She shrugged. “It’s not about me. Cecily is my only concern and what’s best for her.”
“And?”
Dread coiled in her stomach. “She has a right to know her father.”
“I agree.”
“What if she hates me, Pawpaw?” Her question came out in the pitiful tone of a worried child.
“That could never happen. She might be angry for a spell, but that girl loves you to the moon and back.”
“I hope you’re right.”
He patted her hand. “Would you like me to be there when you tell her?”
“Thanks, but this is something I need to do on my own. Today, before I chicken out.”
His approving nod gave her confidence. If Pawpaw agreed, she must be making the right choice. “I’m picking up a generator from a friend in Breaux Bridge, and I’ll probably be gone most the day catching up with him, but you know you can call me any time.”
“I know, and I appreciate it.”
“Are we still decorating tonight?”
“Absolutely.” She grinned in spite of all the turmoil in her life. “This is my first Christmas with you in almost a decade, and we’re going to celebrate all season long.”
“I’ll make sure I’m home by four, and I’ll bring dinner. You have enough going on without worrying about cooking.”
She would have argued, except he had a valid point. “Thank you.”
“I’ll call when I’m on my way.” He stood and carried his empty mug to the sink, then came back and kissed her forehead. “I’ll be praying for you today. Cecily, too.”
“Thank you.”
After she finished another cup of coffee, she went down the hallway to Cecily’s room. She found her daughter curled in bed reading a book. “Good morning.”
“Morning, Mom,” she answered without lowering the book.
Serena sat on the edge of the bed. “Remember when you were little and we’d spend Saturday mornings at the park?”
“Yeah.” Cecily laid the book aside and sat upright. “We’d pack a lunch and make a day out of it.”
“You had a good childhood, right?”
“Of course. Even when we didn’t have much, you always made it special.” Cecily cocked her head and looked at her suspiciously. “Is everything okay? You’re not dying, are you?”
“I’m fine.” She felt a pang of guilt for accidentally making her daughter worry. “What do you say we get donuts and go for a walk at the park. For old time’s sake.”
“Hey, if donuts are involved, I’m game.” Cecily shot out of bed wearing her standard pajamas—a pair of athletic shorts and a t-shirt. “Are we going now?”
“Sure. Give me a half hour to take a quick shower, then we’ll head out.”
“I’ll be ready.”
She left Cecily’s room then went to her own. An unexpected calm came over her, so surreal she could only surmise that Pawpaw’s prayers were being heard.
Forty-five minutes later, they had their donuts and were at the park. A paved walking path followed the park’s perimeter, and after they’d eaten, Serena suggested they begin their walk.
Cecily didn’t speak. It was almost as though she knew Serena had something important to tell her and patiently waited.
