Hidden Depths
Family

“Chelsey, Dalton, wake up.” Dr. Mason’s voice sounded excited. “She is coming around.”

I jumped up too quickly and stumbled dizzily. Dalton reached out steadying me. He stood up slowly behind me as I leaned over the hospital bed. Maddy groaned, rolling her head.

“Maddison, baby can you hear me?” I asked soothing my hand over her black curls.

“Mommy?” Maddison mumbled and I felt tears prickle my eyes.

“Yeah sweet girl. You’re going to be okay now.” I said laughing slightly in relief.

“Daddy?” She asked and my heart sank.

She almost always asked for her dad when she was coming out of a coma. I had hoped maybe she had outgrown that, but I guess not. I avoided looking at Dalton as I forced myself to respond.

“No, baby. It’s mommy.” I said smoothly.

“And Mr. Dalton, princess.” Dalton said smoothly from behind me.

Maddison still didn’t open her eyes but she smiled sweetly. Dalton smiled and bent over to kiss her forehead. I was surprised to see a tear running down his cheek as well. I wasn’t sure why I was surprised; he had proven time and time again how much he cared about Maddison. How much he cared about me also; I realized.

Dalton’s phone beeped and he pulled back to look at it. He smiled then sighed looking back at me. His smile held a sadness I couldn’t quite explain.

“The threat has been handled, Seth needs to know what you want to do.” He said softly.

Did he not remember last night? Was he talking in his sleep? I knew he did that when he was stressed.

“I think,” I started then froze.

What if he changed his mind and staying wasn’t even an option anymore. There’s only one way to replace out. I took a second to steady myself and stood up taller.

“We want to stay.” In a shaky voice I added, “If the offer is still open.”

He stared at me for a long time and I began to wonder if he had heard me. Had I not actually spoken? Suddenly he stepped forward, wrapping his arms around me and picking me up onto his feet. His lips met mine desperately and passionately.

“Ew.” Maddison said tiredly. Her eyes were opening but slowly.

Dalton pulled back, chuckling. His crystal blue eyes shone with exhilaration. I had never seen him smile so brightly.

“Does that mean yes?” I asked playfully.

“Yes, a hundred times yes.” He beamed, then bit his lip looking more uncertain. “I only ask that you try to forgive Amber. I’m not saying let her babysit again, but she is my only family.”

“I messaged her while you were at work, yesterday.” I admitted with a shrug. “I know it was an accident and I know she means a lot to you, so yeah.”

He grinned down at me, brushing the hair out of my face. “I love you Chelsey.”

“I love you too.” I smiled honestly.

“Does that mean I can call you daddy now?” Maddison asked with as much excitement as she could muster.

I didn’t look away from Dalton’s face as he answered. He turned back to Maddison and smiled down at her cupping her cheek with one hand. His other arm remained firmly around my waist.

“Yes, baby girl. You can call me dad.” He said comfortingly.

I leaned into him, lowering my chin to hide my tears.

After testing Maddison was released to go home two days later. All of our stuff had already been moved into Dalton’s house. He had even let Amber paint Maddy’s room pink and decorate it. I was surprised by the amount of stuff I had never seen including matching furniture as well as a curtain/bed set combo in Lacey white.

I turn to face a guilty looking Dalton, placing my hands on my hips. “This is a lot.”

“I know but when Amber went to get her stuff a rat jumped out of the dresser at her and the bed frame was chewed up. The rodents took over when you left.” He shrugged, leaning casually against the door jam. “I can’t allow that in my house.”

“But…” I started to argue but he stopped me by holding up one finger.

“Seth paid for it. He may not be her dad but he is her father and he owes you more than this.” Dalton said, and I couldn’t argue with that logic. “He wants to get to know her as an uncle, if you are okay with that.”

I nodded slowly. “I can handle that.”

“His dad wants to meet her.” Dalton snickered. “He said at this he may start claiming Seth is the adopted one. Seth just rolled his eyes.”

I laughed putting the last of Maddison’s stuff from the hospital away. “I hope you don’t mind such a girly change to your house.”

“I don’t know how many times I have to tell you. I’m happy you guys are staying and I don’t mind any changes it may bring. In fact I’ll enjoy them.”

“We are going to get along great.” Amber said as she led an exhausted Maddison into the room. “Though I’m sure now, Dalton sees the sense of me getting my own place.”

“Nope, I’m building another smaller house near the back of the fence.” Dalton notified us.

“Awesome, can I help design it?” Amber asked excitedly.

Dalton shrugged, “As long as you are reasonable, this isn’t one of your outfits.”

Amber rolled her eyes, “those unreasonable outfits are selling at some major boutiques, big brother.”

“You are a designer?” I asked.

“Yes and that reminds me I have some amazing ideas for your wardrobe.” She smiled politely.

Normally I would argue, but with this being our first time face to face since she babysat, I decided it was probably her way of reaching out to me. I didn’t want to reject her offer. Though I made a mental note to only choose the least expensive and pray it’s not too much money.

“Cool, I can take you to my bouquet sometime soon. We’ll make it a lady’s day out!” Amber suggested.

“Can I go?” Maddy asked.

“No, I’ll take you out to ice cream and a movie.” Dalton offered.

Maddison squealed and jumped up and down.

“That sounds amazing.” I smiled up at Dalton.

I knew we would be okay now, and I wasn’t alone anymore. I had a new family and support system. I could do anything now.

THE END