Chapter Seven
Anticipation stirred, pushing me forward.
Yeah, I was nervous and unable to imagine how an afternoon spent with Elizabeth’s family could turn out pleasant, but I didn’t care. Seeing my daughter again, sharing her birthday with her, was the only thing that mattered.
Last Saturday had been the most important day of my life—wonderful, perfect, and entirely horrifying—but the most important. Standing in the middle of the McDonald’s parking lot and watching the taillights of Elizabeth’s car disappear, I’d been hit with so many emotions that I couldn’t discern them all. For the first time, I really understood what I’d missed. I hadn’t been there when my child was born, had no idea what she looked like as a baby, hadn’t witnessed her first steps, her first words. I’d missed birthdays and holidays, years of love, and certainly plenty of heartache. I missed Elizabeth.
God, I missed Elizabeth.
Sleep eluded me that night as I dealt with the anger, all of it directed at me. Lizzie had undone me that day, and once she’d loosed the regret that I’d kept bottled inside for years, I could not hold it back any longer. My soul mourned for what it had lost, for every day I had lived without them, for every moment wasted, for time that could not be reclaimed. I’d buried my face in my pillow as I thought of Elizabeth and the pain I had caused her and what she must have felt.
Shame.
I’d felt it before, but that night it devoured me. By the time the sun broke through the night, I’d accepted that I could never do anything to erase those mistakes. They had marred our lives, sending them on a course they never should have gone. The only power I had was in today, and I was determined to live every day for Lizzie and Elizabeth. Even if Elizabeth never forgave me, I would live for her.
That didn’t mean I’d forgotten what my mother had told me. Elizabeth needed time to deal with my return, time to figure out where I would fit into their lives.
I started by asking for seven fifteen.
When I called at seven fifteen on Sunday evening, Elizabeth had answered, sounding irritated, icy.
But at least she’d answered. I’d take what I could get.
I’d only offered a quick, unreturned, “Hi,” and asked if I could speak with Lizzie to ask her what she wanted for her birthday. As strong as the urge was to apologize again and to try to talk to Elizabeth, I’d realized my words were never going to mean anything to her until I showed her I really meant them.
Of course, I wanted to know what Lizzie wanted for her birthday, but it was really just an excuse to call. The disquiet I’d felt the entire day in her absence was put to ease with the sound of her voice, giggling as she sang, “Hi, Daddy,” into the phone, her words a warm embrace. When I’d called the next day at the same time, Elizabeth had seemed just as irritated but maybe less surprised. By the third night, Lizzie answered, squealing, “Daddy,” into the phone.
The amount of love that surged through me each time I heard her voice was shocking, more than I’d ever imagined possible.
I spent those calls listening to her, learning her, knowing her. Through them, I also gleaned information about Elizabeth, small tidbits that answered some of my questions and others that only gave rise to more. I never asked, but whatever Lizzie offered, I was all too happy to accept.
Seven fifteen Lizzie could count on, whether I was alone on the balcony of my condo, staring out at the bay, or if it drew me from a board meeting—it was our time.
My breath caught in my throat when I turned onto their street and saw the number of cars lining it. Pink balloons tied to a mailbox flapped in the breeze, confirmation for partygoers that they had come to the right place. A shaky feeling swept through me when I stepped from my car and heard the sounds of children playing and adult conversations coming from Elizabeth’s backyard. I pulled the four presents from the trunk of my car and attempted to balance them with one hand while I swept the other hand through my hair in another futile attempt to calm my nerves.
Ringing the doorbell, I felt my chest tighten with excitement and dread.
I shifted uncomfortably while I waited unsure of who I would face first. When the door swung open, I looked around the stack of presents I had balanced in front of me. The smile on the woman’s face melted into a hardened scowl. I recognized her as Sarah, Elizabeth’s older sister, though I’d only seen her in pictures. The two bore a remarkable resemblance. The only difference was the five years and probable twenty pounds Sarah had over Elizabeth, though neither of those things made her any less attractive.
I offered a feeble smile.
She narrowed her eyes and stepped back against the wall. She crossed her arms over her chest and allowed me inside without a welcome.
I grimaced and dropped my eyes to the floor as I stepped over the threshold.
This was going to be uncomfortable.
“Everyone’s out back,” she mumbled.
I offered a meek, “Thank you,” that remained unreturned.
Shifting the packages in my arms, I took in my surroundings and grinned.
Elizabeth.
The place screamed it. It was warm and cluttered and messy.
