Page 59 of My Ex-Boyfriend's Daddy

“Let me see the little bump.”

Sidney smiles into the camera and raises the hem of her shirt. I feel my eyes burn as I see her stomach and the tiny bulge where my child lies. I sit in silence for a while.

“I’ll send it to you if you like,” Michelle says softly.

“Thank you. I would appreciate it.” I slide the envelope across to Michelle and she places it in her purse. “Does she suspect anything?”

“Nope. I’m being quite discreet.”

“And she doesn’t wonder where you’re getting all this money from to spend on her.”

“I have several ‘wealthy’ clients who just happen to have a ton of baby stuff they need to give away. And they know my best friend is expecting.”

“Suppose she wants to meet her benefactors to express her appreciation?”

“I’ll cross that bridgeifI get there.” Michelle winks and I smile. “Thank you for reaching out to me to do this for Sidney. She’s too damn stubborn for her own good.”

“That, we know.”

“How is Grant doing?”

“He’s much better. He’s got a few more weeks to go but he’s making good progress. I should be seeing him this evening as a matter of fact.”

“That’s good to know.” She stands and shoulders her purse. “Thanks again, Archer.”

“It’s me who should be thankful. I just wish she would allow me to be, to bethere.”

“I know. But let’s give her some more time. I’ll keep you posted.”

I watch Michelle leave and sigh. It was a stroke of genius when I thought of reaching out to her when Sidney refused to take my calls. Together, we decided how I could help Sidney financially until I could work myself up to taking a stand and winning her back. I just wanted to get Grant better before I refocused on Sidney.

I finish my reports for the day and soon head out. The evenings are getting a little warm even though it is the end of February so I only need a light coat. When I get to the center, I head straight to Grant’s room. I frown when I see it empty. I go down to the lounge and find Grant at the air hockey table. I stand back a bit and watch as he plays.

He has filled out a lot in the past weeks. His hair, which had grown stringy from malnutrition, is thicker and has a sheen to it. It reminds me of when he was a child. His skin has a healthy glow now and his eyes are alive. More importantly, he is close to being one hundred percent clean.

I hear him laugh and it’s a musical sound that melts my heart. He sounds – happy. Someone nudges him and points in my direction. He turns and his smile widens. He excuses himself from the game and walks over to me.

“Dad!”

He hugs me tightly and I return the embrace. “How are you, Grant?”

We walk out of the room and head down to his room.

“I’m good. Dr. Ferguson came and saw me today and he says I’ve made a lot of progress since the last time he saw me.”

We sit on the window seat and look out over the garden below.

“That’s good. Grant, I’m so proud of you.”

He looks down shyly and color stains his cheeks. “I’m really trying,” he says softly.

“That’s all I ask.”

“Dad?”

“Yes?”

“I-I hate to sound like a scratched record. But thanks for everything. You paid off my debt with Spike and got him off my case. I’m so grateful to you for not giving up on me, even when I gave up on myself. When I left your house that night, I was on a suicide mission. And that night when I called Sidney, I was planning to overdose. But I passed out before I could.” His voice breaks. “I can’t imagine what would have happened if I had been successful.”

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