"Daddy's Girl"

Chapter 6, Part 2

The biting cold winds whipped around Raeanne, but still she couldn't seem to pull herself away from the tiny headstone. She laid the tiny rose on the ground before it, and slid her hand down the marble front. "How I wish I could touch you again, Evan." she sighed, wiping stray tears from her cheeks.

"I'm sure your baby would wish the same thing, Rae, if he weren't with the Father." the deep voice made her whip around. How had he known she'd be here? Was she that apparent in her thoughts?

"I don't know what you want from me, Grayson. I had a baby, out of wedlock, I know I'm a terrible sinner. I know you most likely hate me for needing Lizzy's money. I'm so sorry, there's nothing I can do to make up for it." tears were overflowing now as she stared into the empty space around her unable to look up at her sister's husband.

A hand touched her shoulder, "It's all right, Rae, really." his voice was soft now as he knelt beside her. With his free hand he swept the tears from her face, and those grey eyes of his were centered on her.

Why did it suddenly feel like there was no air? She swallowed hard trying to dislodge the lump that now resided in her throat. "I...I've been carrying it for too long with Lizzy, and now that she's gone. I'm really by myself. I never knew a loneliness like this, Grayson, never."

In a matter of seconds things went from bad to worse as he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close, "You're not alone anymore, Rae. I'm here."

The warmth his body radiated was nothing compared to the warmth now in her heart. Was this right? More tears flowed down her cheeks wetting his jacket. She had no idea how long she sat there in his arms, until finally he pulled away, taking hold of her shoulders.

"You're coming home with us, I'm not going to leave you alone, Raeanne. You've got to trust me." his grey eyes sincere with a hint of a tear in the corner of his left one.

"All right." she sniffled, digging a tissue out of her purse. She looked around, "Where is Eva?"

He smiled as he walked toward the car, "With Mrs. Jensen."

"Mrs. Jensen? Jensen's hardware store, that Mrs. Jensen?" she pointed toward the little hardware store.

He nodded, "Yup, sorry she was the best I could do in a pinch."

For the first time that day, she found herself laughing and walking with him, her heart soared toward the heavens. Everything was going to be just fine.

"Daddy's Girl"

Chapter 6, Part 1

Grayson stood in the doorway watching the now empty road, as his mother-in-law and father-in-law stood behind him silent. Eva began to fuss, as if sensing something was wrong, and immediately the spell it seemed Raeanne held over him, was broken. "What's wrong, darlin'?" he asked, reaching his hands out to take her from Janice.

She handed over the infant, but her eyebrows were still at her hairline, and mouth wide open. "What was that? What happened? What's going on?" she asked, all of her questions jumbling together to make one word.

"I'd love to tell you, Janice, but I'm quite unsure myself." he said, discretely he tucked the tiny key into his pocket and cuddled the baby closer before pushing through his in-laws to get to the diaper bag. With one hand, he lifted the bottle from the pouch and made his way toward the kitchen to warm it.

"What do you mean you're unsure? One minute you're just having a friendly discussion with our daughter, the next she's running out. Most likely gone back home, what is going on Grayson?" demanded his father-in-law, his large fist pounding the kitchen counter.

"I was simply asking her if I could help with anything..." his voice trailed off, and he wondered about what Rae would do if her parents knew. Would they be as understanding as Elizabeth made them out to be or was Raeanne right? He didn't want to the be the one she took it out on, so he kept his mouth shut.

"Oh..I see." Janice's eyes looked weary and she leaned against her husband.

"Right, well it's been lovely, but I really should be getting home." he said, pushing past them again he grabbed up the diaper bag and headed toward the door. He had to reach Rae before she got on the road.

"Tell her we're here for her, Grayson." called his mother-in-law from the screen door.

He nodded, as he buckled the baby into her carseat and rounded the car to jump into the drivers seat. They knew him well, he'd grant them that. But, could he disclose everything to them? What would they think of Rae and Elizabeth? Would Rae ever forgive Elizabeth for keeping such records? Only one way to find out.

"Daddy's Girl"

Chapter 5, Part 2

Raeanne shifted her baby niece to her left arm, opening the door to her parents house with her right hand. "Hello! Anyone home?" she called into the empty living room, her glance being pulled from side to side as no noise greeted her.