In the middle of the room sat a cozy brown couch with fuzzy blankets draped over the back and large pillows thrown randomly against it. A toy box overflowed, spilling toys out onto the carpet. Framed pictures sat on every shelf and table, mingled with the books on the large bookshelf in the corner, and covered the walls that led upstairs.
I wanted to study each one to discover Lizzie at every age. Instead, I forced myself to follow the noise from the backyard. I walked through the small living room and the archway that led into the kitchen. A sliding glass door sat wide open to the party happening just outside.
I took a deep breath, tried to convince myself I could do this, and stepped through the doorway.
“Daddy!” Lizzie screamed over the roaring volume of voices.
Silence washed over the gathering. Guests trailed off mid-sentence as they turned to look, or rather, glare at me—everyone except the precious child who threw herself around my leg, hugging me. I smiled at her, dropping to my knee to pull her into a one-armed hug as I continued to balance the packages in the other. I nearly melted when I saw what she wore.
“Hi, sweetheart.” I kissed her dark, silken hair, careful to avoid the adorable tiara she wore. “Happy birthday.”
“I’m so happy you came, Daddy.” For a moment, I forgot she was a five year old child. There was so much emotion in her words and maturity in her tone as if my presence was a validation of trust and she understood my heart. I could only pray she did.
“Me too,” I said to reassure her, hugging her to me again. “Me too.” I patted her back before releasing her. She grinned and then raced to rejoin the group of children running and playing on the grass.
Me too.
Even if it meant enduring the quiet hostility that had settled over the small group of adults in Elizabeth’s backyard, it was worth it. They stood straighter, backs rigid, taking a protective stance. I didn’t even want to begin to imagine what these people thought about me, though I couldn’t blame them. If our positions had been reversed, I was sure I would feel exactly the same way.
Averting my gaze, I busied myself by searching for the gift table. I placed the packages on it, stalling a moment before I turned back to face the awkwardness of the situation.
Everyone had returned to their conversations, though they now spoke in hushed whispers that I could only assume had much to do with me. Palpable tension clung to the air, the festivity dampened by my presence.
I warred against the need to justify myself to these people, to explain my intentions, and to apologize. Words meant nothing, I reminded myself. I had to earn that forgiveness, and that forgiveness could really only come through one person—Elizabeth.
She’d ignored my arrival. Her back was turned to me as she spoke quietly to a couple I didn’t recognize, and she acted as if she hadn’t noticed the shift in the mood—pretended it meant nothing—that I meant nothing.
I found reprieve in a plastic chair at the far corner of the yard where I sank out of view and watched Lizzie play. She ran in and out of the house, the children playing a game of chase, all of them squealing and laughing as they moved in a pack. I leaned my elbows on my knees, straining to get a better look as they wove through tables, chairs, and in between the adults where they stood talking.
Lizzie’s face glowed, happiness pouring from her as she raced around the yard.
So beautiful.
My child.
Never had I imagined that loving someone could hurt so much.
I did my best to keep from staring at Elizabeth, but there were times I couldn’t help but search for her, to watch as she chatted with her family and friends, her hands animated and her laugh free, pure honey, thick and warm—sweet.
When she’d feel the intensity of my eyes upon her, she would immediately tense, but she still never turned to meet my gaze.
So wrapped up in the woman in front of me, I jumped when the chair beside me shifted.
Shit.
Matthew.
He sat back, and from a distance, he would have appeared calm, though I knew he was anything but. His jaw twitched from muscles held taut in restraint. What felt like an hour passed as we sat in silence, neither acknowledging the other while tension ricocheted between us.
When at last he spoke, his voice was low, indignant. His nostrils flared as he forced heavy, controlled breaths through his nose. “You’ve got a lot of fuckin’ nerve, man.”
Stiffening, I fought off the instinct to become defensive. The group of children came barreling back outside, all of them chasing Lizzie who laughed harder than I’d ever seen. I watched her, allowing her to remind me of why I was her, relaxing as that knowledge soothed me, calmed me.
Matthew laughed, cynical and sarcastic, when he caught me staring at Lizzie. “Did you know you almost got your way?” Matthew gestured to her with his head as she ran by.
His statement tore my attention from Lizzie. “What?”
“You have no idea what Elizabeth went through while you went on living your cushy little life, do you?” He pressed his clenched fists into his thighs, his anger barely constrained. “How she struggled every day, how she sacrificed . . . how she almost lost that child because of what you did.”
All the blood drained from my face. I felt lightheaded, faint with visions of Elizabeth suffering, the idea of Lizzie not being a part of this world a sick delusion.
