Chapter 4 - THE NAME ON THE HOSPITAL BRACELET
Ava fell asleep on the sofa.
Reed had arranged a blanket and asked Tommy to bring a portable crib from a nearby store.
I protested.
He ignored the protest.
Then he noticed something.
A small hospital bracelet tucked inside my wallet.
Ava's.
I kept it because it was the only thing I had from the day she was born.
Reed looked at the name.
“Ava Morgan.”
I froze.
My surname was Bennett.
Ava's was Morgan.
Reed noticed.
“Her father?”
I swallowed.
“Yes.”
He looked away.
Then asked, “Is he involved?”
I shook my head.
“No.”
Reed studied me.
“Why?”
I hesitated.
Then told him the truth.
“Because he left.”
Silence.
I continued.
“He said he wasn't ready to be a father.”
Reed looked at Ava.
Then back at me.
“And you were?”
I laughed bitterly.
“No.”
He nodded.
“But you stayed.”
My eyes filled.
“Yes.”
May you like
Reed was quiet.
Then said, “That matters.”
