Suspicions

He arrived just as she was coming home from work.


She apologized for running him away like she did. And invited him to make himself at home.



Which, of course, he did.


Much to certain people’s chagrin.


The next morning he woke up to see Zelda’s sister holding a little surprise.


Breegan was stunned. Her name was Tricia…his first daughter.


She was a squealing, happy baby with bright eyes and soft skin.



Breegan—of course—loved her right away. He held her close, ignoring the Brother-in-Law who was standing by watching Breegan like he was a criminal or something. He spent the whole of the morning talking to and playing with Tricia while the Brother-in-Law hovered over them practically growling. He followed Breegan into the guest room where Breegan had a quick nap…


…Or tried to at least.


One can’t get much sleep when there is a guy with a wrench growling at you. Besides, Breegan had to leave anyway. There was somewhere he had to be. And now that he had baby Tricia, Zelda probably needed to come with him after all.


He went to Zelda to pop the question: Would she and baby Tricia move in with him.


Not only did she say no, she balked at the idea. Breegan noticed the Brother-In-Law smirking at them.


Breegan tried for a kiss, but she backed away. She was staying here, she said—in her home. Breegan reminded her of the fact that this same family was trying to kick her out only a few, freaking days ago. What was up?


Then the Brother-In-Law and Sister rounded on him. Kaylynn told them all about Breegan, they said. She was sorry for trying to get rid of Zelda, the Brother-In-Law said, especially since Zelda was so beautiful and wonderful and…his voice trailed off and this twinkle came to his eye. A very suspicious twinkle.


Breegan reminded this jerk that he was Tricia’s father and he wasn’t about to let his daughter be raised by a bunch of snobs who couldn’t cook. The Brother-In-Law shook his finger in Breegan’s face. Biology didn’t make a father, he fumed. He was going to be Tricia’s father from now on and he would do a much better job!


He ran Breegan out of the house with his wrench. A fuming Breegan mounted his bike. What was wrong with the world? Forget it, he was going home. Enough time had passed. The angry text messages had stopped. The furious calling had ceased. His most precious Causes were at home waiting…Faithful…Committed….


…


Next: The A Word
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