I hate this office. I don’t know why; it is just so plain. Nothing but two large bookshelves behind the desk and a wall full of framed diplomas and certifications. To my right is Brandi; she’s holding Ambriel in her arms, and she looks twice as nervous as I am. To my left is Laurel; I’m actually surprised Brandi told me to bring her along to this. It’s been four weeks since the incident at the marathon, and today is the day I finally find out about Ambriel.

In these four weeks, I have certainly visited with Ambriel. I haven’t just pretended she doesn’t exist, but I’ll admit that there has been this discomfort within me that I don’t think is going to go away until I hear the truth. I look over at Brandi. “Remember,” I say, “no matter what, I’m there for that little girl.”

“Me too,” Laurel says.

I scratch at my sling –a nervous habit I have picked up in the past few weeks, and Laurel slaps my hand away. I hear a slight, uncomfortable chuckle come from Brandi as she watches the two of us in amusement.

The door opens, and the doctor enters with a file in hand and sits herself down across from us. She smiles. “My name is Dr. Abercott. I oversee the DNA testing here. So the Trial family,” she says. “Just to confirm we are looking at the results for Ms. Ambriel Trial’s DNA test to confirm whether or not you, Jonathan Trial, are the biological father?” We all nod –each one of us far too shaken up to use actual words. The woman smiles at us and opens up the paperwork. “Congratulations, Mr. Trial, the test have confirmed a 99% proof rate that you are indeed Ambriel’s father.”

My God, I had no idea how much tension had been built up inside me until this incredible moment of release. I exhale loudly and lean forward to avoid eye contact with everyone in the room so that I don’t lose it. Thank God.

“Oh, thank you so much, Dr. Abercott,” Brandi says, and I can hear the relief in her tone as well. “God, I got to ship a damn copy of this paperwork to the prison. Donte’s lawyer keeps contacting me.”

“We’ll be sure to handle that for you,” Dr. Abercott says to Brandi. “I just need you to sign a couple of things. Since Mr. Trial’s name is already on Ambriel’s birth certificate, there won’t be much to take care of after today. Really, all the legalities are in place –this was more just for some peace of mind.”

I still haven’t spoken. I’m just so relieved. I fight back tears, and I finally manage to ask Brandi if I can hold Ambriel. She smiles and hands her over to me while she fills out some final bit of paperwork. Laurel smiles at me, and I smile back. Ambriel is mine. Nothing can compare to this moment.

Once everything is settled, the three of us walk out together. Brandi pushes an empty stroller because I’m not putting Ambriel down until I absolutely have to. I kiss my baby girl a hundred times as we stand outside of the office building where Brandi had had the DNA test done. “I’m so happy,” Brandi says to us, smiling ear to ear at me as I stand there cooing over Ambriel. “Really, I am.”

“Me too,” I say.

“You’re going to make a great father, Jonathan,” Brandi says and then looks at Laurel. “And you’ll be a great stepmom.”

Laurel blushes. “Oh, well, you know, um-”

“Come on, I saw you trying to hide the ring,” Brandi says with a hand wave. “Congratulations, you two.”

I laugh as Laurel attempts to rid herself of her pinkish color. “Thanks,” I say.

“Listen,” Brandi says, smirking, “I have something going on this evening, and my babysitter cancelled on me. Would you two want to keep Ambriel tonight?”

I grin. “Really?”

“Really.”

I look at Laurel for confirmation, and she nods happily. “Yes, I’d love to keep her tonight.”

“Great!” she says.

“The nursery at the new place isn’t quite finished,” Laurel says, “but we have a bed ready to go for her.”

“You two already started on a nursery?” Brandi questions. “Before even knowing the results?”

“It was sort of impromptu,” I say. “We saw something I liked, and it was on sale. Kind of dealing with a smaller budget than you and I had. Boxing is kind of out the window for me, so I’m just working full time at the gym now.”

“How’s that going?” Brandi asks.

“Actually, I really love it,” I admit. “Alex promoted me to a managerial position, and supposedly that’s going to be coming with a slight pay raise.”

“That’s great, Jonathan!” Brandi says with a smile.

“So where are you off to tonight?” Laurel asks curiously, and Brandi starts acting slightly sketchy while she fumbles to make something up.

“Come on, Brandi,” I say, “What are you up to?”

“Um… I have a date,” she says.

I laugh. “Oh? With who?” I tease slightly.

“Um… okay, but please don’t give him a hard time. He’s already scared out of his mind about you, Jonathan,” Brandi says, blushing. “I’m going on a date with Bobby.”

I laugh. I can’t help it. “Oh my God, are you serious?”

Laurel slaps me in my side, and I cringe slightly. “Knock it off.”

“You knock it off,” I say. “It’s hard enough to hold Ambriel wearing this sling. I don’t need you slapping me.”

“How did this happen?” Laurel asks curiously.

“He’s just always been so sweet to me,” she says. “And, after Donte, I think I’m done dating boxers.”

“So a former alcoholic lawyer is the way to go?” I tease.

“He’s sweet, and you know it,” Brandi says. “And don’t pick on him about dating me, I swear. I need a nice guy.”

“You do,” I say. “Enjoy your date.”

“I will,” she says and gives Ambriel a kiss before departing.

I smile. This is the first time since the incident at the marathon that I’ll be spending time with Ambriel without Brandi. Laurel and I take Ambriel back to our place. I can’t stop smiling.