"From This Day Forward (Part 3 to One Night Stand)"

"A Present Father"

Serena, Brian & Todd were a rather large entourage accompanying little Miranda for her follow up appointment. Usually it was one parent bringing their child in, but today, Miranda has 3 guardians with her. Todd wanted to show his involvement in his granddaughter's life by coming to the appointment that day.

Todd & Brian sat down in the waiting room while Serena went to check Miranda in. Serena felt that they took up an entire wing of the waiting area. Todd picked you a book on the coffee table to read to Miranda while they waited.

Brian: Um, excuse me, sir. I don't think Miranda likes that one.
Todd: Don't be silly. Every kid loves Dr. Seuss.
Brian: Don't say I didn't warn you.

Todd held the book up on his knee at an angle where Miranda could see the pictures. Todd began to read a portion of "Green Eggs & Ham" & after the first couple of pages, Miranda let out a huge scream & began to cry. Serena got up & started to push the stroller back & forth to calm Miranda down. Brian picked up another book & started to read it to Miranda. She calmed down as soon as Brian started talking to her.

Todd: The Berenstein Bears?
Serena: It's her favorite.

Nurse Dana: Miranda Langston
Serena: We're here. Nurse Dana? I didn't know you worked in this wing, too.
Nurse Dana: Hi Serena. Hi Brian. Oh just helping fill in. Who's this handsome fellow?
Serena: This is my dad, Todd. Dad, this is Nurse Dana. She's been helping us since I was pregnant.
Todd: Well, glad the cream of the crop has been helping out my girls.
Nurse Dana: It's a pleasure. Really... Come right this way.

Nurse Dana seemed tongue tied every time Todd asked her questions. Todd's face lit up as he spoke to her. Brian & Serena gave each other a look while Nurse Dana took Miranda's vitals. It was obvious that Nurse Dana was crushing on Todd & Todd was flirting back. Nurse Dana reached into her pocket & grabbed a business card.

Nurse Dana: Just in case you had any health related questions.
Todd: Oh I'm sure I'll come up with a few. Nice meeting you today.
Nurse Dana: You too. Bye...

Serena scolded her father for flirting & he just brushed it off. The doctor came in to check up on Miranda. She was happy, healthy & hitting all her milestones. She was even fully recovered from the blood transfusion. The doctor reassured them that there was nothing to worry about in her development. Since Brian was the blood transfusion donor, the doctor also asked him a couple of questions. After a few minutes, Brian too was cleared.

As they bid the doctor farewell & headed out, Todd felt bad & even guilty that he had no idea about the transfusion. He looked at Serena & saw how strong & independent she had become. He wished he could turn back time & help her through the pregnancy. He regretted that he wasn't even present for the birth of his grandchild. She was already half a year old. He had missed the first 6 months of her life. And then hearing about the blood transfusion made him feel sick to his stomach. He hated that Serena had to go through that without him. He then looked over at Brian. He approved of him & even loved him for the way he took top notch care of Serena & Miranda. It was clear to Todd that Brian loved Serena. Todd knew that Serena was in good hands & even better hands than if he was taking care of her.

He vowed within his heart that day to be a more present father & grandfather.