And I had wanted it, demanded it.
I gripped the back of my neck, struck by searing guilt.
“And now she finally has her life together, and you waltz back into it like it’s your God-given right,” Matthew said with a tone that held a hint of a growl, each word delivering a blow directly to my gut.
But I took it, deserved it—needed it. I needed to know what I’d done.
Elizabeth’s laughter carried in our direction. I looked at her, pained and sickened with the realization that I’d wronged her so severely. I was sure the surface of that wrong hadn’t even been scratched. It seemed that at every turn, I learned I’d only cut her deeper than I could have imagined.
So much for unfounded nobility, so much for the fairy tale I’d painted in my mind, one I now realized I’d conjured only to make myself feel better.
Matthew’s lip trembled as he swallowed and dug his fists deeper into his legs. “I don’t know what your game is, but you need to know I will do whatever it takes to protect them. Do you understand what I’m telling you?”
“What do you want me to say, Matthew?” My voice came out raspy, regret laced with frustration. “That I’m sorry? Because I will if it makes you feel better, but that’s not going to change anything that I did in the past.”
He snapped, turning to me in what seemed to be disbelief. “You think I want an apology?” He shook his head, looking incredulous. “What I want is for you to stay out of their lives.”
“Well, that’s not going to happen,” I retorted harder and faster than I’d anticipated. Matthew needed to understand that I was not playing some game and there was no way in hell he would keep me from Lizzie.
He narrowed his eyes. “If you really care about them, you’ll stay out of their lives.”
I wanted to laugh because he was feeding me the same bullshit line I’d fed myself for the last five years—to the day.
“I’m not going anywhere, Matthew.” I kept my voice low and determined, but free of contempt. Matthew might hate me, but he had been there when I hadn’t, and my daughter adored him. Without fail, Lizzie had mentioned him in every call we’d shared this week. The bottom line was I respected him, and my actions had given him no reason to return the favor. I accepted that.
He hesitated, dubious, before his expression hardened and he stood to hover over me. “Hurt them and I swear to God I’ll make you pay for it.”
I saw his threat for what it was—a desperate attempt to protect two people he loved, a threat no sane man would ever make good on. I could have easily thrown it back in his face. Instead, I nodded in submissive understanding, knowing I’d never give him a reason to consider it. He bobbed his head, curt and with what seemed to be a sense of satisfaction, before he turned and joined the very young woman who I now knew to be his wife. How Matthew had ended up with Elizabeth’s cousin remained a mystery. When Lizzie had gone on about her Uncle Maffew and Auntie Natalie, I’d burned with curiosity, wishing I could come right out and ask about it. Somehow, I knew Matthew and Elizabeth had been together, but for one reason or another had ended up only as friends—or whatever they were. Seeing Matthew and Elizabeth interact was like watching an overprotective brother worrying over a little sister.
I sank further into the chair and forced myself to relax while observing the people who were here because they loved my daughter. The yard was small enough to overhear names. Some names I recognized from stories Elizabeth had told me and I recognized some faces from pictures. There were also the unknown, small children and friends who had become a part of Elizabeth’s life after I’d left.
It had probably been close to seven years since I’d seen Linda, Elizabeth’s mother. Her face and hands were worn from years of hard work, but her eyes were gentle as she watched her family from where she sat on the patio under the awning. She’d always struck me as cautious, slow to trust, but having loved with everything she had when she did. To Elizabeth she’d been a hero, a rock.
Elizabeth’s older sister, Sarah, worked ceaselessly, flitting in and out of the kitchen with bowls of food while her husband, Greg, manned the barbecue. Their little sister, Carrie, stayed at Natalie’s side, the two in constant conversation, laughing and giggling with their elbows hooked as if they were the best of friends.
And then there was Elizabeth. It was useless to try to keep from watching her. I sensed her every move, so I finally gave up and gave in. My eyes trailed her as she mingled with her guests, her smile wide and gracious as she welcomed each one, thankful for their presence.
I knew she could feel me, conscious of watchful eyes. Being near her stirred me—my love and guilt and desire—emotions that left my heart heavy and my legs weak.
It hurt.
I had to remind myself that anything I felt now could only pale in comparison to what I had put Elizabeth through. Self-pity would only serve to discount my own actions.
