Cherished (Wanted 4)

Jeff’s dad is here? What in the hell is he doing here? How did he get through the gate?

I stood there, frozen. I quickly looked at Grace and then Luke. Luke was eating his yogurt and lost in his food. I grabbed the bowl of cereal and set it in front of Grace.

Oh Jesus, I’m setting myself up for a mess.

I walked around the corner and saw Jeff still standing at the door. He hadn’t asked his dad to come in.

“How did you get through the gate?” Jeff asked.

His dad let out a small laugh. “Well, it was open, and I just drove down the driveway.”

Oh my god. I put my hand up to my mouth as I thought about Sharon calling earlier and asking if she could stop by. I’d opened the gate, so she could just drive in. I’d totally forgotten.

Shit! Sharon’s coming over! I looked over at the clock. Jesus H. Christ, she’ll be here any minute.

I peeked in on the kids. Grace was dipping her finger in the cereal and looking at it, and Luke was eating his yogurt, still in heaven.

I walked up behind Jeff and put my hand on his shoulder. He didn’t bother to turn around.

“What do you want? Why are you here?” Jeff asked.

His father took a deep breath and slowly let it out. “I know I’m probably the last person you want to see, but I wanted to talk to you and Ellie. Your mother—”

“She’s moved on and has finally gotten over you. She’s getting married, and I seriously doubt she wants to see you.”

The sadness in Jeff’s father’s eyes almost made me feel sorry for him.

He nodded his head. “Your mother was my first love, Jefferson. I loved her with all my heart, and I still do.”

“Did you let Angie know how much you loved Mom while you fucked her behind Mom’s back?”

“Jeff,” I whispered.

His dad looked down. “It’s just…we had you when we were so young, and I was so scared. I felt like I had so much more in life to do, and I felt…trapped. Angie was my only way out. I never loved her like I loved your mother.”

Jeff let out a gruff laugh. “You sure have a funny way of showing your love.”

Just then, Luke came running out. “Daddy!” he screamed as he ran and grabbed on to Jeff’s leg.

The look on Jeff’s father’s face when he saw Luke made me so sad. I silently thanked God for my parents and their unconditional love.

“Your son?” Jeff’s dad said as his voice cracked.

Jeff turned and looked at me. I could see the confusion in his eyes.

He slowly turned back to his father. “Yes. I also have a daughter.”

Shit! Grace! I spun around and ran back into the kitchen.

As soon as I saw her, I busted out laughing. She had cereal everywhere, and she gave me the biggest smile ever.

I walked over to her and smiled down at her. “If I didn’t love you so much…”

I began cleaning her up as I heard Jeff talking to his father in the living room.

He needs to leave—like right now!

“Jeff, I need your help in here… now, please,” I called out.