?”
She swallowed once more. “It’s… It’s about…” She sighed. “Well, promise me you won’t get mad.”
Thomas cracked a smile and leaned forward. “Ava, you can tell me anything. You know that.”
My chest tightened. His eyes were adoring as he looked at his daughter. The woman I got pregnant.
Fuck. I really messed up.
I managed to breathe evenly as Ava nodded.
“Okay, here it goes.” Her mouth opened, then shut.
That frown was creeping back onto Thomas’s face.
“But first, Dad, what I’m about to tell you is big, okay?”
Thomas’s forehead lined as his frown deepened.
“And it may not be what you expect, or what you want to hear right now. But I need you to understand that I’m very happy.”
My heart turned over. I looked at Ava. She was?
She’d been through a lot in the past few weeks. Had dealt with the pregnancy all on her own until I found out and acted like an ass. And even now, pushing through the anxiety to tell Thomas.
Was it possible she really was happy?
But the smile shining on her face was genuine. She looked down briefly, before looking back up at Thomas.
“I only hope that once you hear everything and have time to process it, you’ll be happy for me, too.”
I wish I could pull her into a hug and kiss her. But I settled for a hand squeeze. She was so brave and beautiful.
And a warmth weaved through my chest. The baby wasn’t planned, but if I were given a choice now, Ava would be the one with whom I’d share the experience.
I was happy, too. Despite everything, it felt right. And hearing her say as much to her father thrilled me.
“Okay.” Thomas’s brows knotted. “What’s all this about?”
