Cherished (Wanted #4)(61)
Author: Kelly Elliott

“How did you get through the gate?” Jeff asked.

His dad let out a small laugh. “Well, it was open, and I just drove down the driveway.”

Oh my god. I put my hand up to my mouth as I thought about Sharon calling earlier and asking if she could stop by. I’d opened the gate, so she could just drive in. I’d totally forgotten.

Shit! Sharon’s coming over! I looked over at the clock. Jesus H. Christ, she’ll be here any minute.

I peeked in on the kids. Grace was dipping her finger in the cereal and looking at it, and Luke was eating his yogurt, still in heaven.

I walked up behind Jeff and put my hand on his shoulder. He didn’t bother to turn around.

“What do you want? Why are you here?” Jeff asked.

His father took a deep breath and slowly let it out. “I know I’m probably the last person you want to see, but I wanted to talk to you and Ellie. Your mother—”

“She’s moved on and has finally gotten over you. She’s getting married, and I seriously doubt she wants to see you.”

The sadness in Jeff’s father’s eyes almost made me feel sorry for him.

He nodded his head. “Your mother was my first love, Jefferson. I loved her with all my heart, and I still do.”

“Did you let Angie know how much you loved Mom while you fucked her behind Mom’s back?”

“Jeff,” I whispered.

His dad looked down. “It’s just…we had you when we were so young, and I was so scared. I felt like I had so much more in life to do, and I felt…trapped. Angie was my only way out. I never loved her like I loved your mother.”

Jeff let out a gruff laugh. “You sure have a funny way of showing your love.”

Just then, Luke came running out. “Daddy!” he screamed as he ran and grabbed on to Jeff’s leg.

The look on Jeff’s father’s face when he saw Luke made me so sad. I silently thanked God for my parents and their unconditional love.

“Your son?” Jeff’s dad said as his voice cracked.

Jeff turned and looked at me. I could see the confusion in his eyes.

He slowly turned back to his father. “Yes. I also have a daughter.”

Shit! Grace! I spun around and ran back into the kitchen.

As soon as I saw her, I busted out laughing. She had cereal everywhere, and she gave me the biggest smile ever.

I walked over to her and smiled down at her. “If I didn’t love you so much…”

I began cleaning her up as I heard Jeff talking to his father in the living room.

He needs to leave—like right now!

“Jeff, I need your help in here… now, please,” I called out.

Jeff came walking into the kitchen, holding Luke in his arms, and he just looked at me. “What in the fuck?” he said.

I knew it wasn’t because Grace was covered in baby food.

“I know, but listen, your mom is going to be here any minute. You need to get him out of here, Jeff—like now!”

Then, the doorbell rang.

Jeff closed his eyes. “Fuck. Me.” He turned and walked out of the kitchen.

I moved with lightning speed to clean up Grace. I heard Jeff telling his dad that he shouldn’t have just shown up like this. Then, I heard Jeff opening the front door. I grabbed Grace and practically ran out into the hallway to the front door.

I stopped in my tracks when I saw Sharon, Ellie, and Alex. “Oh no,” I whispered. We’re about to have a little family reunion.

“Um…Mom, Ells…can I talk to you outside?” Jeff asked.

I glanced over to his father sitting on the sofa. I couldn’t help but notice how sad he was. Serves his ass right for what he did to all three of them.

“Why? What’s wrong?” Ellie asked.

Ellie could always tell when Jeff was upset or worried. Nothing got by her as far as he was concerned.

“Ells…let’s just…”

Sharon looked at him as she tilted her head. “Jeff, what’s going on? Your face is white as a ghost.” She peeked over Jeff’s shoulder and saw me standing there. She smiled when she saw Grace kicking and holding her arms out for her. She pushed Jeff out of the way and started to walk in.

“Mom…really, I think it’s best if we step outside for a minute.”

“Nonsense. I want to see my grandchildren and…” Her voice trailed off as she looked into the living room. “Brian? Is everything alright?” she asked in a whispered voice.

“Sharon, I’m so sorry. I had no idea you would be here,” Brian said as he slowly stood and started wringing his hands together.

Ellie came barreling in and stopped right behind Sharon. She stood there and just stared at her father. He smiled when he saw her, and when he looked down at Alex, he smiled bigger.

“Why are you here? How dare you come back into our lives! Haven’t you caused us all enough trouble? You need to go…right now!” Ellie shouted, scaring both Grace and Alex.

Sharon turned around and shook her head. She took a crying Alex out of Ellie’s arms. “Shh…baby girl, it’s okay. Ellie, please, honey, calm down.”

Jeff walked in and set Luke down.

He immediately ran up to Sharon. “Alwex! Alwex!”

Sharon put Alex down, and Alex and Luke both hugged each other. I quickly looked up at Brian, who seemed to have tears in his eyes. I glanced over to Jeff, and he looked more confused than angry.

“Luke, Alex…come on, y’all. Let’s go into Luke’s room and play!” I said, trying to be all cheery and shit.

Luke and Alex took off for the playroom, and I followed behind them. As I looked back, I saw Sharon turn toward Jeff and Ellie.

“Kids, your father and I need to tell you something.”

Holy shit. Sharon wasn’t at all surprised to see Jeff’s dad. Shit! Why can’t it be nap time?

I stood there and just stared at my mother. Why is she not surprised to see my father?

I glanced over at him, and he looked exactly like I remembered…but older…and sadder. His eyes were filled with sadness.

Good, I hope his life has been miserable—that bastard!

“Mom…why are you not surprised to see him?” Jeff asked.

My mother walked over and stood next to our father.

Oh god…she’s not leaving Philip for our father, is she?

“Ellie, sweetheart, calm the thoughts in your head. I see you thinking a mile a minute.”

I shook my head. “Mom…are you leaving Philip for…for him?” I pointed to the man standing in front of me.