Chapter 34

After texting Sloane to check on her, I headed out of my apartment to go to work. Sloane was staying home from school. I actually thought that was a good choice. I didn't like the idea of her slipping on the crutches or jostling her ankle while she was at school. Not yet. She needed a little more time to heal.

I'd been a father for less than a week and I was already questioning whether I was a helicopter dad. I wanted to wrap her in bubble wrap and protect her from every possible scenario.

When I walked into the lobby, Spencer had not arrived yet. I ordered three coffees. Sloane said her mom had already left for work. I wanted to get back to the way things had been before the big secret had been revealed. Not between us, but she was a good assistant, and she was an asset to the company. That was my concern.

I carried our coffees to our usual table and waited. Spencer arrived and immediately took his cup. "Late night?" I asked him, taking in the dark circles under his eyes.

"Little bit. How is Sloane?"

"Good." I nodded. "She stayed home from school today."

"Does that mean Isadora is staying home?"

"No. Sloane told me Isadora was coming in."

"What exactly happened with her foot?" he asked.

"Kid pushed her, and she fell wrong," I replied. "And it was her ankle."

"Are you going after her?" Spencer asked. "The kid."

I shook my head. "Sloane said it was an accident. She's a good kid. She didn't want to make a big deal out of it."

"Smart kid," he said, smiling. "Shows maturity."

"I know." I nodded, feeling proud, even if it wasn't any credit to me. I didn't raise her.

"How are things with Isadora?" he asked. "Are you still icing her out?"

"I wasn't icing her out," I replied. "I was simply processing everything. What do you think you would do if you found out you had a teenager?"

He chuckled. "I'd be shitting bricks."

I laughed. "Yeah, exactly."

"Are you mad at her still?"

"I don't know what I am," I said. "Seeing her interact with Sloane, seeing the love and care she had for our daughter, it softened something inside me. I understand why she wanted to protect her. I'm not saying I agree with it, but I do know she loves Sloane. Yesterday, we worked well together. When it happened, she was so worried. I want to see if we can figure out a way to co-parent without it feeling like a battlefield."

"I think you would be better off putting aside the anger and just focusing on building a relationship with your daughter," he said.

"That's easier said than done," I told him with bitterness coloring my voice.

"Just remember, all you've wanted for a long time was a family with the girl that got away. Now you have a chance. Don't let your pride get in the way of that. Yes, she lied but it doesn't have to be the end of the world."

"She kept a pretty big secret from me. Fourteen years, Spencer. She's a whole person. She's got a whole life already. She gave me access to photo albums with pictures and videos of Sloane growing up. I wasn't there for any of that. I can never get any of that back. I can never see her on her first Christmas or any of the other thirteen Christmases. Or any of her past swimming meets."

"Which is why you have to make the most of now and the future. You can participate fully in her life going forward."

I rubbed my temples, trying to soothe away the headache that was beginning to form. "She showed me a picture of Sloane's first day of kindergarten. It looked like a beautiful day — bright sun, flowers in full bloom—and I wasn't there. There were pictures of her first birthday party. And every single one of her Halloween costumes. She even showed me videos of Sloane in school plays and her very first swimming competition. It's just tough, having all these moments of a life I missed out on just handed to me in a photo album. Technically not handed, but she sent me a link. Think back to your childhood and all those moments. I wasn't a part of any of that. Nothing. Zero. I'm her father and she has no memories of me."

Spencer leaned back in his chair, studying me with a thoughtful expression. "I can't imagine how that feels," he said slowly. "But maybe it could be a good thing, you know? A chance to learn about who Sloane has become so far. It's not the same as being there, but it's something."

"And what about Isadora?" I asked, my voice strained. "Do I need to remind you that Isadora was the one who kept Sloane from me?"

"I know, I get it."

"She may have had her reasons, but the fact remains that she lied to me," I said.

"However, she's also the mother of your daughter, so you can't just erase her from your life either. It's going to be hard to have a good relationship with your daughter if you don't like her mother."

"I know," I sighed. "It's just so complicated."

"Life usually is," he said, laughing.

"There she is, don't say anything," I said.

I spotted her walking in. She made eye contact with me. I jerked my head, inviting her to come sit down.

"Good morning, gentlemen," she said with a smile.

I handed her the coffee. "How is Sloane?"

"It was a bit of a rough night," she said with exhaustion in her voice.

"You should have called in sick," I told her.

"Trust me, I think she wanted me out of the apartment." She laughed. "I might have been hovering."

"I don't blame you," I said and meant it.

We took our coffees and the three of us headed for the elevator. I walked with her to her office.

"I'm glad you're here today," she said. "It's very strange to assist someone who isn't around."

"I'm here," I said. "I'll be in my office."

I wasn't quite ready to play nice, so I got right to work. I had a lot to catch up on. Mom texted me and asked if tonight would work for dinner. I told her I would get back to her.

