I get into my car to search the neighborhood.
“We'll stay in the area in case she comes back,” my mother says.
I drive off as fast as I can, throwing my phone down in frustration. I have never been this angry in my whole life, not even when Isabel first cheated on me. My daughter is out there lost because her mother wasn't watching her. I knew I shouldn't have trusted her.
Chapter 18 - Ben
I'm going insane, trying to find Katie, and I have no idea where she could be. I've tried the usual areas, the coffee shop where we met Cece and the park by there. Both were empty. I drive around the neighborhood, hoping that she might have stayed close to home. I hope that's what happened. I'm a few streets over from the house. I have the windows rolled down while driving slowly, scanning every inch of the area.
I stop the car quickly. I can't believe I didn't think of this before. There is another park a few blocks away from the house. It's practically down the street. I don't think Katie has been there before, but I decide to check it out. It's my last resort to trying to find her. I speed away in that direction, slowing down as I near the park. There are quite a few families out this evening, and that might make it a little more complicated. I park the car at the curb and turn off the engine. Sitting there, frowning, I look at each individual person.
The closest area to the street is the swings. My heart beats with relief as I spot Katie on the end of the swing set. She has her back to me. I'm shocked to see Cece is there. Katie laughs as Cece pushes her higher into the air. I get out of the car and walk over to them. Words can't describe how grateful I am to see Cece right now. It touches my heart to know that she was looking after Katie.
“Katie!” I call out. Cece stops the swing. They both turn around to look at me.
“Hi, daddy,” Katie says happily. She jumps down and immediately grabs Cece's hand. I notice this right away. I never knew how attached she was to her.
“I'm sorry. I hope you weren't worried when I called you. I just couldn't leave Katie alone in that house. I didn't want her around what Isabel was doing, and I knew there would probably be fighting, so I brought her here,” Cece explains.
Once again, I'm touched. Cece's only concern was the safety of my daughter.
I reach out and put my hand on her shoulder. “I appreciate that. I can't believe I let her end up in a situation like that,” I reply. I keep my emotions in check. Cece looks like she has something else on her mind.
“Since we are talking about serious things, there is something you should know,” she says as Katie continues to cling to her.
“Yes?” I ask, looking at her.
“I'm pregnant. And since you're the only one I've been with, it's yours,” she admits. I can see the worry and fear in her eyes. She's trying her best to hold steady. “I didn't tell you right away because of my encounter with Isabel, where she told me you were cheating and everything. I was foolish to believe it at first, but now I know it was all lies. Can you ever forgive me?” Cece asks softly.
I'm trying to process everything, but there is only one thought in my mind. I am calm and self-assured as I reply to her. “Of course, I can.” I see her smile with relief. “But, in the future, we need to trust each other completely. Since we are going to be husband and wife, the only way a marriage will work is with complete trust,” I explain.
Her smile turns to surprise. “Are you asking me to marry you?” she asks, shocked.
Now is the time to be truthful. “Yes, in fact, I'm begging you. Not only are you carrying my child, but Katie also adores you and loves you. Much like I do. I couldn't think of a woman more perfect to be a mother and wife. I don't want anyone else but you. Please say, yes?” I plead while gently holding her free hand. I look at her with a hopeful expression.
Cece looks at Katie and me. After a moment, she turns her gaze back to me. “Yes!” she says with a smile. I lean forward and give her a soft kiss. I'm so happy.
“Can we go home now?” Katie asks.
“Of course, sweetie,” I reply. I surprise all of us by picking Katie up and carrying her to the car.
“Is Cece going to be my new mommy?” Katie asks.
“Yes,” Cece and I reply. We both look at each other and smile.