Inevitable

Wasted Time

Donnie's POV
Yesterday I saw my daughter in person for the first time. I was watching Ava get into her car and noticed her in the back seat starring at me. She looked at me like she knew me and waved. Looking at her I saw me and I felt so many different things.The first thing was extreme guilt. Like how could I not be there for this beautiful little person who was a part of me. The other was an urgency to protect her and give her everything she deserves including a family.

I was so wrapped up in worrying about Ava and her leaving me that I had managed to neglect my daughter. It hurt me when Ava left me even though we were only involved for a short period of time. I didn't choose Imani to be my wife our parents decided that for us. I chose Ava and her not wanting me was unnerving.

"Hello partner" Imani said sauntering into my office.

"Sup"
"Where you been?"
"When is your building gonna be ready so you can stay out my business."
Me and Imani used to run a very successful web design company and Catering business together. But when we divorced I signed the catering business over to her and she signed her rights over to me on Willtech. Since she has been waiting for her new location to be renovated she has been working with me ... giving me hell.

"My dad said it won't be ready until the end of the year"
"Really for renovations 8 months?"
" like I said where were you I had to run a board meeting for "your" company so where were you?"
"You're right my company I signed over catering you signed over Willtech(name of web design company)."
"I went to see Ava"
She side eyed me. "When did she get back in town?"
"Not to long ago..... I have a daughter."
I never told Imani because as I stated having a daughter wasn't my main focus at the time.
"So you gave her a child but not your wife that makes perfect sense Donovan!"
"Imani let's not act as if we had a traditional marriage. I refuse to bring a child on purpose into a business agreement."
"Donovan you are so selfish I was your wife you try and put on this show for Ava like we hated each other. Which confuses me because she doesn't want you!"
"Imani I never said we hated each other. I grew to love you as a friend but don't get ahead of yourself talking to me like that."

Once Ava realizes that I'm ready to take care of her and my daughter she'll see that we need to be together. Ever since she had Casey she has put her first with every decision she makes. I owe her everything for that and now that I've looked Casey in her eyes I'm willing to do the same.

Ava's POV

Donnie: can I see Casey?
Ava: yea this weekend I'll take her to the park you can see her there
Donnie: Thank you Ava 🙏🏿
Ava: 👍🏽

I'm skeptical. I thought it would take him some more time before he would reach out. Now he will be meeting her this weekend. Casey has never asked about her dad I guess cause she's only 3 years old. Still I want to try to communicate to her what's going on. But first Ima let Bubba know. He loves Casey and her meeting her father will change a lot.

I was in the bedroom organizing our closet when I heard Bubba returning from work. Even though all our stuff was unpacked the closet just had clothes everywhere. I got most of the closet organized today just needed to get more hangers.
"Bubba!" I could here Casey running to greet Bubba.
" hey luh momma you miss me?"
"Mhm Bubba can I have a cookie?"
"Casey Jaine! Didn't I say no more!" She thinks she is so slick. It was quiet and after a few moments Bubba came into the bedroom.
"You gave her one?"
"I gave her grapes." I just shook my head. He's always spoiling her.
" How was work?"
"Still kinda rough ....you know I'm new and younger than everyone. Then they find out I'm the lead so everybody isn't completely on board."
Bubba is the new lead real estate agent at his agency. Real estate comes easy to him, he's very competitive and very charismatic. So getting people to fall in love with the properties he shows them is nothing. I have a feeling the people at his job just have to warm up to him but if not he's capable of handling himself.

I walked over to him and kissed his lips.
"Don't worry you'll prove yourself and they'll see."
"Thanks Bug. So how was your day?"
"Donovan asked to see Casey."

Donovan meeting Casey was going to change everything but I knew Bubba was only worried about his and Casey's dynamic. He has raised her as his own since she's been alive. I also know he wants this for her as much as I do. I'm just afraid for our relationship because I know this will bring challenges into our relationship.

"That's good." He said as he continued to undress for his shower.
"......but?"
"Bug ...ion know I get a bad vibe from him."
"You sure it's not because I was involved with him before?"
"Na that's not it"
"Well Ahmad I thought we both agreed this is what we wanted for Casey."
"Bug you right I'm just saying to be cautious."

Today was the day Casey would meet Donovan. I'm hopeful that this would be the beginning of a good relationship between the two. I'm also nervous because I know he said he wants to see her but complete change doesn't happen that quickly.

Bubba was going to the gym he wanted to be out of the way so he wouldn't distract Casey. Casey and I arrived at the park and I saw Donovan sitting at the picnic table waiting for us. .....why the toxic ones always fine? It's cool though cause my future husband is gorgeous and anti toxic.

"Ok Case we gonna go see your Daddy!"
"My daddy?"
"Yes wanna play with him at the park?"
"Ok"
I got out and helped her out of her car seat. I grabbed her hand as we walked over to the picnic area. My heart was beating so fast.... I didn't know how this little interaction would go. Of course telling her the plans went smoothly, she's 3 years old she always wants to go to the park.

Donovan stood as we walked up. I put Casey on my hip.
"Casey this is your daddy wanna say hello?"
"Hey" she cheesed making us all smile.
"Nice to meet you Casey you're very pretty"
"Tanks" she blushed. "Mama swing!" She pointed.
"Is it ok if I take her?" He asked and I nodded.

I watched him bounce her up and down on his hip walking over to the swings. Casey is a happy girl but it was a relief that she seemed to like Donovan so easily. It's like she knew he was supposed to be with her. I enjoy watching her drag him around the playground. He didn't seem to mind either she also showed him all her little exercises from gymnastics and he watched and clapped for her. My heart was in pure bliss watching them I just hope this was sincere on his part.