Can't Have You (#wattys2019)

Part 40

"Sofia, come here I.... We would like to tell you something." Patty called for her daughter who was playing with dolls in the living room. She sat down next to Joe and if someone would look at them he would not know which one is more nervous. "Sit here, in the middle."

Joe gulped down hard, his face pale and wet from all the pressure and emotions. "What?" Sofia looked at her mom and smiled at Joe who couldn't smile back without looking weird.

"So, Sofia Joe and I would like to talk to you about something really important." Patty explained, playing with the little girls fingers. "Right Joe?!"

Joe shoot his look to Patty, who had his eyes wide open, signaling him it was his time to talk. "You want me to tell her?" He whispered. "I tought you will."

Patty rolled her eyes. "Remember when you asked me once where your dad is?"

"Mhmm." Sofia nodded, climbing in her arms. She held on her face with both her small hands. "Did you find him? He came back from America?"

Patty bit her lip and chuckled. "Yes, his work there is done and he came back to meet you." She carefully chose her words, not wanting to hurt her.

Sofia turned to Joe and jumped from Patty's arms to his, grabbing him as she grabbed her before. "Are you my dad?" She pointed with her finger to her nose.

Joe gulped down. "I...I... Umm..." Patty kicked him, gaining his attention. "Yes Sofia, I am your... dad." As soon as the words left his lips, Sofia threw his arms around his shoulders, shouting yes, yes.

Patty wipped away the tears that formed in her eyes before Joe could see them. "Promisse me you will stay with us forever daddy." Sofia grabbed his and Patty's hand, putting them one on top of the other. "Mommy was so sad you were gone. She cryed every night."

Joe felt guilt running through his body. How could he be so stupid? "I am sorrry I had to go." He lied and hopped she will never find the real reason for his departure. "But you know what?" He grabbed her under her arms and picked her up so her face was inches from hers. "I will never ever leave you two."

***

"Okay, time to bed." Patty announced, holding Mr. Twinkles, Sofia's favorite stuffy.

"Can daddy put me to bed?" She grabbed his hand, pulling him up the stairs. "Mommy you need to come too." Patty layed down on left side and Joe on the right side of the bed. Sofia jumped in the middle, holding both of their hands. Patty kissed her daughter as she does every night before bed. "Daddy give me a kiss." She ordered, her little finger pointing to her cheek.

Joe planted a kiss on her cheek and another one on her forehead. "Good night princess. Sleep tight."

"You have to kiss mommy to, or else I will not go to sleep." Sofia ordered, chrossing her hands on her chest. "Now!"

Joe leaned towards Patty, kissing her fast on her cheek. "Here, happy?"

"No, no. You have to kiss her here." She pointed to her lips.

Joe chuckled and pressed his lips to Patty's. She closed her eyes as her heart beated like crazy.

***

It must of been more than half an hour before Joe sat up in bed. Sofia finnaly fell asleep after she ordered them to hold hands. Looking at their intertwined fingers he knew this was the place he needs to be. He grabbed the blanket and covered them before kissing both of them again. "Good night my love." He whispered and sat down on the rocking chair, where he fell asleep.