"I walked back into the living room. The door bell rang. I was already up. "I'll get it."

"Who could that be?" I wasn't expecting anyone. I forgot to check through the peephole to see who it was and just opened the door.

"What are you doing here?!!!" 

"It is good to see you too, Layla."

My eyes all of a sudden flooded with tears. "You have some nerve showing up at my house after 4 years!! And, how did you find my address? It is listed as private. How would your 'wife' feel?"

Austin's POV

Gosh, Layla is still as beautiful as she was four years ago. That was stupid of me to do that. "I have my ways. Besides, you stopped answering my calls, so I wanted to see if you were okay."

"I'm fine. Now that you know, go away and leave me alone!" 

"You are standing here crying. You are not okay. I know you, remember?"

"If you are here to take my daughter from me, then you are in for a battle!"

"We had a daughter?"

"We didn't have anything. I gave birth to my daughter. You were just the sperm donor. You waited four freaking years to show up?!! You missed so many special moments in her life - her birth, 1st birthday, first words! And you know what else, Mr. Mitchell? She just started asking me recently where her father was! She sees other girls with their daddy and it hurts me to the core for her to go through that! It was hard telling her that her dad wanted nothing to do with her!!!"

"That's not true, Layla. When you told me, I was in shock. I couldn't handle the news that you were pregnant."

"And, how in the world did you think I felt being pregnant and alone? Thank goodness my parents helped me. Look, can we not do this now? I have company in my house who want to put your head on a stick! And, that includes me." 

I heard the sound of little feet running towards the door.

"Mommy! Mommy! I finished eating my sandwich."

Then, I saw the cutest little girl standing before me. She is just as beautiful as Layla. She looked up and said, "Hi. You know my mommy?"

I couldn't believe I left her and this beautiful little girl by themselves. Layla was pissed. 

"Hi there. Yes, I know your mommy. My, you are very pretty. What is your name?"

I knelt down to her and she said, "Braelyn." 

"That is a pretty name for a pretty girl." She started blushing.

"What did mommy teach you to say, Brae?"

"Thank you."

"You're welcome, Braelyn." Then she ran back inside the house.

"She is beautiful, Layla. I'm sorry I missed out on her first four years of life. I really am. Please let me be there for her now? That is all I want. I don't want to take her from you. I promise. Can I spend some time with her tomorrow?"

"What is your wife going to say?"

"The day you left my house, Sabrina gave me back my ring and she left also. I did get married, but to someone else two years ago. She saw a picture that I had of the two of us. She asked who you were. I told her what happened. She was actually disappointed and upset with me about what I did."

"Last year, she was in a serious car accident. While in the hospital, she told me, "I don't think I am going to make it, Austin. Promise me that you will go be with your daughter. And, also beg Layla for forgiveness. You and I both know you belong together. She is a beautiful person to take care of her daughter by herself. Show them both the love and affection they deserve."

"The next morning, she died from her injuries. I know there is probably zero chance of us getting back together. But, all I ask is to be in Braelyn's life." 

"I'm sorry your wife passed. And, you are right, there is no way I could think about getting back with you. That hurt me so much knowing that you lied to me."

"I have always wanted to see Braelyn. My wife also told me, 'A child should have both parents in their life. Go spend time with your daughter. And, spend time with Layla.'"

"I will allow you to be a part of Braelyn's life because she deserves it. So, you can come over tomorrow and we can have lunch so you can break the news to her. You are going to be the one to explain to her why she missed her daddy for four years. She turns 5 years old in August."

"Of course. Thank you Layla for the chance to be in her life. It means a lot to me. I will be here at 1:00 pm tomorrow." I turned around and started walking back to my truck. Once inside, looked back and noticed Layla closed the door. Before I pulled off, I pondered, "I hope we can be a family one day, Layla. You were the one I should have married in the first place. You, Braelyn, and myself - that would be perfect. I just need to give her time and prove that I can be a great father. And, an even greater husband." Then, I drove towards my home.
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Layla's POV

When I walked back in the living room, my mom saw me crying.

"That was Austin, wasn't it?"

"Yes, it was."

"Well, what did you tell him?"

"I told him he can be in Braelyn's life. But, as for us, that can never happen again."

Jamala chimed in. "Never say never, Layla. You may say it now, but things could change along the way."

"That actually happened to a co-worker of mine. She said that exact same thing about her ex. He eventually became her husband." Sophie added.

