Chapter 148

Lynn pulled back slightly, still smiling. “I’m glad you’re staying here with us. Daddy, that place you were living in was horrible. No one should have to live in a place like that.” When Lynn had gone with William to his apartment, the unsanitary conditions he’d been living in sickened her. The moment she stepped out of the taxi, she realized what Alexis meant when she’d said it wasn’t a safe area. Graffiti littered the rundown building and she’d wondered why the city had not condemned it. After seeing the disgusting carpeting, covered in mold and mildew, her nausea made a vicious return. She’d spent nearly fifteen minutes in the bathroom before it finally eased off again. Fresh air was impossible since a crack in the window rendered it unusable. “How long did you live there?”

“I’d been staying there for a couple years.” He shrugged, sadness lingering in his eyes. “It was all I could afford.”

“Why didn’t you come to me sooner? You knew that I had money.” Lynn maintained her careful grasp on her father’s hand. At first, she’d wondered if the only reason William suddenly showed up in her life was due to her wealth. Now, she realized that was not the case at all. Had he wanted her money he would not have lived in such conditions for so many years before approaching her.

“Honey I would never ask you for a single penny. When I came to your show, the only thing I wanted was a chance to talk to you. I lived in a place like that because when I did have extra money, I used it to buy a ticket to one of your shows. I’ve been to quite a few over the years.” He gestured towards another photo album, still in one of the boxes. “There are tons of pictures from your shows in that album.”

Lynn blinked back her tears when he leaned over to grasp the photo album, placing it into her hands. She opened it, flipping through the various pictures. “Wow. How many of my shows did you go to?”

“I went to every single show you had in New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut. There were a few in other states, too. Your voice…night after night I would watch you on that stage. I felt so proud of you. For years, I’ve tried to get up enough courage to approach you. I admit that I was a bit intimidated,” he laughed.

Lynn smiled faintly. “I do come across as unapproachable sometimes. I think I’ve gotten better since meeting Alexis.”

“If I had approached you sooner, would you have spoken with me?”

“Honestly,” Lynn looked up, releasing a shaky breath. “I’m not sure what I would have done.” In truth, if William had approached her a few years ago, she knew what she would have probably done. Back then, there was no way she would have given him the time of day. “For years, I didn’t give anyone the time of day.”

He touched Lynn’s cheek. “I appreciate the fact that you invited me to live here, but you really didn’t have to do that.”

“You’re wrong about that. I did have to. Up until I was sixteen, you were the one who put food on the table for me. You bought my clothes. You stayed up with me when I was sick. When I woke up in tears from my nightmares, you were the one who held me. I owe you for all of that.” Her hand moved to caress her stomach, an unconscious gesture she seemed to do excessively the more her abdomen grew. “Most of all, I did it because I love you. Alexis and the girls adore you too.”

William exhaled, his eyes focusing on Lynn’s hand movements, watching as she continued to stroke her belly. He doubted she even realized how much she performed that very action. “You have turned into such a remarkable woman. I remember when you were a child. I believe you were about seven years old at the time. You waltzed into the kitchen wearing a pair of star shaped sunglasses and told us you were going to be a star. I laughed and of course, your mom didn’t even hear you. I think she was too busy talking to one of her church friends on the phone. Now look at you.”

“I remember that!” Lynn laughed, thinking back on the way she used to behave as a child. Ironically, Calista really was her mirror image. As a child, she was convinced she would become a star. She didn’t know how she would do it, but she was determined to become famous. “I love the fame. I just hate the fact it comes with so much baggage. Between the stalkers, zero privacy in public places, tours, and the demanding management, sometimes it does get overwhelming.” She shook her head and sighed. “I’m not as young as I used to be. When these little ones are born, Alexis and I will have four children to care for. I just want to slow down and enjoy our babies. I don’t want to tour for the rest of my life on such a chaotic schedule. I love music. It’s the touring that’s becoming too much.”

“A lot of artists record music and don’t tour. Some only do weekend dates. Have you thought about that once the babies are born?”

“Doing weekend dates?” Lynn looked up. “I’ve thought about it. At least weekend only dates would allow the children to remain in a regular school. I hate being away from them, but at the same time, I know the road isn’t a place for children to be. What I really want to do is write more songs.” Lynn perked up, smiling when she glanced at William. “I love writing music. I mean I still love the attention I get when I’m onstage, but I do want to pull back a little. Do you think my fans would understand?”

“I think if your fans care about you, they would understand. Your family is what’s the most important.”

“My family will always come first.” A rough kick caused her to burst into a fit of giggles. “Wow! That one has to be the boy. Did you see that?” She gasped when she looked down at her stomach. “That kick made my hand move it was so strong.” Her mouth fell open when the baby kicked for a second time. “Feel” She grasped William’s hand, placing it on her stomach as she laughed. “I don’t think I’m ever going to get used to that feeling.” She sighed, glancing down at her stomach with a loving smile. “Momma loves you little ones.”

“Your grandpa loves you, too.” William smiled when he too felt the active movements.