Can't Walk Away (The Thomas Family Chronicles #1)

by Ashlee Taylor

  “Last night I read up that you can get the results in a couple of days, so it shouldn’t take long. You’ll know soon if she’s your daughter or not,” Bobby commented.

  “Good. I don’t want to draw this out any longer than I have to. I’m not going to be patient about this.”

  “Understood.”

  When I finished my food I went into my office to call Dr. Keller and explain to him what I wanted; his discretion in this matter was imperative. He assured me that he would have the results within twenty-four hours, unlike most places, that take two to three days. He let me know he was available and I decided I would send Bobby to pick him up and be with him throughout the process so there weren’t any mistakes.

  Luke and I drove over to Christianna’s place. I was nervous. I didn’t understand why. I debated whether or not to get her flowers, or a toy for our daughter.

  “Fuck,” I said to no one in particular.

  “What’s wrong, Nic?”

  “I don’t even know her name.”

  “We’ll rectify that in about ten minutes.”

  “I know, but why didn’t I ask last night?”

  “Well, you had a bunch of other things on your mind last night. And well, the shock of finding out you’re a dad was enough to make any man go stupid.”

  “Thanks, that made me feel better,” I scoffed.

  “Hey, I was thinking clearly and it didn’t even dawn on me to ask. Besides, today is the first day of the rest of your life. Results or not, don’t stick your foot in this in the off chance it is.”

  “Got it.”

  We drove the rest of the way in silence. When we pulled up to the house, I noticed how cute it was, perfect for a little princess and her mom. It even had a balcony on the second floor. I believed that was Christianna’s room. Scanning the exterior, I noticed several areas I needed to have my security team come out here and fix.

  Standing in the driveway, I motioned to Luke. “Make a note of this, please. She needs outdoor lighting for the pathways and for the outside, motion lights on the house, especially in the dark areas. And cameras, the hidden ones so no one knows what to avoid. Mike Paulson knows how to do that so it doesn’t look obvious. Also I want to get a perimeter fence placed around the whole yard, about five and a half feet. I’ll have to check out the backyard to make sure that’s safe as well.”

  “I’ll take care of it, Nic.”

  “Thanks, man, I appreciate it.”

  “Hey, it’s my job as the uncle.”

  “Uncle? I think it’s a little soon for you to be calling yourself uncle.”

  “Let’s just say I have been able to read people for a long time. She isn’t lying about this.”

  “We’ll see.”

  Walking up to the door, I pressed the lit up button for the doorbell. A minute or so later, the door opened up and the sight before me took my breath away. Even after sleep, she was beautiful.

  “Good morning. I’m sorry, did we wake you?”

  “I’m actually about to feed her breakfast, would you like to come in?”

  “Yes,” we both said.

  She opened the door and I held it as she turned and walked to the kitchen. I scanned the back of her. She was perfect. I watched her ass sway as she walked and tried desperately not to get hard. When I rounded the corner, I finally saw her. She looked up at me and smiled, it was then I noticed it. I really didn’t need the DNA because that baby had my eyes and was staring at me. I could almost see myself in her.

  “Damn man, it’s like a mirror,” Luke whispered, clasping his hand on my shoulder.

  “I know.”

  “Not that I’m unhappy to see you, but was there a reason you came by this morning?

  “Yeah, um, I asked my doctor to come over here this morning to do the DNA test. He said the results will be available in a day or two.”

  She nodded her head and smiled. “That’s fine. I want you to be sure.”

  I watched as she picked up a spoon and started to feed our daughter.

  “I know this is going to make me sound like a huge dick.” She cut her eyes to me and then back to the baby. “Sorry, I’ve never been around kids. I’ll try to curb my language, but I didn’t ask you her name.”

  “Her name is Layla.” She smiled. “Layla Jordianna Thomas.”

  “Layla.” I said her name for the first time and it caused Layla to make noises that sounded like a laugh. In all the excitement she threw her hands up, knocking the spoon out of Christianna’s hand.

