“Yeah?” Nova asks.
I nod. “I need to know for sure.”
“And what will we do if it turns out she’s yours?” Nova asks. “Because we already adore that little girl. Whatever you decide, we will support you.”
“I don’t know yet. But thank you.” I grip her chin, lifting her face up to press a kiss to her lips. “Let’s get you to bed.”
Standing, I pull Nova to her feet and we head inside. When she pulls me into my room, I almost start crying again.
She helps strip me down and gets me into bed where she cuddles me. I’ve never felt so vulnerable, but Nova does all the right things, and I’m so fucking thankful for it.
I fall asleep in her arms, her scent settling my soul, and pray whatever the results are, I can overcome this.
***
“They’re in.” Nova says, sitting in the chair next to me.
Pulling my eyes away from where Rica is playing with the other kids on the compound, I look over to the white envelope in her hand.
My stomach drops but I take it from her anyways. I don’t open it, not yet, just sit back and bring my attention back to the kids.
It’s been two weeks since the incident with Julia. Two weeks since she was removed from our lives for good. And two weeks since I was told that the little girl I’ve come to love so damn hard as my little sister, could very well be my daughter.
I’ve thought a lot about what I’m going to do if the results show she's mine, I just haven’t told anyone yet.
Rica runs by, her laughter like a punch to the gut. She’s so pretty, so smart, such an amazing little girl.
Looking down at the envelope, I rub my thumb against the paper, debating if I want to see the results or not.
“You don’t have to open them if you don’t want to.” Nova says, placing her hand on my knee.
“I do.” Before I lose the nerve, I rip open the envelope and pull out the piece of paper inside.
Opening it up, I take a deep breath then read.
Most of it I don’t understand, and I don’t bother to look at. It’s the percentage at the bottom that matters.
Probability of paternity 99.9%.
Closing my eyes, I lower my head as I digest what it says.
Nova takes the paper from me and a moment later she’s sitting in my lap.
“Hey.” she cups my face. “Look at me.”
I open my eyes, tears swimming in my gaze.
“It’s going to be okay.” Nova smiles. “It’s all going to be okay.”
“She’s mine.” my voice rasps. “She’s my little girl.”
“Yeah she is. She’s an amazing little soul. Just like her daddy.”
Rica’s giggle gets my attention again and more tears fall. My heart races as she runs over to us. “Look look!” Rica says, holding out a caterpillar. “Don’t worry, this one doesn’t jump.” She giggles.
“Wow.” Nova says. “It’s pretty.”
“It tickles.” she giggles again and I have to bite the inside of my cheek to not start sobbing like a baby. She’s my daughter. My little girl.
