Road Not Taken

Chapter 1

Katie's POV- Present Day
"Mommy?"

I rolled over to see my daughter standing by the side of the bed.

"Will you tell me a story about my daddy again?"

I smiled at her and pulled the blanket back. She giggled as she took a running leap onto the bed and snuggled in next to me. "If your daddy was here right now, he would be having so much fun teaching you how to ride your bike without training wheels. And he would definitely teach you how to play guitar"

She looked wistfully up at me with her big brown eyes and a part of my heart broke. She loves when I tell her things about her dad, but she hates hearing what she's missing out on.

"Do you think he'll be done with his secret mission soon and come home?" I stared at the ceiling while she waited for my answer. I know I shouldn't lie to her, but she's only five. It's better to tell a five-year-old that her dad is a secret agent than it is to tell her the truth. I finally mustered up a smile and looked back down at her.

"Maybe! But you know he's traveling to a lot of places on his current assignment."She seemed satisfied with my answer as her eyes started to close. I ran my fingers through her brown curls and picked up my phone to see a call from my best friend Grace.

She didn't even wait for me to say hello before she started speaking."The new Greta tour is sold out. I know I've been telling you this for five years, but that money is Lyla's too and I know you don't let anyone help you but it-"

I had to cut her off or she would go on forever. Lyla's dad and his money (and my lack thereof) is one of her favorite topics.

"Gracie. Do you really think I'm going to call him up after not speaking for five years and just say 'Hey Jake? Crazy story. You actually have a daughter and she really wants ballet lessons and a puppy, but I'm broke and can't give her everything she wants. Mind sending some of your rockstar money this way?' I don't think that would go over well."

She let out a long sigh and took a moment to reply. "I know, I know, I know. I only say it because I love you and Lyla and I want the best for both of you."

"I know."

We let the comfortable silence fill the air as we lingered on the call. Sometimes it's just nice to know your best friend is there and ready to listen.

"I just wanted to call and say I'm excited to see you guys tomorrow."

I couldn't hold back the smile growing on my face as I spoke. "We can't wait to be back home either. Lyla can't stop talking about going to Bronners again. I don't know why she likes it so much."

"And her auntie Gracie will gladly walk around the whole store and let her pick out whatever she wants."

We hung up the phone and it was just me alone with my thoughts. Going back to Frankenmuth always fills me with anxiety. I'll forever be known as 'the girl who broke up with a rockstar and got pregnant by a rando and dropped out of Harvard'. Quite a title to live up to...especially when it's not the truth.

I turned and watched Lyla sleep. She reminds me of him so much. They have the same eyes and the same big smile that is only reserved for the most special moments. As I started to fall asleep, all I could think about was all the memories waiting for me in Michigan.
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"Mommy I see grandma and grandpa and aunt Gracie!" Lyla shouted as we walked out of the airport. I looked ahead to see them excitedly waving and I let go of her hand to let her run ahead. My dad spun her around and put her on his shoulders while my mom yelled at him to be careful.

"You know, ever since Lyla was born you guys never get excited to see me anymore," I joked as I hugged my mom. "You're just old news now," My mom said in reply. I felt my anxiety fade as I watched the happiness on Lyla's face grow. I had every right to be here. This is my home too, and I have nothing to be scared of. Jake should be off somewhere getting ready for tour.