Green Eyed Daydream #Wattys2016

Chapter 81

Tyler's POV

"Meet your niece, Isabelle," Tiffany says, as she extends her daughter for me to hold.

I nervously take the precious bundle into my arms, and look in absolute awe at the tiniest human I've ever seen. Her perfect round face is still a little red and swollen, but I can already recognize my mother's features in her.

"Tiffany, she is beautiful...like you...and like mom," I tell her, still gazing at my newest relation.

"I know, right? I am so happy. Beyond happy...." she says, and starts to cry. Alex is quick to bring her into his embrace.

"I'm so proud of you, baby," he coos to her, and kisses her forehead.

I look at the new parents, and can't help but smile. The love in this room is overwhelming, and knowing that my sister has a family of her own fills my heart with so much joy.

Isabelle wiggles in my arms, and makes a slight mewling sound, so I gently hand her over to Tiffany.

"Well, I'll give you guys some privacy," I say, putting on my jacket and heading for the door.

"Ty," Tiffany calls after me. "I hope you know that Carrie really helped me out--"

"Yeah, I know. I'm really sorry I wasn't able to drive you--"

"She did more than just give a me ride, Tyler. She kept me calm when I was totally freaking out, and she stayed with me during the first couple of hours of labour when I was most anxious... The baby was breached, but luckily, they were able to make her turn, and Carrie held my hand through it all. She didn't have to stay, but she did, because she's a good person, Tyler. She's a good person, who did something dumb...once! I know you're still pissed about it, and not really on speaking terms with her...but, I just want you to know that she is not just Alex's friend. She is now mine as well. And I hope you can get comfortable with the idea of having her around."

"Believe me, I would like nothing better," I tell her, and Tiffany's eyebrows fly up in surprise.

"Did you talk to her?" she asks. "She's been asking about you less and less lately, so I figured there was no way you'd get back together--"

"She's been to hell and back since that night, Tyler," Alex says, frowning at me. "Believe me, whatever punishment you've imagined for her, she's gone through more than anyone deserves."

At hearing this, I feel a little annoyed. The only punishment I've done is keeping away from her for six months. Is that so unreasonably severe?

"Hey, she's the one who fucked up, remember?" I remind them.

"It was just a kiss, Tyler...nothing more," Tiffany argues. "I mean, we're not in High School anymore. Is it really worth throwing everything away? She didn't have a full blown affair, or anything, and she basically hates that guy now. She's shown so much remorse. I mean, she wrote it all out in that letter. After reading that, I would've thought your heart would soften, but you didn't even have the courtesy to reply."

"What letter? I never got any letter," I explain, feeling more confused than ever.

"She brought it to Slate, because she didn't dare go to your house. I told her to leave it in your office on your desk. It was in a red envelope. You didn't get it?"

"No, I didn't. I would've remembered something like that."

"Well, anyway. After you ignored her for months and months, she moved on... and frankly, I can't blame her."

I hang my head, and feel panic constrict my heart. So, she really is taken after all...she found someone to give her that 'happily ever after'...only it's not with me.