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When I got to the restaurant, Chloe was sitting in the same booth where we’d first talked after I arrived in town.

“Hey Chloe.”

She stood up and gave me a hug. That was a good sign. I’d half wondered if she was going to be mad at me for knocking up her mother.

“Hi Dad.”

The waitress bustled over with coffee, and we both ordered our breakfast. As soon as the waitress left, Chloe leaned forward and gave me an amused look.

“So, I hear I’m going to be a big sister.”

I nodded. “Yeah, it’s true. How is your mother? She’s not answering my texts or calls.”

“She’s overwhelmed. Shocked. Freaked out. She said you guys didn’t think you needed protection.”

She raised one eyebrow, her expression clearly indicating that she thought we were idiots.

“I had a vasectomy, and I didn’t realize they could fail. I mean, I’m sure they told me that when I had the surgery, but that was years ago. Plus, she thought she was in menopause and couldn’t get pregnant anyway.”

“Sounds like it was quite a surprise for both of you,” she observed with a level of maturity that impressed me. “How are you feeling about this Dad? I know it’s just as much of a shock for you.”

I appreciated that my daughter cared. It was probably more than I deserved after being a deadbeat father all these years.

“I’m not sad about it, honestly. I mean, it’s a huge surprise of course, but for me it’s a happy one. I love your mother, I love you, and I’ll love our baby. Plus, I’m fully committed to being a better father for the little one than I was for you.”

Chloe nodded, looking pleased. “I’m glad to hear that Dad. It was weird to think about my parents having a baby when I’m this age, but then I remembered that you guys were so young when you had me, so I guess it’s not that unheard of. But I have to ask, what are your intentions towards Mom?”

“I told you that I love her, and that’s only grown as I’ve spent more time with her.”

“Yeah, I didn’t realize you two were spending so much alone time together. You kids didn’t have to sneak around for the last two months you know.”

To my horror, I felt my face flush at her teasing tone.

“Um. Yeah. Your mother thought you might be uncomfortable,” I explained. “She kept saying we were just friends with benefits, but you need to know, I want forever with her, Chloe. I want to marry her again. I want us to be the family we were always meant to be.”

“Mom’s furious with you. You’re going to have your work cut out for you.”

“Yeah.”

“But if anyone can bring her around, I think it’s you.”

“About that...any advice?”

“Don’t wait for her to come to you. She’s too stubborn. You’re going to need to keep showing up until she believes you mean it when you say you love her and want a commitment. Oh, and I’m making her take the rest of the week off, so you’ll have some time to work on her.”

“Thanks, kid. I appreciate the support.”

After we finished breakfast I stopped at the grocery store and loaded up with food before heading over to Dawn’s house. She opened the door wearing ratty old pajamas. Her eyes were red and swollen, and she looked exhausted.

“What are you doing here?” she asked, but there was no venom in her words. Her defeated tone made my chest hurt.

I pushed past her. “I brought you some groceries. I know you’re upset, but you need to eat. The baby needs nutrients.”

I headed to the kitchen, placing the bags on the counter, and unpacked while she watched me in confusion.

“I’ve got some prepared salads, chicken breast, vegetables, bananas, and...that pretzel ice cream you liked last time you were pregnant.”

She dropped into a kitchen chair, as if she was too exhausted to do anything else.