More Than Love (NG3)

20 - Forgiving

Sasha was pleased when Laney agreed to meet Davis. Laney had suggested the restaurant and Sasha took it as a good omen, because it was one of Reed and Davis' favorites. She felt a jolt at the thought of dining with her daughter, like they had years before with Reed.

Davis held her hands while they waited to keep her from fidgeting. She felt eager to see Laney again. Had it been a dream? She had a box full of photos to prove it wasn't.

When Laney stepped through the door, Sasha smiled at the same time Davis squeezed her hand. He recognized her daughter. They both stood as she and Laney gave each other a hug. Sasha didn't want to let go, but Laney loosened her hold. She wasn't a newborn anymore.

Davis reached out his hand. "Henry Davis, but you can call me Davis. Even my mother did."

Laney smiled at him. Everyone liked Davis with his easy-going smile. Sasha said, "Our table's ready."

Together, they walked to a small table in the center of the bar area. Davis preferred a booth, but Sasha was glad he didn't ask for one. It would require waiting longer. Sasha wanted to calm her nerves with a glass of wine.

Once settled at the square table with Laney and Sasha across from one another and Davis in between, Laney looked from one to the other.

"I'm happy to meet you, but I'm surprised. Only because you've been divorced a long time."

Sasha said, "When I married Davis, I had no family. Even though we didn't stay married, we stayed family."

Davis added, "Once Sasha loves someone, she doesn't stop. She's loved you every day I've known her."

Sasha nodded, and Laney blushed before frowning. Sasha said, "Laney?"

"Sorry. I was thinking of..." She looked from Davis to Sasha.

Sasha nodded. "Davis knows about Jake's anger towards me."

"He's been so welcoming to me, and his mother and sister asked about you."

"Diane treated me like her daughter. I gave up a lot when I left. It wasn't easy, but looking at you now..." Davis squeezed her hand.

"Hi! Can I get you drinks to start off?"

Sasha laughed. The server had saved her from completing her thought. She still played what if, but reminded herself Laney was happy.

They each ordered a drink and took a few moments to look at the menu. When Laney laid hers down, Davis asked about her family.

"My sister is adopted, too. Her search hasn't been easy."

Sasha asked, "Any updates on Skylar?"

Laney nodded. "She found a cousin who gave her the names of her mother and half-siblings. She sent a letter to her mother. Now she's waiting for a reply."

Davis smiled. "Sash was so excited when she told me about your letter."

Sasha felt heat on her face and preferred to shift the focus. "How long has she been waiting for a reply?"

"Only a week."

Having failed in deflecting. Sasha chuckled nervously. "Even though I had dreamed about hearing from you, I was scared. All my dreams could have been shattered if you reacted like Jake."

Laney smiled. "At least you say his name. I don't think he'll speak yours."

Davis frowned. Sasha patted his arm. "Don't get protective. I hurt him and you hurt me. Life is messy. I prefer forgiveness to grudges and pain."

Davis mumbled under his breath. "You should forgive yourself."

Sasha looked into her Diet Coke, pretending she didn't hear. Thankfully, the server distracted them by taking their meal orders. Sasha took the break in conversation to excuse herself to the ladies' room.