Almost Easy

Chapter Fifty-Four:

Holland is supposed to arrive in a couple of days. I’m pretty sure I’m more excited for her arrival than Hayden is. Doug keeps giving me these looks like he can’t believe I’m actually going through with the matchmaking. He shouldn’t even doubt me. I’ve told him just as much.

I haven’t heard anything more from Mike, not that I really expected to. Brian hasn’t told me that he’s gone out of his way to pick any fights at school, but I really haven’t asked, either.

On the parental front, things have been quiet. That worries me. I’m enjoying the peace… while it lasts. But, I’m not naïve enough to think that they’ve actually given up. Whenever I let my guard down, is when they seem to strike. So, maybe, if I keep it up… they’ll just leave me alone. A girl can hope!

“Sweetheart, I’ve been meaning to talk to you about something.” Doug said as he leaned on my door-frame. I looked up at him and nodded.

“Shoot, Daddio,” I gave him the okay. He nodded and walked into my room. He sat down in the chair by my vanity.

“I know that it’s been a little while since we’ve had any incidents, but it really would be in your best interest if you learned to shoot.” He told me. I nodded.

“I’ve shot a gun before.” I reminded him. He seemed to think about my words for a second. “I mean, I’m not great at it, but if push comes to shove, I can put a bullet in somebody.”

“A kill shot?” He asked. I shrugged.

“Probably not, unless I got really, really lucky. I could shoot them, just not where I wanted the bullet to go…” I admitted. He nodded.

“With your recovery, I can’t take you to the range just yet, but I wanted to see if it would be something that you would be comfortable with.” He said, softly.

“Yeah, as long as you went with me. Guns make me uncomfortable. Don’t get me wrong, I’d like to know how to use one, just in case I was ever in a situation where I needed it. But… I’m a sissy.” I ended lamely.

“You’re stronger than you give yourself credit for, Sweetheart. You’ll be fine. It’s not that hard. Once you’re cleared to go about your normal activities, I’ll take you to the range. Is that alright?” He insisted. I nodded.

“Sure.” I agreed. He smiled at me.

“I want you to be able to arm yourself.”

“I have a knife... and a taser.” I admitted. He didn’t look completely surprised by my confession.

“It might not be a bad idea for you to take a few self-defense courses, either.”

“You’re so good at the over-protective father role.” I sighed.

“I’m concerned. I couldn’t handle if something happened to you and I hadn’t taken all of the precautionary steps possible to protect you. I care about you, Sweetheart.” He stood up and gave me a warm hug. I snuggled into his embrace. “I love you, Lydia. Blood or not, you and Zacky are my children. I don’t want anything to happen to you. I promise you that Doug and Derek both are going to pay dearly for the pain that they have caused you. It won’t be right away, but I guarantee that their lives will be over. Your mother is no exception. She had time to bow out, but chose to keep playing her little games, hurting you in the process.” He vowed to me. Hot tears leaked from my eyes and onto my cheeks.

“I’m so sorry that you’ve had to put up with everything. You’re such a good person. You haven’t done anything wrong. You just had the misfortune of meeting my horrible mother. You didn’t deserve to be thrown into all of this. You definitely didn’t deserve what Zacky’s mother did to you. You’re this amazing man who has done nothing but take care of me and it just feels like you’ve gotten shit in return. I will find a way to repay you. I swear I will.” I cried.

“Lydia, Sweetheart, you’ve given me more than enough in return. You’ve given me something that I’ve always wanted – a daughter. I may not have known the extent of what I was getting into, but I did have some idea. I knew the gist of the type of person your mother was and who you were. Don’t think for a second that you’re forcing me to be in the middle of something that I don’t want to be. Do you hear me? Stop chastising yourself over this. None of this is your fault. Let me help you. We’re a family now.”

“Family?” I echoed. He nodded.

“The technicalities of everything are taking a while, but we will make it official when we are able. I want to adopt you, if you’re still alright with that.” He revealed. I nodded against his chest.

“You’ll officially be a ‘Baker.’” He mused. I smiled and wiped my face, before pulling away from him. “Things are going to work out, Sweetheart.” He promised. “There was one other thing that I wanted to speak to you about.” He told me. I nodded.

“Okay…”

“I’ve spoken with your principal and I know that you were worried about not being able to graduate with your class. You’re shy two credits. If I get you a private tutor when you’re able, and you test out of the class at school, you won’t have to repeat your senior year.” He told me.

“Are you kidding me?” I asked him. He shook his head. “So, if I start now, I can graduate with the guys?” I asked him, not believing my ears. He nodded. I beamed.

“Apparently, you took extra courses in New York, more than what was required, so you’re not too many short. Everything’s going to work out.” He promised.

“I can’t believe it…” I gasped. He rendered me speechless. Right when I think that there’s nothing more he can do to prove what an awesome person he is… He does something like this. “Thank you…” I breathed. He kissed my cheek and nodded.

“You don’t have to thank me.” He told me. God, I feel like I’m going to cry again. He makes me feel like such a girl. Tears were pouring down my face. I sniffled and swiped at my cheek.

“I’m sorry.” I apologized.

“What for, Love?” He asked me.

“Crying,” I sighed.

“Don’t apologize.”

“Can’t help it, Daddio.”

“Chin up, Sweetheart. Alright?” He tried. I nodded. “Come with me. Let’s get you some ice cream.” He led me to my feet. He put his arm around my shoulders and we headed downstairs.

Notes

Holland will be in the next chapter! I smell love in the air!!:D

Thoughts? Comments?

<3 <3
Katie