Finally a shuffling in the kitchen caught her attention followed by a squeal, "Ohhh! My grandbaby is here! Watch out, I've got to hold her!" Rae's mom shoved past her dad and reached for the now squirming Eva.

Janice cooed and cuddled the baby, showing off the pretty little dress she wore to the 'little darling's' grandfather. The two looked as if they'd never seen a baby before. Jealousy boiled to the surface inside of Raeanne, she never remembered her parents being like that over her. Always Elizabeth, and now Elizabeth's baby. A niggling question rose from in the back of her brain somewhere, Would they have been that way with Evan? All of a sudden it was as if Rae was fighting off the well known tiny angel and demon on each shoulder. The angel chimed in, No darling, they love you just as much as your sister and would love your baby just as much as they love little Eva. While the demon chuckled, slapping his knee, They don't care about you, or your fatherless dead child. Your sister has always been their favorite, and even dead she outranks you.

She burned with anger, and couldn't help herself. Tossing down the diaper bag onto the couch with unnecessary force, she ran up the stairs toward her childhood bedroom. "Why?" she demanded as she flopped onto the bed.

A knock on the door snapped her to attention, "Come in." she called, wiping at her eyes swiftly.

"Hey Rae, just thought I'd make sure everything was okay...hey, are you crying again?" it was Grayson. Of course! That man had the worst timing in the world, she was sure. Every single time she cried, he was there. But, he couldn't be some really hott, buff movie star ready to comfort her. No, it had to be her dorky brother-in-law who hated her guts. Great, just great, and just her luck.

"No, I was simply cooking some hot dogs, what does it look like I was doing, Grayson?" she demanded, tossing a pillow from her bed at him.

He chuckled and knelt down beside the bed, "I was wondering about something..I found this envelope in Lizzy's drawer. I know it wasn't any of my business, but I wondered if you'd want it...well at least some of it. One thing didn't make sense though." He held aloft a tiny bronze key.

The breath caught in her throat, one thought on her mind however, He knows. The next thought that ran through her brain was RUN!

"I..I.. I can't do this..I've got to go. Now. " With one slow motion movement after the other she grabbed up her suitcase and ran down the steps tripping over the dog in her haste to get to the door.

"Rae! Rae! Wait!" shouted Gray from the landing as he ran after her.

"Well, my lands! What's going on?" demanded her mother, baby in one arm, free hand on her hip.

"I've got to..just got to go." she said breathlessly running out of the house, letting the door slam behind her. The faster she got away, the faster she could get rid of the shame. Now everyone at home would know, Grayson would tell them all. Heaven knew he wasn't her biggest supporter. Just one more thing to hold over her head for him and her parents. Sighing, she started her car and took off toward the quickest exit out of town. This was it. Driving once more past the cemetary she bid goodbye to her son and sister and hit the road, before it was too late.

"Daddy's Girl"

Chapter 5, Part 1

Grayson adjusted the baby monitor so he could hear it if Eva should need him, before he plunged into the drawer full of Lizzy's things. He smiled at the folder full of medical reports from her doctor's visits, the ultrasound pictures of Eva. Using care, he set them aside and reached in to empty out her pairs of socks that rested atop another pile of papers. Letters from her father's sister, the only aunt she had. He frowned at the memories of her Aunt Elizabeth Rae's reaction to his call when he'd had to relay the news that Lizzy, her name sake had died. Pushing past the memories he set the letters on top of the folders.

A manilla colored envelope caught his eye and he grabbed it up curiousity bubbling up as he tore at the opening. With one hand aloft, he dumped the contents onto the bed before him. A leather bound book, two hospital bracelets, a folded piece of paper and a key fell out with a thud. Frowning again, he picked up the journal first feeling the need to be close to Lizzy, and hoping the journal would explain the random mixture of items.

October 15th

Raeanne called today, she told me she is pregnant. I was sure if I told Daddy, Mama or Grayson that not only would they be disappointed, they'd tell me not to help her. How could I leave my only sister, and that tiny life alone? How can I not help? My heart longs to be with my sister once more, I love her so much. I have missed her over the last year, the summer together was lovely. Now she has found herself in this unfortunate situation of her own making. God help me but I cannot find it in me to be upset with her.

I told her we'd work something out, a plan is already forming in my mind. I will help her, I know it'd devious and untruthful to my husband, but I'm going to support them financially. That poor baby who will never know it's father. It deserves a good life. Eventually everyone will know about him or her, but while things are like they are I will help. The bond between sisters is once more strong, strong with purpose and the future. Should this plan fail, God, please let Gray understand.

