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"Why don’t you come to the house? It would be nice to spend some time together as a family. You've only seen your grandson a handful of times. I would hate for him not to get to know you, or for you not to get to know him.”
"That is a great idea. You are such a great daughter, Pumpkin. I wouldn't know what to do without you." Neither do I, I wish I could say.
"If you could come before six, you can join us for dinner."
"Do you think you can send a car for me? I don't really have the funds to go into the city."
"Of course. What time works best for you?" He is quiet for a moment. At first, I think the call has dropped, but I hear a noise in the background. "Dad, are you still there?"
"Yes, sorry. If you can send the car about four this afternoon, that will work."
"Ok. I'll send you a text when the car is close."
"Thank you, Pumpkin. I'll see you soon. Love you."
"Love you too, Dad." I end the call with a strange feeling that I'm missing something. He is not telling me the whole truth.
I don't want to read too much into it. But he never calls me Pumpkin so many times. I can't neglect the fact he has kept his distance from the kids and me. But then again, it can't be easy dealing with a man like Viktor, who has threatened his life multiple times in the past. I'm just disappointed Dad hasn't made an effort to see Niko or even me. I am still his daughter. I set my phone down and make my way to the kitchen. No point in dwelling on the past or what he has not done. At least Niko gets to see his grandfather today, and I can get a better read on Dad. It's obvious he is hiding something. I’m just worried about what it might be.
?
My phone beeps, letting me know my dad is on his way. I walk over to the kitchen to check on dinner. I figured we could have dinner early so we can eat and enjoy dad's visit. I haven't told Viktor that he is coming. So it should be interesting once I do. Viktor doesn’t care much for dad. He always says the man is nothing but bad news. I think deep down, he wished I wouldn’t have any relationship with my dad.
"Something smells good,” I say to the chef.
"Thank you. I'm making lasagna."
"That sounds delicious and perfect. Can't remember the last time I had it. Can I help you with anything?” I ask the chef.
"I'm all set, Ms. O'Brien. Did you want something to snack on?"
"No, I'm good."
"Let me know if you change your mind."
"I will." I leave the kitchen feeling like I should be doing something. Then I hear Niko's cry on the baby monitor. I shake my head and go to his bedroom. "Hi, little man." I greet as I open his door. I pick him up. I walk out of his bedroom and run into Grace.
"Hi Ava, I was just coming to get him. Didn't realize you were here."
"I was near."
"I can take him if you like. I know Mr. O'Brien is coming over. Not sure if you still have things to do."
"That is very thoughtful, but it's ok. Is Aisling up from her nap?"
"Not yet. I'm sure she will be any minute though, now that Niko is awake." She smiles.
"They seem to be in sync."
"They sure are. Did you need me to do anything?"
"You can set up the play area in the living room."
"No problem.”
I make my way downstairs to the play area with Niko. At the very least, I can just enjoy my time with him. Every day he looks more and more like Viktor. Niko's eyes are the perfect shade of hazel. When Niko smiles at me, it is like Viktor is smiling at me. I sit with him a while, him playing with his blocks or at least attempting to. I can sit here for hours and watch him. About ten minutes later, Grace is walking into the play area with Aisling. The minute Aisling sees me, she wants me to take her. She holds out her hands, opening and closing her palms, letting me know this is what she wants. Of course, since I am a sucker, I gladly take her from Grace.
“Hi, my sweet girl. I hope you had a good nap.” I tell her as I take her. She smiles then looks at Niko, letting me know to put her down. I feel so lucky and grateful that they are so good together.
