Work Hard, Play Hard

Twenty Three. Family

Two weeks had passed and baby Aurellie was finally out of the incubator. We were staying at home with my mom recovering from all the events that had taken place weeks earlier. We were home alone when the door bell rang. I picked Aurellie up and walked to the door, peeking through the curtain before opening it.

"Jackson, what are you doing here?" I asked, my voice barely audible as I looked at him in disbelief.

His eyes were glued on Aurellie. "I came to see you two."

I pulled sleeping Aurellie closer to my chest as Jace reached his hand out to touch her.

He noticed my hesitation. "How is she doing?"

"She's fine. You care now?" I asked, feeling aggravated by his presence. All I want to do is be with my daughter in peace and quiet.

"I've always cared, Callie. You know that." He said, tears brimming his eyes.

"Oh do I?" I asked, shamelessly. I couldn't care less about his feelings.

"I want to make this work."

"I don't think I can trust you again. You hurt me and our daughter!" I nearly shouted before remembering that I had a sleeping baby in my arms.

He glanced at Aurellie again. "I'm sorry. I'll do anything to gain back your trust. She's beautiful, just like her mother." He said as he began to sob. "I just want to be the best father possible."

Suddenly I felt all the feelings I had for Jace come back. I looked at him and wiped the tears streaming down his face.

"And you can." I said with a smile as he stopped crying.

"You'll give me another chance?" He questioned as I handed Aurellie to him.

I smiled. "Yes. I love you so much." I unexpectedly blurted out.

His eyes widened. "I love you too, Callie."

I gestured for him to come inside and sit down.

"You know, the past few weeks have been hard." I said, as he stroked Aurellie's cheek.

It warmed my heart so much to see him connecting with our child.

He looked up at me. "I know and I'm sorry." He apologized, as he took my hand in his.

I smiled. "I accept your apology. I'm sorry too."

"For what?"

"For being so immature just before the baby was born. I wasn't listening to what you were saying and I forgot that I would need you eventually." I said with my emotions taking over as I burst into tears.

"You don't have to be sorry. We just need to move on. I want to start over." He kissed my forehead.

I nodded. "So do I."