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“No.” That is technically the truth, no matter how Darragh spins it.
I’ll let her father clarify that one when she’s old enough to understand biology a little better.
“But Sophie,” I continue. “We wanted to wait to tell you everything. J.P. is really your cousin.”
“Cousin…” She tilts her head. “Daddy said Uncle Kieran and Aunt Isabella’s babies are my cousins. Like that?”
“Yes.” I feel relieved, not having to explain how that works. “It’s the same thing. James Patrick is your cousin, too.”
“But you said you didn’t know who the daddy was?”
That stupid lie…
“I’m sorry, Sophie. But I lied. Your father didn’t want…” I don’t know how to finish this. Taking a deep breath, I confess, “He didn’t want you to know that Uncle Cormac is the daddy.”
“Uncle Cormac?” she squeaks, like that’s the most outrageous thing she’s ever heard.
“Yes.” My shoulders relax, the truth really does set you free. “Your father flew to Las Vegas when he and I were in the car accident.”
“Why didn’t he bring Uncle Cormac home?”
Here’s where I have to get creative. But she’s taking all this very well.
“Your uncle wanted to stay in Las Vegas. He doesn’t want to be the baby’s daddy.”
She hops off the chair. “How can he not want his baby?”
“Some daddies don’t.” I shrug. “Your daddy wanted you when your mommy was pregnant. He couldn’t wait to have you in his life.”
She thinks about that, and while it has no relevance to my situation with Cormac, I don’t want her to think all daddies would give up their babies.
“But why does Daddy love you now? What about my mommy?”
“He wanted to wait to tell you.” Now, it looks like I’m stuck doing it.
With all Darragh has done for me, if I take this burden off his shoulders, I’m happy to bear the brunt of Sophie’s anger or even sadness to the demise of her parents’ marriage.
“Sophie, do you know what a divorce is?”
“Yeah.” She stiffens like it’s a blow she’s not prepared for.
“How do you know that word, sweetie?” I ask before I bury myself further.
“Some of my friends’ daddies don’t live with them, and they said their mommy and daddy are divorced. Are my mommy and daddy…” She chokes on a sob.
“Yes, sweetie. Your mommy and daddy agreed to get a divorce. Your father was waiting to tell you. He’s worried you’ll be upset.”
She wipes her cheeks, nodding, like she knows when to be brave.
“Are you going to marry Daddy?” Her question sounds more curious than ominous.
God willing if we get out of here…
“Yes, Sophie.” I reach for her hand. “Your daddy and I want to get married. He wants to be J.P.’s daddy, and for him to be like your brother.”
“Are you going to be my new mommy?” she asks, sounding sad, but I think it’s because she misses her mom.
That I understand, having lost mine.