Knowing that wasn’t enough to stop the surge of jealousy I felt toward him—Scott. He was the same man who had told me to leave the bank that day I’d shown up at Elizabeth’s work, the one who I heard her call out to as he stepped through her door, the one who continually reached for her. They were light touches, small caresses from hands that clearly wanted more. I found myself thanking God when she returned none of them, but put space between them in an almost indiscernible way, in a way likely only noticed by Scott and me.
It filled me with relief, which I realized only made me all the more pathetic, taking comfort in the hope that Elizabeth was alone.
I wondered if I could ever stop being a selfish asshole.
“Burgers are ready!” Greg made the announcement, and the small group of people broke apart, falling into line with their smiles wide as they filled their plates.
The thought of a burger straight off a backyard grill made my mouth water, but I had no intention of eating. It would be far too uncomfortable to expect food when I wasn’t even welcome, though I shouldn’t have been surprised when Lizzie stood before me, her small hands clutching a plate extended in offering.
“Are you hungry, Daddy?” Kind blue eyes looked up at me, perceptive and aware.
I gulped down the awe and nodded. “Thank you, sweetheart.” She graced me in that same consuming smile when I accepted her gift, tiny teeth exposed, dimples drawn, leaving my heart in my throat as I watched her dance away and take her place at the small children’s table.
I ate my meal in my sheltered corner, though not alone as I felt Lizzie’s spirit linger at my side. It was almost too much to be showered in her undeserved love.
Once the food had been eaten and plates set aside, Elizabeth, Natalie, and Carrie brought Lizzie’s gifts over and placed them around her on the grass. Lizzie bounced with excitement. In admiration, I watched as my five year old daughter took time to have her mother read each card to her. She opened her gifts carefully and thanked whoever she’d received it from. Her surprise was genuine as she unwrapped each one, never expecting anything, but gracious to have received it.
Elizabeth had raised the most incredible child, so humble, so appreciative.
Lizzie’s eyes went wide when she opened the largest box I’d given her. A doll. She’d asked for a doll, which had turned out to be a more difficult request than I’d ever imagined. There were hundreds of them at the store, and I’d been thankful when the young employee had helped me select one. The doll was lifelike, handmade, and had long black hair and blue eyes. As soon as the woman had shown it to me, I’d known it was perfect, even though I’d had to pry my jaw off the floor when I’d found out how much it cost. The look on Lizzie’s face told me it was well worth it. She unwrapped the other gifts from me, each a different accessory for the doll, each a piece the saleswoman insisted she would love.
When the other boxes had been opened, Lizzie rose and raced across the lawn and into my lap, throwing her small arms around my neck. “Thank you, Daddy! I love her!”
I held her to me, murmuring against her head, “You’re welcome, sweetheart. Happy birthday.”
She sat back, her smile so wide it stretched over her entire face.
My heart felt as if it would burst against my chest.
I would do anything to see that smile.
I reached out and pushed back a lock of hair that had fallen into her eyes, my smile soft. “I love you, precious girl.”
“I love you too, Daddy.”
She hugged me again, hard, and then scooted off my lap and ran to finish opening the rest of her gifts.
I lifted my head and caught everyone staring at me. All of them were quick to avert their attention back to Lizzie who started to open the last of her presents—all except for Elizabeth’s mother. Her expression was unreadable but intense and probing. I shifted in discomfort. If there was one person here besides Elizabeth and Lizzie who I’d let down, it was Linda. I would never forget the last time I’d seen her, when she’d pulled me aside and made me promise her that I’d never break her daughter’s heart. In a heartbeat, I’d sworn that I never would.
When Lizzie had thanked everyone a final time for her gifts, Elizabeth announced it was time for cake. Everyone gathered around the table, including myself. Unable to resist, I pulled out my phone and recorded Lizzie as she grinned ear to ear, her eyes darting around to the people who loved her as they sang “Happy Birthday.” She sucked in a deep breath before blowing out all five candles in one fell swoop while everyone clapped and called out, “Make a wish.”
Elizabeth’s face was indescribable as she celebrated with her daughter, full of life and so much love. I saw joy and no evidence of the pain I had caused her. I stared a beat too long, and Elizabeth caught my eye. Her happiness drained, despondency taking its place. Shame urged me to look away, but I held fast.
For a moment we were caught in each other, verging on something familiar, longing obscured by years of separation.
She blinked rapidly, breaking our connection, her hand shaking as she took a knife to slice into Lizzie’s cake.
I coerced myself back to my corner while thick, pink pieces of cake were passed out on even pinker plates.
Natalie stopped in front of me, arm extended. “Cake?”
