Kisses and Warfare

Let’s hope he’s the same, and not stupid.Chapter TwentyKatMitchell stands at the entrance. I haven’t let him in yet. Over the last two weeks, he’s been buying things for Annabelle and calling every day to see if we need anything. He’s been persistent, and today he wants to meet my family and apologize. I’m nervous about him doing so, but this will be the test to see if he really does stay. Mitchell could leave, and my daughter will be none the wiser because I haven’t let him in her life yet. And that’s a big yet.

“Should I be worried?” he asks.

“You’ve never met my family.”

He scrubs his face. “I know, one-night stands tend to make that happen.”

“True.” I look back to see my family gathered at the table, waiting for us to join them. We decided to meet at a restaurant. It’s the safer bet because that way there will be no yelling. Hopefully. I choose to wait outside for him, instead of throwing him to the wolves.

“They have raised Annabelle with me, or should I say have been a major part of her life. My family is small, but we stick together.”

“My family only cares about money. You’re lucky,” he says, and I feel a pang of regret from him.

“Do they know about Annabelle?” I ask.

“I’ve mentioned her, but honestly, I don’t want them to know her just yet.”

I nod. That’s his choice.

“Okay, let’s do this.” I turn, and he stops me by touching my arm, so I look back at him.

“Annabelle isn’t in there, is she?” he asks nervously.

“No, she’s with a sitter.”

Mitchell nods, letting me go, and I turn back and walk inside. My mother watches us as I take my seat while he nods to everyone and smiles.

“Hi, I’m Mitchell.”

My father makes the introductions, including Rochelle, who stays seated next to me.

“Mitchell, why don’t you tell us why you’re back after a year of knowing Kat had Annabelle, and you took no interest in her.”

At the time, I wrote to Mitchell and told him he had a daughter, because he had a right to know he had a kid in this world, but I never heard from him.

Mitchell looks to me and drops his head. “I was on a power bender, partying every night, and working all hours to please my parents,” he says, shaking his head. “It’s no excuse, but one night I almost died. And that’s when I realized that isn’t the life I want. Who would care if I died? Possibly my parents, but they would see it more of a burden that I’m not there to take over the company than anything.”

“We love that girl, and won’t let you take her from us,” my mother finally speaks as her eyes shoot daggers straight into him.

“I would never. I even thought I would bring something to help put Kat at ease.” He reaches into his suit jacket and pulls out a folded sheet of paper. “It’s for you. You just need to sign it.”

Taking it from him, he starts to speak, “It states that I will never take her without Kat’s permission and consent, and my rights are that of Kat’s choosing. Never shall I leave the state or town without Kat’s permission as well.” Mitchell takes a deep breath as I read over it. “I’ve purchased a place not far from where you live, and I would like it if you could check it out to make sure it’s okay for her.”

“And what about all the lost time you’ve missed? Have you ever looked after a child before?” my mother asks.

I look up for his answer.

“No, but I was hoping you would help. You know Annabelle, and I want to get to know her.”

My father nods, happy with his words. Rochelle reaches under the table and gives my leg a squeeze.

“Do you want to meet Annabelle?” I ask.

He’s saying everything I want to hear, so hopefully he follows through. “I won’t tell her who you are yet. But you can meet her.”

“I would love that.”

“We are coming too.”

“No. This needs to be done with just us,” I say to my mother, standing and kissing her cheek. “Thank you,” I tell them all.

My mother doesn’t look up, so I pass her the form from Mitchell. “Why don’t you make sure these are legit and legal.”

Mom nods eagerly.

Rochelle offers me a small smile.Mitchell has done well. Annabelle was nervous at first but warmed up to him when he kissed her doll. She likes everyone to kiss it for some reason. But no one is allowed to have it, only her. Walking him out after she fell asleep on his lap, he smiles.

“She is a real treasure.”

“She is,” I reply.

“Thanks for this, Kat. You really didn’t have to, and I know this isn’t easy for you. But I’ll try to make it as easy as I can.” I just nod. I simply don’t have any more words left. I have to go to work soon, and my mother should be here any second to pick up Annabelle. Closing the door as Mitchell leaves, I run upstairs to dress, sliding on my favorite red lace undergarment and my black slacks. I cover my lace with a jacket, so Mom doesn’t question me.