AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“You, too.”
“We’re in the family room,” she said.
Once they’d taken off their winter wear, she led them through the house to the cozy room at the back corner of the house. Her dad straightened from where he was building a fire and turned to greet them.
Her mom gestured to the couch and loveseat. “Let’s have a seat.”
Charli pulled Blake over to sit on the loveseat, while her parents settled on the couch. The fire crackled, spewing out aromatic warmth. She always loved having a fire, and it helped to settle her as she clung to Blake’s hand and dove into their difficult past.
It didn’t take long for the comprehension to dawn on her mom’s face once Charli revealed their past relationship.
“You’re Layla’s father,” her mom stated, pinning her gaze on Blake.
Blake nodded and without any hesitation, he said, “Yes. I am.”
“And you didn’t want to be part of her life?”
“He didn’t know, Mom. He broke things off before I realized I was pregnant, then didn’t reply to my message asking to talk once I knew.”
“That doesn’t reflect well on you.” Her dad addressed his comments to Blake.
Charli opened her mouth to defend him, but Blake gave her a quick glance, then gently squeezed her hand.
“I agree. It doesn’t,” Blake said, his voice calm. “I regret that decision and the hurt it caused Charli. I have apologized for what I did, and Charli has forgiven me.”
“Just as Blake has forgiven me for not telling him about Layla when we first began to talk seriously.”
Her parents shared a glance, then her mom said, “Does Layla know?”
“Yes. We told her and Amelia yesterday.” Charli smiled. “They were both thrilled to find out they are actual sisters.”
“I’m sure,” her mom said with a chuckle. “Layla has wanted a sister for a long time.”
“Amelia has been praying every night that Layla could be her sister, even before we told them about our relationship.”
“So what are your intentions, Blake?” her dad asked.
Charli fought the urge to cover her face and groan, but she understood why he was asking. If Layla had been in her position, Charli probably would have asked the same question.
“I plan to marry Charli and build a family with her.”
Charli smiled at him, then looked back at her parents to see how they received his comments.
“And you also want that, Charlotte?” her dad asked her.
“I absolutely do. We’ve talked about it, and that is something we both want. It’s what we planned for twelve years ago, and it’s what we want now.”
“And it’s not just because of Layla?”
“No.” The confidence in Blake’s voice was unquestionable. “I didn’t know about Layla when I asked Charli if she’d give me a second chance.”
“You didn’t want a relationship just so that you’re not a single parent anymore?”
Charli frowned at her parents, thinking that the third-degree was getting to be a bit much. Had they grilled Hudson or Will like this?
“Knowing that she was a great mom was definitely a bonus, but the biggest thing for me is that I love her. I know she’ll be a wonderful wife to me, and an amazing mother to the girls, and I’m going to try my best to be a wonderful husband and father. The three of them deserve my best effort, and I plan to give it to them.”
Her dad stared at Blake, the moment stretching out. But then he smiled, his expression warming. “I’m glad to hear that.”