I raised a brow, caught off guard before shrugging and accepting the small plate. “Thanks.” I offered a very cautious smile.
Her smile was wide as she plopped into the chair her husband had occupied earlier.
My smile faded as I prepared for attack.
“So, how are you holding up?”
I frowned. Was she really asking me how I was doing?
“Um?” was about all I could manage, confused.
She chuckled, the sound warm in her throat. “That bad, huh?”
I shook my head and laughed under my breath at the unexpected exchange. “Nah. I’m just thankful to be here.”
She took a bite of cake and murmured, “Hmm.”
I turned and tried to read her, to search for her intent. Her face was soft, free of displeasure as warm, brown eyes smiled back at me.
In an instant, I was taken back six years to the tender sweetness of Elizabeth.
Kindness.
Natalie radiated it.
For a moment, I looked away and gathered my courage before turning back to her. “Listen, I’m really sorry about what happened at the store a couple of weeks ago.” I winced at the memory, the blatant terror in her eyes when I’d faced her in the parking lot. I swallowed, needing to explain myself. “I just saw her . . . and . . . I knew.” I shook my head with regret. “I didn’t mean to scare you.”
She grimaced but shrugged one shoulder. “Yeah, you scared the hell out of me. I love that little girl so much. I’d do anything to protect her.” She glanced at Lizzie and then back to me, her expression serious. “But now that I know who you are, I . . .” She pressed her lips together as if she were debating what to say. “I get it.”
Did she really understand?
She must have seen the desperation in my face, because sympathy fell across her own. “I believe you.”
“You believe . . . what?” I asked.
“That you love her . . . love them.” She motioned to where Lizzie and Elizabeth sat on the grass, sharing a piece of cake. She looked back at me, searching my face. “You do, don’t you?”
“Yeah,” I whispered. “I do.”
She gave me a curt nod. “Good. Then don’t mess this up.”
I ran my hand through my hair, trying to make sense of this conversation. Two hours ago, her husband had all but threatened to kill me and she seemed to be encouraging me. She grinned at my confusion, scooped her last piece of cake into her mouth, and hopped up. “See you around?” she prodded, her brow raised.
I nodded and repeated what I’d told her husband earlier. “I’m not going anywhere.”
Satisfaction spread across her face, and she extended her hand. Tentative, I reached out and shook it. “Well then, it’s nice to finally meet you, Christian Davison.”
She breezed across the lawn, leaving me shaking my head, baffled to find such an unlikely ally, but thankful nonetheless.
The party wound down and friends filtered out, saying their goodbyes and thank yous.
I lingered.
I didn’t want to say goodbye.
When the last of Lizzie’s guests had left and only Matthew and Natalie remained, I reluctantly stood and made my way across the lawn. Lizzie sat in the grass playing with the doll I had given her.
I crouched down to run my hand through her soft hair. “I have to go now, sweetheart.”
Lizzie saddened. “Already?” Apparently, she didn’t want me to say goodbye either.
Smiling, I settled down in the grass next to her, pulling her onto my lap and into my arms. I hugged her to me. “Yes, my angel, I have to go.”
She hugged me tighter, and from her mouth came a whispered plea. “Will you come back?”
I choked on her fear.
I pulled back, looking her in the eye. “Yes, Lizzie, I’ll be back. I promise.” Glancing up, I caught Elizabeth watching us from inside the kitchen window, her wounds prominent in the lines across her forehead. “I promise,” I said again as I buried my face against the side of Lizzie’s head.
I had to force myself to stand, to turn my back, and to leave my little girl sitting in the middle of her yard. My feet were heavy as they entered the kitchen of the small house. My steps faltered when I came upon Elizabeth.
She stood with her back to me. Her hands were flat against the kitchen counter and her breathing was audible as she stared out at Lizzie through the window.
“Thank you, Elizabeth,” I whispered.
She whimpered, her voice a quiet rasp. “Please, don’t hurt her.”
All the air left me.
“I won’t.” Never.
Her body trembled as a quiet sob escaped. “What do you want, Christian?”
What did I want?
To make her smile, to wipe away her tears, to hold her.
To be a father, a real father, not one in title, but one who’d earned that right.
I wanted to stay.
“I want my family,” I forced through the lump in my throat.
Elizabeth went rigid, her hands digging into the counter for support, her words sharp. “Get out of my house.”
I swallowed down my pain, the fear that I might never receive forgiveness, and nodded. “Okay,” I said quietly as I turned to leave. I hesitated in the archway, looking back over my shoulder. “But I’m coming back.”