The Free Pass

Chapter 72

Mallory

Shawn clicked the link to the results.

What popped up was a scientific table. There were several columns. One had Grace's name and one had the pseudonym we'd assigned Shawn. We didn't want anyone at the testing center seeing his actual name. I'd even used my mother's maiden name as Grace's last name on the forms.

Under each of their names was an allele index, which the cover letter had explained. I had a vague understanding of what it meant from biology class.

At the bottom of the chart was a huge number that represented the 'combined paternity index.' Next to that was a percent stating the probability of paternity.

I stared at that number.

99.9998%

I looked at Shawn who was still staring at the results.

"Shawn-" I started.

"She's mine," he said under his breath.

I set my phone on the coffee table and turned so that I could embrace him.

"She's yours!" I said happily into his ear.

As my head was buried in his neck, I felt him start to shake and knew he was crying. He held me tighter as he continued to sob against me. I felt my own tears running down my cheeks, but I knew my relief did not match his.

Eventually he stopped shaking and relaxed against me. I pulled back and looked at him. His face was tear stained and his nose was running, but he was smiling.

"I need to go see her. I know we just put her down for her nap, but I need to hold her right now," Shawn said.

"I understand. You do what you need to do," I said.

He got up and grabbed a couple tissues and cleaned off his face.

"Come with me," he said, reaching his good hand out to me.

Together we went into the nursery. Gracie had rolled over so that she was sleeping on her stomach. Her knees were tucked under her and her little butt was up in the air.

I reached in the crib and picked her up. Her eyes opened and a look of confusion crossed over her face. It's not like we ever intentionally woke her up. I handed her to her daddy.

Shawn pulled his sleepy baby against his chest so that her head rested just below his chin. He gave her several kisses before resting his cheek on the top of her head.

"Gracie, I know you won't understand any of this, but I want you to know that your daddy loves you so much. I don't love you just because you are mine, though thank god you are," he said as he started to
cry again. "I love you because you are responsible for how wonderful my life is. Because of you, I have your mama. The two of you changed me and made me complete. Thank you, sweet girl."

He kissed her again and carefully placed her back in the crib. She looked at each of us and smiled before closing her eyes.

We left the nursery and went back to the living room and sat on the sofa.

"Now I wish we'd checked the results sooner," he said as he put his arm around me.

I rested my head on his shoulder. "I'm sorry I put you through all that stress."