Chapter 83. Better Now Than Later

TARA

“You know how Aidan has been here for a very long time making sure that we’re okay, we’re happy, and we have everything we need?” Nadia’s eyes brightened as she stared between me and Aidan, nodding. “Good. And how a dad always does these things because that’s what they’re supposed to do?”

Nadia’s smile faltered, mirroring her confusion now. I quickly went on. “It happens that Aidan is your dad, just like you’ve always wished. He always has been, and he’s here for you now.” My forehead had gone clammy with the tension of the moment, and I felt my heartbeat thrashing in my ears. “How do you feel about that, baby?” I asked when Nadia hadn’t said a word for too long.

“He…Aidan is my daddy?” Nadia’s voice was unrecognizable. Small, and unsure.

Aidan answered this time, cautiously. “Yes, Nadia, I’m your daddy.”

I’d thought about how this was going to play out in my head, and thought about the many scenarios in all directions that this could take.