Chapter 12 - THE DAY LILY SAID DADDY
The day came quietly.
No dramatic announcement.
No expensive party.
No photographers.
Just a sunny afternoon in the garden.
Lily sat between Ethan and me on a picnic blanket.
Her rabbit rested in her lap.
We had spent weeks preparing with professional guidance.
Explaining families.
Talking about love.
Helping her understand that some children have a mother and father who live together, while others have parents in different homes.
Then I took her hand.
“Sweetheart, there's something Mommy wants to tell you.”
She looked up.
“What?”
I glanced at Ethan.
He looked terrified.
I almost smiled.
“Remember how we've talked about your daddy?”
Lily nodded.
“Yes.”
I swallowed.
“Ethan is your daddy.”
She stared at him.
Then at me.
Then back at him.
“Really?”
I nodded.
“Yes.”
Ethan's eyes filled.
Lily considered this for several seconds.
Then asked:
“Why you no tell me?”
My heart broke.
I stroked her hair.
“Because Mommy was scared and made some mistakes.”
She frowned.
“Daddy scared too?”
Ethan nodded.
“A little.”
Lily studied him.
Then climbed into his lap.
“Don't be scared.”
Ethan closed his eyes.
He wrapped his arms around her carefully.
“I'll try, sweetheart.”
She leaned against his chest.
Then said the word he'd been waiting three years to hear.
“Daddy.”
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Ethan began crying.
And I cried too.
