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“What else do you want to know about her before meeting her?” I ask with a grin.
He has asked me about all her favorite things, color, music, movie, things to do, hobbies, and so much more. He went from shocked to wanting to know everything about her in seconds.
“When will you two move in with me?” he asks seriously.
“Woah, Lucas. I have not seen you in six years, she does not even know you yet, I have no idea if you and I work together as adults. How can you even ask me something like this?” I say feeling defeated.
So much for the happiness we were jumping into together.
How could he think that we could jump right into living together and being a family?
“Okay, I will wait.” He says but seems to have something else on his mind.
“What are the chances of you agreeing to marry me then?” He has his signature smirk on his face, so I know he is serious right now.
What is he thinking? It has been six years. We have not dated since we were children ourselves.
“Lucas, what are you even talking about? We have not even gone on a date. We do not know each other as adults.” I say the words because someone has to be responsible here.
“Maddie, you are it for me. I have known that since I was a kid. I have no doubt in my mind that we are meant to be together, but if you want to date and take things slowly, I can do that for you, but I want to be a part of Caydence’s life and not lose anymore time than I already have.” He says confidently.
“Lucas, I know you are eager, sure, and confident, but I need time. I would like to introduce you as my friend this evening. Spend some time letting her get comfortable with you and spend some time getting to know one another again before we jump in headfirst.” I know this is what I need for us to do.
I have raised her on my own for her entire life and we need to get to know one another again and not just uproot her whole life.
“I will work with you, Maddie and do everything I can to make you comfortable, but you have to let your guard down and let me in again.” He says pensively.
Does he not understand how much it hurt to lose him the first time and how hard it was to build myself up to where I am now?
He says he will work with me, and all I can do is hope for patience and that this will work. Either way, he knows about Caydence now, and no matter what, he is going to want to be in her life.
“Are you going to take me to court?” This is my biggest fear.
“No, as long as you do not try to keep me from her life, I see no reason why we cannot work through this together, that said, I owe you five years of child support, so if you would like to go to court, we can.” He says while looking me straight in the eyes.
I can see it in his eyes. He is willing to do whatever it takes to make this work. He is putting the ball in my court.
“You do not owe me anything. I should have told you about her from the start.” I say and I know he can see the shame written all over my face.
“Maddie, you did what you felt was best given the circumstances as you knew them. Please do not beat yourself up over things you cannot change.” He says reassuringly. “Where does she go to school?” He asks.
“She attends St. Jude School for Girls.” I answer hesitantly. “Why?”
“It is not that uncommon for a father to want to know where his child attends school. Relax, Maddie. I mean no harm, but I would like to pay her tuition for the year.” He says with his smirk in place.
“Lucas, that tuition is very high. She is on scholarship currently, but that may change with you in her life and being as wealthy as you are.” I say with sadness. He can offer her so much more than I can.
“Hey, money doesn’t mean happiness, baby. It is nothing without those you love to share it with. I have lived a very lonely existence. I would have rather struggled alongside you and not know wealth.” I know he said that to make me feel better, but instead it angers me.
“Excuse me, I do very well for myself. Have we struggled along the way? Yes, but I am a very successful journalist and have done a damn good job of providing for the two of us.” I scream back at him.
“Maddie, I meant no disrespect. I was just pointing out that having funds does not mean life was sunshine and rainbows for me.” He is using his placating voice, so I know I am being sensitive.
I keep saying how it has been six years, but I still know him very well, and clearly, he knows me too.
“I am sorry. I am nervous is all.” I say quietly.
“Do you think she will be more comfortable in your apartment, or would you like to tell your mom to make her way up here?” He asks, and all I can think about is how he is already putting her comfort first.
“My place. She will likely want to show you everything she owns and tell you a million stories.” I say with a smile. I love my baby girl.
“When do you think your mom will get here with her?” He asks suddenly looking nervous.
“An hour maybe? Why?” I ask wondering if he is going to back out and feeling sad, but without warning he has shifted on top of me on the couch, forcing me to lye back and grabbed my hands and has them pinned above my head. His lips come crashing down on mine and all my stress floats away.