Chapter 62 Gerard
Maddie's POV
After we ate last night, I managed to sleep but I wasn't sure about Mariko. I got ready for the day. I was eager to see Bella. When I walked to the lounge, Mariko stood behind the kitchen counter with a glass of juice that he was sipping from. I could see that he was tired and I don't blame him for being tired. He had Bella to worry about and now me.
"How are you feeling?" he asked as I took the remote control and switched on the TV.
"I'm okay, I guess. How about you?" I looked over at him.
"I'm tired because I couldn't sleep, I have too much on my mind, worrying about everything. Is the baby fine?" his brows furrowed as his gaze moved to my flat belly.
"Yeah, the baby is fine. I'm sorry that you couldn't sleep," I said.
"None of it is your fault, so don't even blame yourself for it. I also think that you need to check the baby out when we go to the hospital. I want to be one hundred percent sure that he or she is fine," he said as he placed the half empty glass of juice on the counter and then he walked over to me.
He pulled me towards him, he took the remote control out of my hand and tossed it onto the sofa, he rested his hands on my waist. "I will check on the baby once we are there," I reassured him.
"I don't want to experience any loss, so please make sure," he had desperation in his eyes.
"You truly love this baby," I said, which was barely a whisper.
"More than you ever know. I might not have wanted any kids after Bella, but our baby is a miracle and I want it. I will shower my love on him or her every minute. I do want to marry you soon. How about next month?" he asked and my heart nearly stopped. My heart rate is picking up.
"Next month? Can we wait?" I asked.
"I don't want to wait...I don't like to prolong things. Please, at least think about it," he replied.
I nodded. There was a knock on the door. I tensed. "Are you expecting anyone?" I looked towards the door.
"No, but let me check who it is. You are safe with me, okay?" he looked into my eyes, making sure that I knew he meant that.
"Okay," I whispered.
He moved away from me and went to open the door. My heart was still racing because I didn't know who it would be. I was still afraid because of the incident that happened yesterday. I have a little fear of opening the door. It sucks not to have peepholes. I watched as Mariko opened the door. I clasped my hands with my anxiety spiking.
"Hi, is Maddie here?"
"Yeah," Mariko said, opening the door wider, stepping out of the way, and my father entered. He looked at me with worry. He had a little gift bag in his hand. He was dressed in a black suit and a white shirt. He was still probably trying to find his feet after his reputation had been tarnished.
"Dad, is mom okay?" I asked as he came closer to me. I was relieved that it was him that came by. Mariko was behind him and watched us.
"Yes, she is. She is in rehab. I don't want you to worry about her. I will take care of it all. I know that she was hoping to be with me, but I disappointed her. The least I can do is help with her rehab," he said.
"Please, don't blame yourself for that. She knew that you were not interested. I don't want you to make it worse for her. She needs to be getting better, not worse when you are around her." I replied.
He nodded, "I see your point. Anyway, I came to see how you were doing and I wanted to give this to you," he handed the gift bag over to me and I took it from him.
I looked inside of it, and it was a box. There was a phone on the box cover. "Dad, you shouldn't have done this. Thank you," I smiled at him.
"It was the least that I could do. It is easier to get a hold of you via phone, so I know you are okay."
I was happy that my father made the effort to check up on me after the incident, but to purchase a phone for me...he didn't have to do that. Slowly but surely, he is proving himself to me even more and I'm happy that I gave him a second chance.
Mariko's POV
I didn't expect Gerard to show up, but I guess he genuinely wanted to make sure that Maddie was okay as a father should. The smile that Maddie had on her face when he gave her a phone just lit up the entire lounge. In return, it warmed my heart, but I was not going to smile in front of Gerard, I am still keeping an eye on him. I don't trust him that easily.
"You may have a seat if you aren't leaving anytime soon," I said, and he took a seat on the sofa. "Would you like anything to drink?" I asked.
"No, I'm good, thanks," he said. I remained where I was standing behind the recliner. Maddie was looking beautiful today. She was wearing a white and black sundress. I can't wait to see her blossom into an even more beautiful woman when she starts to show with the pregnancy. I want to get married before that.
Maddie took a seat on the recliner. "Thank you for putting in the effort when it comes to me. It means the entire world to me. You are doing great as a father. I know that you are not on good terms with Arden and Miranda, even your youngest son. But I want you to know that I do see your heart and you are really trying. You are not walking away from me, you are sticking around. I was relieved to see you yesterday, especially when I called you. You didn't hesitate to leave whatever you were busy with. You were by our side. That means more to me that you are trying and I hope that one day all of your kids can see that and give you a second chance because life is so short." Maddie said.
Life is short, because these past few days have taught me that when it came to Amber and Bella. Not only them, but Maddie and our unborn baby too. I could've lost so many things in a short space of time, but I didn't. I just need my little girl to wake up and then I will know everything is truly okay with everyone. I also need to know that my baby is doing fine.
"I never thought that I would be in this position, to be honest. I always thought that my company and the club were my life...my addiction. But that was not it for me. I realized that while I was in prison, it was punishment enough for me." he said. I remained silent and allowed them both to talk.
"Do you think that you may have more kids out there?" she asked and I nearly choked on my own saliva. I did not expect that question, but since he has been doing what he has, I will not be surprised if there are more kids out there. I would never want to be in Gerard's shoes. I'm glad that I do not have any trauma because I come from a loving family.
"I...I don't know, the possibilities might be there," he was in thought, and then he stood up. "I have to go, call me if you need anything." he said, eager to leave. He looked at me. "Please, take good care of her," he said.
"I will," I replied, and then he walked out.
Maddie stood up and looked at me. "Do you think what I said had triggered anything?" she asked.
"I think you might've. I don't want to even think about that. It is his problem. He created this...this situation from the beginning, he just has to own up to his mistakes. Anything is possible that might pop up from his past and I do feel sorry for Cynthia when they do eventually get together. It will be a lot to take in," I said.
I haven't seen Cynthia since we fired her from Sternpoint. I wonder if she knows that Gerard is out of prison and is in Seattle. She was obsessed with him. I hope that she is careful when she finds out.
"Yeah, I wouldn't want that baggage," she replied.
My phone rang and I took it out of my jeans pocket. "Its the hospital," my heart was beating at a rapid pace. I answered, "Mariko Donovan."
"Mr Donovan. Can you please get to the hospital? It's Bella."