  “She liked that.” She stood up and put the spoon in the sink, taking a clean one out of the drawer.

  “What is she having?”

  “Oh, this pinkish brown stuff is baby cereal. I like to mix some strained bananas so it gives it some taste. That way she’ll eat more. She’ll eat just about everything.”

  I nodded and watched intently as she fed her. Every time Layla got a spoonful she looked at me, smacking her lips and smiling. When the doorbell rang, Luke left me standing in the kitchen. When he came back, he had the doctor with him.

  The doctor took his kit out and paperwork and started to lay it out on Christianna’s dining room table. She finished feeding Layla, cleaning her up, and letting her have some juice to clean her mouth of food.

  Without hesitation, Christianna sat with Layla in her lap. Dr. Keller swabbed both of their mouths, swabbed mine, and had us fill out paperwork. When he was done, I thanked him and he and Bobby left.

  Layla was falling asleep in her arms. When she turned to me she looked like she was about to cry. “I’m going to ask you to leave. You can come back or not when you have the results.”

  “You understand why I want to know.”

  “I do understand. That doesn’t negate the fact that I’m not hurt that it happened. I’ve never lied to anyone. I would never lie about her. And right now it feels like I’m being looked at because I can’t be trusted. So I’m going to ask you to please give me the next day or two so I can break the news to my family. I didn’t ever think I would find you.”

  “You shouldn’t say anything until we know for sure.”

  “I do know for sure. I know that if you’re the man I met in that bar, she belongs to you. Not to mention that she looks EXACTLY like you—it’s eerie. So please, give me this time.”

  “Okay, I’ll give you the time. As soon as I find out the results, either way I will be back.”

  “I don’t doubt that.”

  Reaching out, I ran my hand down Layla’s back before Luke and I left.

  I could have sworn I heard her sob coming from the closed door as we walked down the walkway toward the car.

  “I’m going to need you to start having the stuff installed.”

  “You don’t want to wait?”

  “No. I may be a fucking idiot, but even I can’t deny that little girl belongs to me.”

  “Uncle Luke. I like the sound of that. Now to tell your mom.”

  “Damn, she’s going to flip. I’ll call her to make sure she’s home and we’ll go over there. This is news I need to drop on her face to face.

  Chapter Four

  Christianna

  As soon as the door shut, I engaged the lock, slid into the nearest couch clutching my sleeping baby girl, and I cried. I didn’t anticipate that I would feel like this, not that I imagined instant love or rainbows and puppies when it came to finding Layla’s dad. I just didn’t think it would be all doubts like I’m deceptive, I would never be such a heinous person.

  I’ve seen those daytime TV shows where the woman doesn’t know who her child’s father is. The difference between them and I is that I didn’t sleep around. There wasn’t anyone before him or after, and there hasn’t been. If he’s being honest that he’s the one I met in the bar that night, then there is no doubting.

  Looking down at my daughter, her lips pouting in and out of smiles, I hope she’s dreaming of lovely things. I look at her and can see him, they have identical eyes and hair, down to the little dimple in
her cheek that is in the same spot as his.

  I knew he wanted to make sure she was his, not that I wanted or expected anything from him other than to be there for her. I did all right on my own, I was able to maintain my home and provide for her without anyone’s help. I hope he didn’t think I wanted him for his money. Oh God, maybe that’s the reason for the DNA. Maybe he thinks I’m lying to be paid and thought he was stupid enough to just do it.

  I’m such a fool. I’m a fool for a lot of reasons, but I will never regret that night with him. I wouldn’t have this sweet little girl in my life, I wouldn’t be happy with the career that I’m in. I wouldn’t be who I am today if not for her. She’s the greatest gift that I’ve ever gotten, and one day, I’ll have to thank him for that.

  Wiping away my remaining tears, I carried my sleeping girl upstairs and laid her in her nice clean crib, kissing her before I left. I needed a shower and badly.

