Heartbroken

Forgiveness

"So you and Dad... Are you... how are you?" Taylor asked, holding up a cup of tea to Lynn's mouth, that Stevie just made, while they were waiting for Lindsey.

"We're separated."

"That much I know, but are you at least civil with each other?"

"We were doing fine actually. Then your brother passed away and I completely shut everyone away. Your father didn't listen to me and stayed for a week, helping me with everything he could, taking care of Alice, but I was a bitch to him. So, he left."

"Language, Mom please..."

"Sorry." She looked at her granddaughter, who had a cheeky grin on her face. "That was a bad word I said, don't you say it, okay?"

"Dad left and...?"

"And that's that. We haven't talked, he only speaks to Alice."

"You're upset about it." It wasn't a question.

"I don't want to get used to having him around."

"Haven't you worked out any of your differences?"

"Differences? Taylor, you know what happened too well. How do you suggest I work it out with him?"

"I thought you forgave Dad."

"But never forgot." Stevie didn't want to get into that, as she changed the subject. "Are you hungry? I was making lunch and now Alice is very obviously not eating it."

"No, we're good. I wanted to ask you if Lynn and I can stay the night? I'll book a room at a hotel tomorrow."

She looked at him almost offended by what he just said. "There shouldn't be any questions about it, Taylor. You are staying here tonight and every other night. I just found out I have a granddaughter and you think of taking her away from me?"

"Well, alright. But I will start looking for my own place soon."

"Fine. Does that mean you're back permanently?"

Taylor nodded, getting a better grip on his daughter. "I'm not leaving. We're not leaving."

Minutes later, Lindsey walked through the door, using his own key to the house. They heard him, but remained seated, Stevie informing him they were in the kitchen. Before one of the adults could speak, Lynn shrieked excited again. 

"Grandpa!"

Lindsey frowned, looking at Stevie, then their son. "You're right again, sweets." Taylor kissed Lynn on the cheek. "Hi, Dad."

"She's our..." Lindsey looked at his ex wife again. "Is she..."

"Yes, Lindsey. Lynn is our granddaughter."

His initial feeling of exploding from anger he still held because of Taylor's disappearance vanished immediately. He walked over to his son and picked up his granddaughter, utterly mesmerized. Lynn's interest was instantly caught by Lindsey's hair, as she began chuckling.

"Funny hair!"

Lindsey couldn't help but laugh as well. He then looked over at Stevie again. "Does it make sense that she looks like you?"

"I've always thought so." Taylor agreed. "If you look at pictures of Mom at that age and at Lynn, they're the same person."

"Lynn, after your mother?"

"Stephanie Lynn, yes." 

It was getting too much for Stevie, as she tried wiping under her eyes quickly, but both men noticed. Lindsey took a seat, with the girl on his lap, who took instant liking to her grandfather. "How does she know who we are?"