Elizabeth

His hand fumbled the book, tears burned his eyes. How could she betray him like that? Thinking he wouldn't understand was worse than the fact that she'd given money to support Rae's illegitamate pregnancy. But what had happened to the baby? Was there even a baby? His curiousity more peaked than before he fingered the tiny hospital bracelet and the bigger one. The bigger one read, Raeanne McGinty April 30th. He squinted to read the tiny bracelet which read, Evan M. McGinty, with the same date. The frown between his brows deepend. He settled onto the bed and flipped to the next page in the journal. It seemed several journal entries were regular everyday occurances, with no mention of Raeanne at all. He wondered if Lizzy had stopped writing just in case he'd stumbled onto the journal. His fears were unconfirmed though as he stumbled onto yet another. A date he remembered well.

November 26th

Today is Thanksgiving, usually it is a day that fills the McGinty home with joy and love, but this Thanksgiving was quite the opposite. Rae showed up, quite unexpectedly. I, of course, was ecstatic to see my little sister and her growing tummy. Not that I could mention this to the whole of the McGinty clan! It seemed she was bent on disagreeing with everyone to get them mad at her, just in case I had divulged any information. Her defenses were all up, she even fought with Gray. The two of them are like cats and dogs when they are put together in one room at times! I swear it! Finally, when my sister and I got some time to ourselves we got to talk like old times, things will never be the same between us, but that is okay. I still love my sister and her growing baby as well. She's already begun to think about names, possibly Elizabeth for a girl or Evan for a boy. I told her Elizabeth is such an overused, tired name! However, my sister is quite the stubborn woman. Once she gets her mind set on something it is not something one can change! Oh well, I shall pray it's a boy, for the child's own sake!

Elizabeth

His heart thudded as he lifted the paper and unfolded it, another journal entry. Why had it been removed from the journal? Automatically he knew.

April 4th

I got a call this morning from my sister, it seems something went wrong with the pregnancy. Evan Michael McGinty was born early this morning. A stillborn. I am too upset to write anymore. May the sweet nephew I never knew, rest in the arms of the Father in peace. Until I can see you once more, Evan, I love you.

Aunt Elizabeth

Folded inside the paper was another paper, a copy of a death certificate for the baby. Tears now coursed down his cheeks as he thought of the pain his sister-in-law must be in with seeing her niece without her sister or her own child. He had to show her support, could he tell her he knew? He looked down at the still mysterious item from the envelope. The key. What was it? Would Raeanne know?

--

Birthday!!!!!!

Guess who's 18 today?!

ME!

That's right, fair people of bloggerville, I (your royal writer/princess blogger) am celebrating my 18th birthday today. Yes, that is my beautiful picture, try not to stare as it will remind you of your inadequacies.

I am just kidding...wow, it's fun to write as a different person. haha. Nothin special, but today is my birthday, just thought I'd share with an actual blog! A time out, a deep breath after all the work on the three stories I'm providing for your reading enjoyment. Hours of "good, clean fun!" For the whole family, okay so maybe not the WHOLE family. Not everyone likes this sort of stuff. But..Everyone loves birthday cake sooo...




ENJOY!

Actually, this cake was already digested by my friends and family at my birthday party on Saturday. But, it's the thought that counts, right?

Lots of Love, Peace, & Birthday Cake!
Jolene

"Daddy's Girl"

Chapter 4, Part 2

Her eyes went wide, and her mouth hung open, sure it was a pretty ungraceful position to be in, but Grayson Daniels had just thanked her! Thanked her for being around, thanked her for helping with Eva, and for virtually everything else. She tried to recover, to wrap her brain around his words, but she couldn't! "I...I..I..don't know what to say! Wow, Gray.."

He smiled, "Really, you're such a blessing."

Now his words were a bit much! "Okay, that's enough, now I know you're laying it on thick!" she found herself grinning as she fed Eva her bottle. "I don't mind helping, Grayson, for as long as I'm needed or wanted as the case may be..."

"I know we've had some rough times in the past, Rae, I'll be the first to admit I've been a first class jerk to you. I'd love to have you around for as long as you're willing to stay. Eva needs her only aunt in her life, I'm certain of that." his grey eyes reflected pain as she was sure he was thinking about the mother his young daughter would never meet.

