He knew it now.
Parenthood wasn’t for everyone.
“So nothing is changing?” she asked.
“Doesn’t seem it. I didn’t ask, but told her she’s not getting to see Becca more now that she’s moving. She didn’t appear to care. She said she’s not meant to be a parent and was getting it taken care of permanently.” He turned to look at her. “She said that she knew I hated her and she didn’t care too much for me.”
“What a bitch,” Alana said, her eyebrows drawn together, her palms slapping her thighs.
“I always knew that,” he said. “But she gave me one thing. She acted like it was the best gift imaginable and I suppose in a way it was. She knew I always wanted a big family and said she wouldn’t have any kids and I wouldn’t have to worry that Becca had a sibling out there to get to know.”
“If it was any other person or situation, I might, and I meanmight, say that was nice of her to at least give you that much.”
“In her eyes, she did her good deed.”
“I know you don’t want to hear this,” she said. “But she did more than that. She gave you Becca. That is the greatest gift. Your daughter will be so much better off only having one parent in her life who loves and wants her as much as you, than having two and knowing one couldn't care less. You need to look at it that way too.”
“I am,” he said. “My mother did it alone and I know I can too. I don’t want to, but I know I can.”
He pulled her close to his side.
He wanted to add that Becca thought of Alana like a mother, but it was too soon for that.
They’d cleared a few hurdles in the past month, and coming on the heels of the information he’d just shared, it was best left unspoken... for now.
She leaned her head against his chest. “You’re doing a wonderful job, Brennan. Let no one put doubts in your head.”
He kissed her hair. “The same can be said to you.”
“Daddy, Alana!”
“Better go get her popcorn,” he said.
They stood up and walked down the stairs. Becca ran toward them. “I don’t want popcorn. I want to dance. Will you dance with me?”
He looked at Alana. “How about you and I make up a new dance and put on a show for Alana?”
“Yes!” Becca said, her fist in the air. “I’ll get the boas.”
He rolled his eyes, but he wouldn’t change a thing.
The look in Alana’s eyes told him everything he needed to know.
He had the woman he always wanted and the family he always dreamed of right here.
EPILOGUE
Two Months Later
“I’m turning four tomorrow,”Becca said, hopping on one foot and then the other.
“I know,” Alana said. “And we are having a little beach party.”
“I’m so excited,” Becca said. “Daddy said we get to set it up tonight.”
They were at her house where they’d just walked in the door with the decorations for tomorrow’s party.
Five little girls from pre-K for a beach-themed party.
