𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝒎𝒖𝒓𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝐶𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑠 𝐾𝑛𝑜𝑐𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔

𝐷𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑡 𝑓𝑎𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟

Charlie Hendersons pov

13 years later....(𝑃𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑑𝑎𝑦)

Being a lawyer can be an exhausting and time-consuming endeavor, often making it easy to lose sight of what truly matters-like my daughter, Cara. Years ago, I entrusted Rory with her care, but he quickly became more than just a nanny; he stepped into the role of the father she needed, the one I should have been from the beginning.

I took a few days off, eager to catch up with Cara before she graduated. Time had slipped away so fast, and I knew that no apology would ever be enough to make up for the moments I had missed.

As I walked into the house, the rich aroma of ribs greeted me, wrapping around me like a warm hug. The vibrant sound of music filled the air, and there was Rory, enthusiastically taking ribs out of the oven, their thick glaze glistening almost temptingly under the kitchen light.

"Hey, Charlie!" he called out, flashing that infectious smile of his. He wore a silly apron and a chef's hat, making it hard not to laugh at the contrast of his playful demeanor in the midst of my chaotic life.

I nodded, setting my briefcase and shoes by the door, already imagining sinking my teeth into those tender ribs.

"Did you take the weekend off?" Rory shouted over the increasing volume of the music. I nodded, running my fingers through my slicked-back hair, already feeling the need for a refreshing shower.

Rory hummed as he stirred something in a pot, still retaining that same youthful spirit I had first met in the bar years ago, his hair slowly growing back, standing a bit taller, yet still the same man I knew.

"Cara?" I asked, and Rory pointed up the stairs. I made my way to her room, knocking softly on the door.

"Come in," she called from the other side.

I opened the door, finding her on her bed, lost in her thoughts. Her room was a mix of books and stuffed animals, surprisingly free of any pink-an unexpected revelation to my infrequent visits.

"Hey," I said, sitting beside her. She quickly shut the notebook she had been writing in, her eyes curious and alert.

"Hey..." She tucked the notebook behind her, and I tilted my head, a question forming in my mind.

"What were you writing?"

With a sigh, she revealed the notebook again, opening it to show me scrawled questions-questions that pierced my heart.

1. Who is my father?
2. Where is my mother?
3. Who is Travis Crashaw?
4. How does sex work?
5. Why was I raised so differently?

I took a deep breath, absorbing the weight of her inquiries. I could see the curiosity in her beautiful brown eyes, and I knew she was ready for answers.

"First of all," I began, "I'm your father. It's hard to believe it, but it's true. My work consumes so much of my time, and I've relied on nannies like Rory to compensate for my absence. I let him step into the role of the father you needed, and I'm truly sorry it wasn't me."

Tears glistened in her eyes, a reflection of the years I had missed. Nineteen years flashed in my mind, and I finally noticed how much she had grown-her long, black hair cascading down her back, her beauty striking me anew.

"Second question," I continued, "your mother left the day after you were born. She was gone from the hospital before I could even reach her, and despite my efforts, I've never been able to find her."

I didn't share the darker parts of that story; some truths were too painful to voice, especially now.

"Thank you... for not leaving me completely," she murmured softly, and I took her hands, kissing them gently.

"I will never leave you," I promised, and she nodded, reassured.

"The third question," I said, pausing. "Travis Crashaw was a criminal I prosecuted years ago for murder. His brother is still out there, but they won't come near you, I promise. You need to know that your past doesn't define your future."

She nodded again, and I could see her processing my words.

"For your fourth question..." I hesitated, feeling the awkwardness of discussing such a personal topic with my daughter. "When a man and a woman love each other-"

"I get that it happens when people love each other, but... how?" Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment, mirroring my own discomfort.

"The man... well, you don't really need to know all the details. Just remember, protect yourself and wait for someone who truly deserves you, okay?"

She nodded, clearly deep in thought, and I continued.

"You were raised differently because I couldn't give you the life you deserved. I just hope you know that being different doesn't mean you can't create a better future."

The weight of those words lingered in the air, and I hoped she understood the truth behind them.