The Deep End (Frank Adler/Gifted Fanfiction)

In My Heart: Part 2 "Namesake"

"Because I am adorable." Mary dryly quipped with a mischievous smile.

"You are." Frank smiled as he admired the young woman that Mary was quickly becoming. "But I was really worried that I might mess things up with her eventually...and that...well, and then you'd end up losing her. You guys bonded so quickly. You started calling her mom before we adopted Mellie and before we had even got engaged. It was risky, but seeing the way things turned out..."

"Even if you did mess things up, Joey would still be my mom." Mary informed him as she took his hand. "Just like you'll always be my dad."

Frank felt his heart stop as he looked down at his niece. He had no idea what to say to that, but he knew that this was a monumental occasion for both of them and didn't want to say the wrong thing. Luckily, Mary sweetly smiled up at him and addressed her confession so he wouldn't have to.

"I know that we've never really talked about it...about the fact that I never called you dad growing up. You've always been just 'Frank' to me." Mary shrugged. "But in my heart, you've always been my dad. You've been the best dad I could have wanted."

"It doesn't matter what you call me, Mary." Frank grinned to keep the tears from falling from his eyes. "We're bigger than that, we always have been. But you'll always be the best thing that ever happened to me, you know that?" Frank confessed, his serious voice a near whisper.

"Me?" Mary tried to clarify in disbelief. So many wonderful things have happened in the last few years, Mary just didn't feel worthy of such an honor.

"You." Frank smiled down to her as he tucked some of her blonde hair behind her ear. "Man, you've gotten so big. You were always a blessing, Mary. I'm sorry if you ever felt otherwise...I made so many mistakes."

"Everyone makes mistakes." Mary assured him, sounding exactly like Joey. "But I always knew that you loved me."

"Good." Frank smirked at her matter of fact answer. "I owe so much to you, Mary. Without you, we wouldn't have the family that we have today. We never would have met Joey and Sam and then met your little sister. The baby wouldn't even be here if you didn't come into my life. I'm so proud of you kiddo. In my heart, you've always been my daughter. Always."

"Thank you." Mary sighed as she cleared her throat and tried not to cry. "Thank you so much."

"For what?"

"For my childhood."

"Mary." Frank sighed as he tried to blink away his tears. This was a huge emotional day for everyone and he wasn't sure how much more he could bare without breaking. "You're eleven, your childhood isn't over yet; not by a long shot."

"Maybe, but thank you for wanting me before anyone knew I was smart." Mary bravely continued with her bottom lip trembling. "And for everything that we went through when I started school. I know that Evelyn taking you to court wasn't easy. And then, afterwards, trying to keep up with my schooling and the piano lessons and stuff. I know I'm not like normal kids, it's gotta be hard for you. Sam and Mellie must be a lot easier to deal with."

"Do you have any idea how proud I am of you? I wouldn't change you for anything in the world." Frank admitted with an open heart. "Neither would your mom."

"Do you mean Joey or my real mom?" Mary carefully asked.

"Both." Frank answered quickly and with authority. "Diane wanted you to have a normal, happy life. And everything that she wanted for you is happening even though you're still studying. She'd be so damn proud of how cool you are, sweetheart. And you already know how Joey feels about you; you're her hero. She wouldn't change a hair on your head. She's always wanted you shine and to be yourself."