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“Dad,” I have to stop him because Lucas doesn’t know how to stop my father on a rant. “He didn’t know.”
I hate myself for standing up for him right now. Not while my dad is seeing proof in Lucas’ eyes.
Why couldn’t my eyes be the dominant gene or whatever it’s called? It would have been so much easier to conceal Jadon. It’s like fate is playing tricks on me or something.
“This is why you went out with Jadon tonight. You thought I wouldn’t notice. Do you think I’m stupid, Allie?”
“No, but—”
“And you knewexactlywho he was. He was the damn quarterback! You sat in that house,” Dad points behind me, “and told me you didn’t know his name. All this time, he could have been helping with Jadon while you struggled through school and work, and everything else that came with raising him. You intentionally made things more difficult on yourself. I understand why, I do, but that doesn’t justify your actions. You lied to me, and you kept the truth fromhim. Both of them, actually.”
“Sir, don’t be upset with her, please. I wasn’t exactly—”
“And you,” Dad can’t seem to decide which of us he’s more upset at right now. “Ignoring the part where you used my daughter for your few minutes of gratification, you have had the entire evening to say something. If you truly didn’t know until now, I’m not sure what your goals are, but you need to figure out what it is you want with Jadon. He doesn’t need you dropping in and out of his life because you were too stupid to use contraception or treat my daughter with an ounce of respect when you met her.”
I want to choke because not only is this conversation difficult to have, but my dad is talking about Lucas and me. And sex.
It’s...awkward...
He scoots out of his chair and runs his hands down his face. “Allie, I am so disappointed that you not only have denied Jadon a chance to get to know Lucas, but this is just...” his nostrils flare. “I don’t have words for this right now. Lucas, I’ll see you at work tomorrow.”
He turns away and leaves us sitting outside.
“Allie,” Lucas starts, but I can’t listen to it right now.
“Don’t.” My chest and throat tighten while I force down the tears. I can’t even be mad at anyone but myself right now. “I just need a minute.”
Lucas sits quietly while I try to stop the useless tears before they start. Crying is for babies and I’m not going to.
“Allie, I truly am sorry for what happened. I know it was stupid and irresponsible, and I shouldn’t have left you the way I did. I really wish I could take it back, but I can’t. I would like to make it up to you by helping with Jadon and showing you I really can be his father, if you’ll let me. Family is important to me, and he’s my family. I’ll do whatever you want. Just please, allow me to get to know my son.”
I open my mouth, but Dad appears out of nowhere. “Perfect! Allie is taking him to visit a daycare tomorrow. You can go with them.”
Chapter13
Allie
Lucas eventually left last night and my dad yelled at me for a bit about lying to him before he gave up and hugged me before he headed off to bed. I woke up hoping it was all just a really horrible dream. But when I saw my dad again this morning, I was reminded that, no, my worst nightmare came to light just ten hours before. Also, that even after the end-of-high school pregnancy and lack of medical school attendance, I only just disappointed my father for the first time in my life.
Breathe, Allie. That was a mouthful.
But, just as Tom Greenfield is known as the good guy around town, that’s true for his character at home too. He hugged me and told me not to be stupid.
Then Jadon asked why I was stupid while he ate his breakfast.
So, did I grow lady balls and tell Jadon at the end of it all?
Of course not. That has to happen over time. He needs to be eased into it. Not just thrown into this huge life-changing... well, change.
We pulled into the parking lot at the school and I took Jadon into the office with me until it was time for the tour of the third daycare. John never minds Jadon being there, since he has children and understandsparenthood.
He has taken Jadon around the school before to check on the summer classes, which Jadon liked because he felt like he was suddenly important. John said he stood tall and walked through the rows of desks to make sure the teachers were actually teaching and the students were actually paying attention.
“Allie,” my dad calls as he walks into the office with Lucas beside him.Ugh. I get it, but I still don’t like him. He still has a face that’s equal parts needs-to-kiss-a-baseball bat hard and pretty. The pretty part is the worst.
They stop ten feet too close to my desk and Dad looks like the flashing bulb is really floating over his head. Usually, that’s a bad thing for me.
“Since this is no longer a secret, I am taking my grandson and he will come to help me with drills.” My dad picks Jadon up and proceeds to leave the office.