She tried to smile through the tears she felt coming yet again, "Listen, Grayson, I want to be here. I love this baby more than anything, she's the last piece of my sister that I've got." Her arms curled into the baby's softness, her hand involuntarily stroking her feather-soft hair. "She's something I've never had, a child to share things with. I doubt I ever will have a chance for a child again."

His frown deepened as he crouched down beside the rocking chair, "We need you to be here with us, Raeanne, I don't know what I was thinking. I know nothing about babies.." his voice trailed off as he looked at Eva with nothing but love.

"I can help. I need to help, I cannot leave her just yet. I'll continue to live here with my parents, and visit every chance I get." she leaned down and pressed a kiss on Eva's forehead before handing the sleeping angel over to her father.

His brow furrowed, Grayson stood with the sweet weight against him nearly tip toeing to the carrier across the room. She smiled as she watched the image of father and daughter for as long as her watery eyes would allow.

"Raeanne?" his voice came from near her ear, it startled her causing her to jump.

"What did you mean about not having a chance to have a child again? There is no way you can say that. You're a beautiful, intelligent, caring woman that any man would be lucky to marry. You'll have some children of your own, Rae, don't worry." his soft smile had her breaths coming in huffs as she tried to regulate her breathing and come up with an explanation that would work for him.

"I just..I..nothing, nevermind Grayson. I'm glad to help, let's leave it at that. We've all got skeletons in our closets, I've just got more than anyone I know. I'd rather leave them where they are than drag them out for the world to see. Now, if you don't mind, I might get a few hours of sleep before my parents get home." standing, she walked over to pick up the baby's carrier and hand it to him. "Thanks for coming over, Grayson. I'll see you tomorrow."

With that, she held the door for him and closed it behind him. Leaning her back against the closed door she breathed a sigh of relief. "That was close, too close." she said to herself, cautioning against further heart-to-hearts with her brother-in-law. No more, she decided. No more reliving the past, no more talks, no more feelings. Period.

"Daddy's Girl."

Chapter 4, Part 1

Grayson set Eva's carrier on the ground in the living room and walked up the stairs calling out for Rae, hoping she hadn't left yet. "Raeanne? Raeanne? Are you here?" With precision he checked every bedroom from top to bottom until coming to the slightly open door of her bedroom. He found her there, thrashing wildly around the bed making sobbing noises. Slowly he knelt before the bed touching her shoulder, "Rae, Rae, it's okay. It's me, Grayson." he called out in a soft voice hoping not to startle her.

Her green eyes flew open, the thrashing ceased, sweat beaded her brow, and tears swept down her cheeks like twin rivers. "What's going on?" she asked, swiping the tears from her face.

"I don't know, Rae, I think you were having a nightmare." he pulled his hand away and stood hoping to rid himself of the discomfort that now sat in his chest.

Her head bobbed up and down as she acknowledged that fact, "What time is it?" she asked, pulling her knees up to her chin as she rocked back and forth slightly a tear slid down her cheek unchecked.

Glancing at his watch he provided, "Nearly eleven now."

Her face contorted into a frown, "I wanted to be on the road by eight."

"Well, maybe you should just stay." he said, as if cued to the right moment, Eva began to cry. He felt his heart give a tug at her whimpers, and he turned on his heel and took the steps two at a time to come before his tiny blessing. "Oh, what's wrong with daddy's girl?" he cooed, lifting her from the carrier and rocking her in his arms.

Slower footfalls sounded on the steps and Raeanne came to stand behind him, "See that's where you're wrong, she's Aunty Rae's girl, and I know exactly what she needs." Stooping down, Raeanne lifted a bottle from the diaper bag and slipped past him to the kitchen to warm it up. The sound of her humming soon reached his ears and he had to ignore the homey feeling that began to wash over him.

Before too long she was back, easing the baby from his arms and taking a seat in the rocking chair to feed her niece. A slight sigh resounded in the room from Eva's little rosebud shaped lips, and he found himself smiling again. What was it about his baby that would bring a smile no matter the situation? "You were right." he conceded after watching her for a few more minutes.

"I know," she cooed, "what a hungry girl she was!"

"No, not about that," he said as the silence in the room grew, "I should have been thanking you for all you've done for us, but I've been selfish. Thank you, Raeanne, for being here."

--