"Granted, we do not like him for what he did. But it could definitely happened. Your father and I are the perfect example. I was the one who cheated on him before you were born."

"You mom?" 

"Yes, Layla. It was the stupidest mistake I ever made. I begged and begged him to take me back. He made me wait 2 years before he took me back. We have been together since then. Answer this, do you still have feelings for him?"

"Seeing him again, I can say yes. But, right now, I can't. It still hurts. I just don't know." I went to my room to take a shower and then went back downstairs. I ran to the grocery store for what I needed for lunch. After purchasing what I needed, I went back home to be with my friends. We spent the evening watching movies and eating junk food.
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Sunday morning

I am nervous about how this lunch is going to go. Braelyn and I ate breakfast. Then, I gave her a bath. Afterwards, she picked out her favorite t-shirt - a pink, Princess Tiana shirt I bought for her. She put on her navy jeans and sneakers. It was a spring day in NY and it happen to be cool. I told her to go watch television. Now, it was my turn to get ready.

I wore a pair of black yoga pants, a purple tank top and my sneakers. Then, I went to join Braelyn on the couch. "What are you watching, baby girl?"

"Dora, mommy." I sat and watched Dora with her until about noon.

For lunch, I am grilling cheeseburgers and corn on the cob. Then, Brae's favorite dish, mac and cheese. While I put the mac in the oven, I went outside to fire up the grill. That's right, I am a grilling girl. My dad taught me how to grill. Once, I got them started, I came inside for the cheese. "Brae, baby, do you want cheese on your burger?"

"Yes, mommy."

I heard a knock on the front door. This time I looked through the peephole. It was Austin, so I opened the door.

"Come in." He brought white roses and a teddy bear.

"The roses are for you and the teddy bear is for Braelyn."

"Thanks. You remembered white roses were my favorite. Thank you."

"You're welcome."

Just as I was about to close the door, my neighbor across the street was at it again. I told Austin to turn around. "See that house across the street? There is a different woman that comes out that house almost every day. Just plain, old disgusting. I haven't seen the guy that lives there yet though. Can you close the door for me? I need to check on the burgers."

"Sure."

"Thanks." I made a mad dash to the backyard. Everything that I cooked on the grill was done. So, I took them off and brought them inside. "Oh shoot." I forgot the cheese. I had made enough burgers so I grabbed the cheddar cheese. I put some of them in a frying pan on the stove. The mac and cheese is almost done. Once the burgers were done, I placed them on a plate and headed to the dining room table. The roses he gave me I put them in a vase in the center of the table.

I went to join Brae and Austin in the living room to watch television. "Lunch is almost ready. I am just waiting for the mac & cheese."

"Yay! Mommy made mac & cheese!" He looked at me, "She loves mac and cheese. And, it has to be homemade." Speaking of, timer just went off. "Baby girl, go wash your hands and then go to the table."

"Yes, mommy." She got up to go wash her hands. "I'll go wash mine too." He followed Brae.

I went to the kitchen to take my mac and cheese out of the oven. It was nice and cheesy, just the way my baby girl likes it. Then, I found my oven mitts and carried the mac to the dining room table. I went to wash my hands and then came back to the table. "Brae, pass me your plate please." She gave me her plate and I put a cheeseburger, piece of corn and some mac on her plate. "Thank you, mommy." Then, I fixed my plate. Austin then fixed his plate.

Austin's POV

I figured I would wait until after lunch to break the news to Braelyn. Seeing Layla again made me realize again how totally stupid I was for hurting her when she needed me the most. I will do all I can to have them both back in my life. And, she must still work out because, dang, she is wearing the heck out of those yoga pants and tank top. They accentuate her curves, firm booty, and perky breasts. "Calm down, Austin. I should be grateful she let me see Braelyn. Man, I need a cold shower." Every time looked over to her that is all I thought.

"I'll be back with dessert." She got up from the table and collected the dirty dishes from the three of us. As she walked away, I couldn't help but look. "Yup, I need a cold shower."

"Braelyn's favorite dessert is strawberry ice cream and chocolate cake. I didn't have time to make a cake, so I bought it yesterday from the store."

"That's fine." After we had ice cream and cake, it was time to let her know that I am her father. Layla and I nodded at each other. "Brae, baby, go over to Mr. Austin. He wants to tell you something very important." She came over and looked me in my eyes.

"Braelyn, your mommy told me you always ask her about your daddy. How would you like to meet him?"

