Chapter 19
*Aaron*
I sat on the grass with Grace as we watched Sophie play on the playground. This was all I could promise her after cancelling our original plans. I know she's a little disappointed about it, but I still want her to see Sophie.
"I'm really sorry about cancelling on you." I apologized.
"Don't worry about it." Grace shrugged. "Victoria is your girlfriend. Of course she's going to get jealous of you hanging out with me."
"Yeah, but it's for the sake of our daughter. She understood that up until now. I don't know what's gotten into her."
"Talk to her about it. Maybe there's a reason she feels so insecure all of a sudden. I mean isn't that what you two do? Talk it out?"
"Actually, I'm not really sure. We've never had a fight before now."
"Really?" Grace said in disbelief. "You guys are that perfect?"
"We're not perfect. We're just... in love." I shrugged.
I watched as Sophie made her way towards us, a smile plastered on her face. Once to us, she fell out on the ground breathing heavily.
"Having fun?" I asked her with a smile.
"Yeah." She responded with a nod.
"How about after this we go for ice cream?" Grace suggested, looking at me for confirmation. I gave her a slight nod as Sophie sat up to scream in excitement.
"Sprickles?" Sophie asked, not really saying the word correctly. She beamed up at Grace with wide eyes.
"Yes with sprinkles." Grace replied with a smile.
Sophie immediately wrapped her arms around Grace in a hug. I stared in shock at the action. Sophie wasn't exactly happy to see Grace when she showed up this morning. In fact, she was pretty upset by the idea of the three of us spending the day together. I guess all she needed was a little play time and an ice cream offer.
Grace hesitantly wrapped her arms around Sophie, hugging her back. The action obviously surprised her too. When Sophie let go, she ran over to the small group of kids to tell them the news.
"I can't believe she just hugged me." Grace said, sounding a little dazed.
"You're her mother. There was no way she could resist you."
After spending a few more minutes at the park, we went for ice cream like we'd promised. Sophie got her small vanilla ice cream cone with sprinkles, and Grace and I both got plain chocolate cones.
"How does it taste?" Grace asked Sophie, who had ice cream all over her face.
"Yummy." Sophie replied with a smile.
"Good. I'm glad you like it."
I looked between Sophie and Grace. Eventually I'll have to tell Sophie the truth about Grace. I'm not sure if she'll understand, or if she'll be happy about it. I know that every second Grace is fighting the urge to tell Sophie and it makes me happy that she allows me to make the decision. It proves to me that she's really in this for the long run. She's been waiting for so long. I'm not sure if I should make her wait any longer.
"I'm going to tell Sophie tonight." I said.
"What?" Grace asked, furrowing her brows. I smiled at the image. Sophie looks exactly the same when she furrows her brows.
"I'm going to tell Sophie the truth about you tonight. For now let's just enjoy this day."
"You're really going to tell her?" Grace asked, a large smile spreading across her face. "I can't believe it. I thought it would take years to prove myself to you. Thank you."
Grace wrapped her arms around me in a hug and I hesitated to hug her back. Sure we've talked, but we haven't actually had a physical connection since... the party.
"This is the best news of my life."
"Well don't thank me yet. We need Sophie's approval first."
"Of course. I'm just really happy you're telling her. Um, can I be there? I mean, I'd totally understand if you don't want me there."
For a little while now I've wondered how I would tell Sophie about her mother. And I've never actually imagined Grace would be there when I tell her. I never planned for her to show up again. So would it make a things better or worse if she's there?
"I'll have to think about that." I responded, watching Grace's face drop a little.
"I understand."
"Daddy, I have to potty." Sophie said, slightly bouncing up and down.
"Um, okay. Let's go."
"Can I take her?" Grace asked. "I mean, a little girl shouldn't have to go in the men's room when she has a perfectly capable mother."
She's right. It already took longer than expected to potty train Sophie because she insisted on standing like me. It took me forever to convince her it was okay to sit down. And now I have to take her in the men's room every time. It has to be confusing for her.
"Yeah okay." I nodded. "Sophie, Grace is going to take you this time, okay?"
Sophie stared up at Grace for a moment before nodding in agreement. I held their ice cream cones and Grace took Sophie's hand. I took a deep breath as I watched Grace lead Sophie to the bathroom. Grace is going to stick around. She has to.
***
After dinner and Sophie was dressed in her pajamas. Grace and I stood in Sophie's room. I thought I'd let her stay while I told Sophie the news. They seemed to be getting along pretty well today, so why not?
"Sophie, sweetie." I started, kneeling to her level. Grace did the same. "Daddy has some very big news to tell you."
"Okay." Sophie replied with a smile.
"You know Grace is Daddy's friend, right?" Sophie nodded, the smile still on her face.
"Grace daddy's friend, but not like Vicky."
"Right." I confirmed. "But Grace is something more."
I looked at Grace who looked excited with a bit of nervousness. My heart raced. I never thought this would be so hard.
"I know that your friend's at school have mommies." I say. "Have you ever wondered where yours is?" She shook her head. "Well, you have one. Grace. She's your mommy."
Sophie looked over at Grace who has a smile on her face. Sophie stared at her, not really seeming to understand what I just told her.
"I'm your mommy." Grace repeated to Sophie, trying to help her understand.
"Mommy." Sophie said, trying out the word in her mouth. "You brush my hair and give me hugs now?"
"Yes, and more." Grace replied. "Can I have a hug now?"
Sophie extended her arms and Grace took her into a tight hug. I could still see some confusion on Sophie's face but I think she understands enough.
***
I tossed Victoria's bag in the trunk with my own. Victoria's mom headed to the city early to get everything in order for the show.
"Thank you for coming." Victoria said with a small smile. "It really means a lot to us. And I'm sorry for acting clingy and jealous. You know that's not me. I guess I was just really disappointed. And I know that's not an excuse, I just..." I crossed the space between us and met my lips her, cutting her off. She kissed me back as she reached up to run her fingers through my hair.
"I love you." I said, pulling away to look at her. "Nothing you say will make me upset it you. Besides, everything worked out. Sophie and I hung out with Grace yesterday and now Sophie knows the truth about Grace. She accepted her as her mother."
"That's great!" She exclaimed. "I'm happy for Grace. I know she's been waiting for this for a long time."
"Yeah. I'm even letting her babysit Sophie while we're gone."
"Really." She raised her brows. "And you're not nervous?"
"I am, but I try not to think about it." I smiled. "Let's get on the road before I change my mind and go get Sophie."
We climbed into my car and I headed towards the city. The company rented out two hotel rooms, one for Victoria and her mother, and one for me. But I'm sure they wouldn't mind if we made some arrangements.
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I'm so sorry for making you all wait for so long. This is the first part to this chapter since you all deserve something for waiting so patiently. The next part should be up soon and a lot more interesting than this first part. Once again I'm so sorry for the long wait. :)
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