Through the Dark

Chapter 15 - Harry

Chapter 15

Harry's POV

"You have a very beautiful daughter," Sammy said softly, caressing Gabby's cheeks.

Gabby had finally worn herself out from her earlier outburst. Now, she was sleeping peacefully, curling up against Sammy. Surprisingly, Sammy didn't seem bothered at all—she looked completely at ease, like a real mother figure.

"Yeah. Thanks," I said, a small smile tugging at my lips as I watched them.

I couldn't stop thinking about what had just happened. When Gabby claimed that Sammy was her mum, both my mum and I were completely shocked. Gabby had never been this open with any other woman. She was always shy, cautious, and reserved—especially around people outside our immediate family. Seeing her cling to Sammy, calling her "mummy" and even mentioning her dreams, was something we couldn't fully understand.

While Gabby cried, I studied Sammy's expression. Her whole body stiffened at first, her eyes widening in surprise, but she hesitated just long enough before moving toward Gabby's bed. When she lifted Gabby into her arms, the little girl immediately started to calm down. Sammy closed her eyes for a moment, rubbing Gabby's back gently.

Seeing them together—Gabby resting against Sammy, Sammy holding her with such care—made my heart melt. The connection between them was undeniable, and for the first time, I could see the possibility of someone else being this important to both me and Gabby.

I wished she was Gabby's real mum. I thought to myself, my chest tightening at the thought.

I didn't realize I was crying until I felt the wetness on my cheeks. Instantly, I wiped them away, hoping Sammy hadn't noticed. But she did. She gently pulled me into a warm hug, and without thinking, I hugged her back with all my might. My heart swelled with everything happening in that room. Holding Gabby in one arm and Sammy in the other, I felt a sense of completeness I hadn't known in years.

We looked like a real family.

A real family.

A snap from a camera pulled us out of the moment. We pulled away from each other, and I glanced at Mum. She was beaming, clearly happy seeing us all cuddled up. I knew she had always wanted me to find someone who could fit into our little chaotic family—someone who could care for both Gabby and me. And now, I could feel it in her eyes: she was thinking Sammy might be the one. She muttered something about her scrapbook, which I didn't fully understand, then quickly left the room—probably to develop the photo she had taken.

My thoughts were interrupted when Sammy shifted slightly on the bed, her eyes on me, sparkling with curiosity and warmth.

"Can you explain to me now... about you and Gabby?" she asked, smiling softly.

I returned her smile, feeling a mix of relief and gratitude, and took her hand gently in mine.

"Well, there's not much to tell," I began quietly. "I hooked up with her mum once. It was... actually a drunken mistake. Being hormonal and stupid, we forgot about protection. And then Gabby was conceived." I paused, my eyes softening as they fell on my beautiful sleeping baby. "But I never regretted it. Not for a second. Gabby is not, and will never be, a mistake. She's my sunshine, my princess. I love her more than anything in this world."

"Where's her real mum?" Sammy asked, her voice careful, almost hesitant.

I took a slow breath, the memory surfacing as sharp as ever. "She died giving birth to Gabby. The doctors said she lost too much blood... her body was too weak to survive."

"I'm sorry," Sammy murmured, sadness clouding her eyes.

"It's okay, Sweet cheeks," I said softly, forcing a small smile for her sake. "We didn't really love each other, but I cared for her. I became fond of her because she was carrying our daughter. She became my first priority the moment she got pregnant. I went to every doctor's appointment, gave her every bit of attention she needed. Macy was... a very kind and understanding woman. She never pried into my life, never pushed me. She understood me, and she understood where we stood. And she was so excited to meet Gabby."