She had the biggest smile on her face. "You know my daddy?"

"I sure do. And, he wants to apologize to you. He wants you to know that he is sorry for missing out on your first four years of life. He selfishly never came to see you." I started to cry because I meant every word I said. "He missed giving you kisses and hugs. He missed wiping away your tears when you cry. He missed you being born. And, he misses being there for you and your mommy."

"Can I meet my daddy?"

The moment of truth is here. "Princess, I am your daddy."

She held her arms out for me to pick her up and I did. She looked at Layla, then looked back at me. "Brae, sweetheart, Mr. Austin is your daddy." Layla expressed through her tears.

She looked me in my eyes again and asked, "You're my daddy?"

"Yes, I am princess."

Braelyn wiped the tears that were left in my eyes. "Don't cry daddy." Then, Braelyn gave me a kiss and hug. "Love you, daddy."

Layla excused herself from the table. She was crying like crazy.

"I love you too, Braelyn."

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The rest of the day, I learned about Braelyn's likes and dislikes. She likes to draw, grilled cheese is her favorite sandwich, she likes to swim with Layla, and her favorite movie is The Princess & The Frog. She doesn't like naps, she has asthma, she is allergic to peanuts and does not like apples. She starts kindergarten in September.

"So, you are the owner of 'Layla's Fashion House?'"

"Yup, that's me. My parents helped me to get started the year I was pregnant with Braelyn. There are now locations in Maryland, California, Texas, and here in NYC. My advisors tell me that we can even expand into Europe. Maybe one day, but not now. My baby girl means the world to me and I want to spend as much time with her as I can."

"My mom shops in the NYC location all the time. She always recommends the shop to her friends."

"Make sure to tell her I said thank you for her support."

I couldn't stop staring at her and she noticed.

"I'll be right back." Then, Layla got up off the couch and left for a bit.

Braelyn was sitting on the floor drawing a picture.

"Daddy, look at my picture I drew for you." She got up and handed me the picture. "Princess, who is in the picture?" I already knew but wanted to hear it from her. "Daddy, it is me, you and mommy. You so silly."

"What would you guys like for dinner? It is almost dinner time."

"Chicken nuggets and fries, mommy."

"I'll have to go to McDonald's. Do you want anything, Austin?"

"I'll have the same thing."

"Braelyn, mommy is going to McDonald's. Daddy will watch you, okay?"

"Okay, mommy." Then, Layla grabbed her keys and wallet and left.

We just turned on the television until Layla came back. She put in her favorite movie. Within the time Layla left, Braelyn started yawning. As soon as she came back, she noticed Braelyn was sleepy-eyed.

"She usually takes a nap, but didn't take one today. Brae, chicken nuggets are here."

She got up and followed Layla to the table. We sat and ate our nuggets and fries - talking and laughing. I observed both of them and how they interacted with each other. "What a fool I was."

We sat there for about an hour and Braelyn started yawning again. "Mommy, I'm sleepy."

"I'll carry you upstairs. Say good night to your daddy."

"Good night, daddy." 

"Can I carry her this time?"

"Sure. I'll show you her room." So, I carried Braelyn and followed Layla. Her room has a pink door. "Pink is her favorite color and that's what she wanted."

"Braelyn, go change into your night clothes." She ran into her bathroom and changed. Five minutes later, she came back and got in the bed. "Daddy, can you read me a story?"

"Of course." There was a book on her nightstand, so I read a story from that. She fell fast asleep after 10 minutes. So, I turned off her light and made my way downstairs.

Layla was already downstairs in the living room.

"Layla, I just wanted to say thank you again. Today was special."

"You're welcome. You can come over to see her anytime. Just call me and let me know ahead of time."

I wanted to kiss her so bad, but I must resist. No matter how sexy she looks in that outfit, I must resist. "Well, I am going to say goodnight." We walked over to the front door.

"Austin, please don't break my baby's heart. She deserves to have her daddy in her life. It is bad enough you hurt me. I promise you that if you hurt her in any way, you will never see her again."

"I promise, I won't break her heart. Good night, Layla."

Layla's POV

"Good night, Austin." As he was about to walk towards his truck, I finally saw who lives in that house across the street. "Oh, you have got to be kidding me!!"

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Thank you all for reading chapter 3. 

The pictures are courtesy of Wikipedia Commons.

 And, thank you all for the votes and comments. 😘😘