  Showering with a baby is a luxury, especially when it’s just you and her. So the moment I’m able to get into one I savor it with the warmest of water and the girliest of soaps and shampoos. Standing under the spray, I take the time to wash and scrub every inch of my body. I even had enough time to shave my legs, which is a rare treat.

  Dressing in some jeans and one of my favorite tees, and my favorite pair of sky blue chucks and went downstairs, grabbing the baby monitor on my way.

  I knew that I had to tell my parents. I had to let them know before anything else. My brother and sisters could wait on this news. I had to find out what their connection was to my dad, especially since it was only close friends and family who were invited to the event last night.

  Picking up the phone, I dialed my parents. My mother, like always, answered on the second ring.

  “Hello, sweetheart.”

  “Hi Mom.”

  “How’s my granddaughter doing today?”

  “She’s good. She just went down for a nap about a half hour ago.”

  “Good. I was going to call you and now I’m glad I waited.”

  “What’s wrong, Mom?”

  “Ethan called me this morning and told me about how he found Dani at your place. If I had known—”

  “It’s okay, Mom,” I said, cutting her off. “Daniella is in her thirties, you shouldn’t have to answer for her. I’m very disappointed that she was drunk while watching Layla. I found an empty bottle of something in my recycling bin this morning. Dad will just have to have more kid-friendly parties. I’d love to see some of those men from last night loosen up a little.”

  “I will let him know what you said. I know that he would want all of his family with him at these things.”

  “I know, Mom. That’s the reason why I called. Are you guys going to be home around two? I wanted to talk to you both together if possible; it’s important.”

  “Your father and I are having dinner with friends tonight at eight, so we’re free. I’ll make it a point to have him here so you’ll have our undivided attention.”

  “Thank you, Mom. I’m going to do a few things around here and I’ll be there at two.”

  “You’re welcome, sweetheart. I’ll see you then. I love you.”

  “I love you, too. Bye.”

  Well, the hard part was over, it wouldn’t be long before I’d be at my parents’ house, explaining everything. It’s not like they don’t know what happened. I mean, I let them know from the beginning about that night. They were the ones who were concerned that he had drugged me, I had to assure them that wasn’t the case. Then to know that he was the same way, and that he said someone was in the room. The whole scenario made it all uneasy for me.

  I went upstairs to pack the diaper bag up for Layla. I even grabbed another bag and threw in some clothes for me. I had this overwhelming urge to just take Layla and go away for a few days. Just a little time with her before she was introduced to a new family. I decided that after the talk with my parents I’d drive to our house at the beach for a couple of days.

  I packed several towels and my bathing suit. I also packed Layla’s. The pool was heated, so if we went in she’d like that.

  I’d have to remember to ask Mom and Dad about the food situation. I know they were there a couple of weeks ago. I probably wouldn’t need much seeing as the deep freeze held everything you’d need to feed an army.

  I took the other bags outside and put them in the back of my SUV, deciding to bring a bunch of junk food staples and Layla’s food and snacks in another bag and brought that out there as well. I’d stop at the grocery store when I got into town to get some extras.

  I was finally going to take a well needed vacation.

  When I had everything settled and ready, I heard Layla cooing upstairs. I stepped into her room, where I found her jumping up and down, holding the bars.

  “Did you have a nice nap, sweet girl?” I asked and she started blabbering.

  “I know, I know. Let’s get you changed and dressed in one of your pretty dresses because we’re going to see Grandma and Grandpa today.”

  I changed her diaper and put her in one of her little flowery sundresses, one that had a matching hat. I slipped on a pair of baby sandals; she looked adorable.

  Layla and I went downstairs and I proceeded to lock up. I grabbed my purse and laptop bag, and left through the garage door. I buckled Layla into her car seat and handed her the bunny, then climbed into the driver’s seat and hit the garage door button. When it rose all the way up, I pulled out, hitting the button so it closed.

