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How does one tell their ex-husband that they have a child who is six years old, and that the only reason they kept her hidden is because they wanted to protect her?
Liesel mused as she took a sip of her coffee as she looked both ways before crossing the street. She was in such a hurry she didn’t notice the body stop in front of her.
She yelped in surprise as hot coffee splashed all over her shirt, and she grimaced as she began to dab it.
“I’m so sorry, here let me help you.” A familiar voice said.
Liesel froze as she looked up into the eyes of the man who had been occupying her thoughts since she last saw him. He was dressed in a pair of washed out jeans and shirt with a pair of sunglasses settling comfortably on his nose.
He frowned as he tried to get the stain off but failed miserably.
“Okay, I’m sorry. I can take that to the dry cleaners.”
“That’s not necessary-“ Liesel began.
Keith interrupted swiftly. “I want to. It’s the least I can do. I need to apologize for my behavior last time, and for propositioning you the way I did, I figured getting your shirt cleaned might be a good place to start.”
Liesel relaxed visibly. “I won’t make you grovel or anything,” she teased.
Keith smiled. “Would you like to go get another cup of coffee?”
Liesel checked her watch and realized that she still had time before her next client.
They made their way to the coffee shop and sat in the back and talked quietly just like they used to. Liesel was surprised to find herself laughing and reminiscing about the old times.
“Keith, I need to tell you something, but you have to promise you’ll stay quiet till the end, and please understand why I made the decision I did.”
She began to tell him about Elsa, and why she kept her a secret. After she told him that, she told him about what an amazing little girl Elsa was, and how she hoped that they’d have a relationship.
Keith was quiet for a really long time until finally he looked her. “I can’t say I’m happy that you hid her existence from me, but I get why you did it. That being said, I don’t want to miss any more of her life, I would love to be a part of her life, in a small way at first because I want her to adjust, but then hopefully in time, if you’ll let me, and if she wants me to, in a bigger way.”
“That’s great, Keith, really.”
“There’s just one more thing, but this has nothing to do with my relationship with Elsa, I hope you’ll also let me try again with you, a real shot this time. No propositioning, no fooling around.”
“I’ll think about it.” Liesel promised.
They finished their coffee and each went their separate ways and agreed to meet up at five in front of the office, so that Liesel could take Keith to meet Elsa.
She finished the rest of the day in a haze and met Keith out front where he looked nervous, but excited.
***
“Rache, we’re here.” Liesel called out as she gestured for Keith to come in. He stepped into the room and looked around awkwardly as Liesel dropped her bag on the floor and hung up her coat.
“She’s in her room playing, I’m heading out for a while. I’ll see you later, El.” Rachel said as she grabbed her jacket and keys.
“Rache, this is Keith.”
Rachel gave him a tight smile. “I’m Liesel’s roommate and Elsa’s godmother, if you hurt either of them, I’ll hunt you down and kill you.”
Keith laughed nervously as he gave her a weak smile. “I’ll try not to.”
“She’s kind of scary.” Keith mumbled and Liesel laughed as they made their way up the stairs.
Liesel introduced Keith to Elsa as her friend, and she watched as they played together noting that Keith was a natural born father. He was completely at ease and knew exactly what to do.
They put Elsa to bed a while later, and as they stood outside the hallway in front of her room, Liesel decided to throw caution to the wind, and she kissed him.