A few minutes later, Isadora came into the office with a stack of paperwork for me to review and sign.

I decided to broach the subject. "My mother would like to meet Sloane," I told her.

"Sloane mentioned she wanted to meet your mother."

"My mom would like to have dinner tonight," I said. "Would that be okay with you?"

She smiled, but I could sense her nervousness. "I can talk with Sloane and see if that works for her."

"I texted Sloane and she said she would like to go."

Anger flashed in her eyes. I couldn't bring myself to feel guilty. Maybe it was petty of me, but the way I saw it, she hadn't asked my permission about anything Sloane did for the last fourteen years.

"I see," she said.

"I'd like you to go as well," I told her. "My mom would like to see you again."

"Are you sure?" she asked.

"Yes."

She took a deep breath. "That sounds nice."

The rest of the day flew by in a blur of meetings and paperwork. I was looking forward to my mother meeting Sloane.

After work, Isadora and I used my car service to go back to her place to pick up Sloane before making our way to my mother's apartment.

"Ready?" I asked Sloane.

"Yes." She smiled.

I rang the doorbell and waited. I could feel Isadora's apprehension. Mom answered the door and immediately started crying when she saw Sloane.

"Sloane!" she said before carefully pulling Sloane into a tight hug. Sloane was taken aback but she recovered quickly, patting my mother's back gently.

"I'm so happy to meet you," Mom said.

"Mom, let me get Sloane into a chair," I said gently.

"Oh goodness, yes, of course."

Mom finally pulled back, wiping her tears and smiling at Sloane. Then her gaze landed on Isadora. Her smile wavered for a moment before it returned full force. "Isadora," she greeted warmly, enveloping her in a hug too.

"Hello," Isadora said. "It's good to see you again."

Dinner was Mom's famous spaghetti and meatballs with homemade bread. I didn't miss my mother staring at Sloane when she thought she wasn't looking. I understood it. I did the same thing.

"Sloane, I was so sorry to hear about your foot," Mom said. "Are you still in a lot of pain?"

"It's not as bad today," Sloane answered.

"You know your father broke his leg. His arm. And his other arm."

"Really?" Sloane asked with a smile.

"Yes, really." I chuckled, remembering the incidents. "I wasn't always as graceful as I appear now."

Sloane giggled, glancing at Isadora for confirmation. Isadora nodded and laughed too. It was a nice moment, us laughing together as a family for the first time.

Mom served dessert—her out-of-this-world apple pie.

While we digested our meals, Sloane grew curious about a picture of me from my college days on the wall. "How old were you there?" she asked.

"Twenty-two," I answered. "That was my college graduation day."

"You look so young," she said.

"Hey, are you saying I don't still look young?" I joked.

Sloane laughed and shook her head. "No, no, that's not what I meant at all."

Mom chuckled, joining in on the playful banter. "I think you look a lot like him in that picture. But you also look a lot like your mother. You're a perfect blend of two beautiful people."

Isadora smiled softly. "I have to say, this pie is absolutely delicious. Did you make it yourself, Mrs. Russell?"

Mom beamed with pride. "Baking has always been my passion. I'm glad you're enjoying it. You have to call me Jackie. How have you been, Isadora? Graham told me about your mother. I'm so sorry."

"Thank you, Jackie. And thank you for, well, let's just call out the elephant in the room. Thank you for being so gracious. Sloane needs a grandma in her life."

"I am thrilled to be her grandmother." Mom smiled. "Well, you know you always have a place here if you need anything. Both of you. All of you."

"Thanks, Mom."

"Sloane, would you like to see your father's baby book?" Mom asked her. "I have a thousand pictures of him when he was a little guy. And your grandfather as well."

"I would love that." Sloane smiled.

"I'll help you to the couch," I offered.

"I'll clear the table," Isadora said with a smile.

After getting Sloane situated, I went into the kitchen to help Isadora, who was loading the dishwasher.

"You okay?" I asked quietly.

"Of course, why wouldn't I be?"

"I know this was awkward for you."

She turned off the water and looked at me. "At first, yes, but your mom is an amazing woman. She is very kind to allow me into her apartment after what I did."

"My mom is just happy to have a granddaughter."

"Sloane is going to love having a grandmother." She smiled.

There was a softness to her features, a vulnerability that made my heart ache. I wanted nothing more than to reach out and pull her into my arms, to finally let go of the anger. She looked at me, and for a moment, I thought there might be a kiss. Her lips parted just a little.

But just as things were about to happen, the thud of crutches killed the vibe. We both stepped apart.

"I think I need my pain pills," Sloane said. "My foot is throbbing."

It broke my heart to see her struggling. "I'll call the car."

"I'll get your pills," Isadora said. "Sit down."

Mom insisted on loading me up with leftovers once again. We left with the promise of returning soon.