  When I knew everything was secure, I pulled down the rest of the drive and onto the street. We were on our way, by the time we were at the exit to the neighborhood, there was a black car following behind, it sort of resembled the car I had seen idling the other night.

  It didn’t take long until we were at my parents’ house. I no longer saw the black car and just realized it was probably just piggy backing on a ride out of the maze. I pulled up in my parents’ driveway and parked in my spot.

  Grabbing Layla’s bag before getting her out was easy. I didn’t have to worry about how I was going to maneuver both her and the bag as I got closer to the house, the door opened up and Mom came out, scooping Layla in her arms.

  I closed the door behind me. I laughed a little bit when I heard my dad and his baby talk. It always amazed me how he became when he was around Layla, he even got on the floor and played with her.

  “Hi Mom, Hi Dad,” I said, placing Layla’s bag on the chair.

  “Hello Angel, how are you?” my dad said, coming over to hug me. I was forgotten about by my mom.

  “Hi Daddy, I’m great. How are you?”

  “I’m much better now, sweetheart. Your mom said you wanted to talk to us, is everything okay?”

  Of course my dad would want to get down to the point. I mean, after all, this was why I was here to begin with.

  “Yeah, I guess we should join Mom so she can hear too.”

  We gathered around in the living room, both my parents looked at me with concern. I just prayed they didn’t freak out with my news.

  “Well, last night, I found Layla’s father.”

  They both gasped.

  “Oh, sweetheart, that’s wonderful news,” Mom said.

  “Where did you see him?”

  “He—well, he was at your event last night.”

  “At my event? Who was it?”

  “Well, I didn’t know it was him at first, it wasn’t until he said something. He mentioned having flashes about that night—he recognized my face. When I started telling him what I remembered, things started to click with us again. And well, after seeing him, Layla has his features; his hair and his eyes.”

  “Did he explain what happened afterwards?”

  “Yes, he said he kept dreaming that he was drugged. Something placed over his face. Last night I dreamt the same thing but there was more to it. I just don’t know what’s real, though.”

  “Who is he, Angel?” Dad asked, moving in to hold my hand.

  “His
name is Nicholas Prescotti.”

  “Marc’s boy?”

  I just shrugged my shoulders.

  “I see it. Layla does resemble Marilyn and Marc,” Mom commented.

  “Well, that’s wonderful,” Dad said, brushing his hand against my cheek.”

  “So, you know them?”

  “I’ve known Marc since grade school. We grew up together.”

  “Wow, small world.”

  “So what’s happening now?”

  “Well, he came over today with his doctor. We submitted to a DNA test, and the results will be available in a couple of days,” I choked out.

  “Sweetheart, don’t cry. I can understand why he’s cautious about this. His family is very wealthy.”

  “I kinda figured that, Dad. I don’t want anything from him other than to be there for Layla. Besides, I do all right on my own.”

  “I know, honey, and I’m not trying to make you feel bad here. I just understand why he’s cautious about this. There are so many things that you don’t know, things that he’s going to have to tell you. Your mother and I believe you, no matter what.”

  “Thanks Dad, thanks Mom,” I said before hugging them both.

  My parents spent some more time with Layla, then I told them I was going to get away for a few days so I could grasp all of the things that were happening. I asked that they keep this a secret for me, they both swore that they would. Mom even went as far as to pack up a box of food so I could stay longer if needed, although she was sure there was enough food there as Brianna and Brent had just been there last week and said they’d restocked.

  They bid me safe travels. I promised I would call when I got to the house and that I would keep them up to date on how long I’d be. I even promised to take some time for myself and read a book instead of writing one.

  We got on the road a little after four, so we’d get to the beach house around seven or eight, depending on traffic. I just turned on some driving music and headed down 95 singing along with a cooing baby in the backseat.

  When we got to the house, I locked us behind the little fortress my parents had here on their tiny little spot on the beach.