Just Maybe...

CHAPTER 35 - DARREN GRACE : "Ava"

As the airplane made contact with the runway in New York, my heart began to race with excitement and anticipation. The city's skyline sprawled out before me, but my thoughts were solely fixated on her—the little girl who had grown so much in the year since I last saw her. Every image I had seen every picture had portrayed her as the epitome of innocence and beauty. Now, finally, I was going to meet her in person.

The cab ride from the airport was a blur of anticipation and nerves. My mind raced with thoughts of what awaited me at the end of this journey.

Would she remember me? Would she run into my arms or shy away?

It was a whirlwind of emotions that I couldn't quite prepare for.

As we left the city behind and ventured into the outskirts, the landscape shifted from concrete jungle to serene suburban streets. Trees lined the roads, casting dappled shadows on the pavement, and the houses exuded a sense of peace and tranquility that I hadn't felt in a long time.

Then, the cab pulled up in front of a charming house nestled amidst a lush garden. It was a picture-perfect setting, and I couldn't help but feel a swell of gratitude that they had taken my advice to start anew in this beautiful place.

Stepping out of the cab, I took a moment to compose myself. This was it, the moment I had been waiting for, the moment that held so much promise and uncertainty all at once. With a deep breath, I approached the front door, my heart pounding in my chest. Whatever lay beyond that threshold, I was ready to face it.

I knocked on the door, my hand trembling slightly with nervous energy. It swung open, revealing Mrs. Martin, a warm smile on her face that put me at ease.

"Darren, it's so good to finally meet you after so long," she said, her voice filled with genuine warmth.

"The pleasure is all mine, Mrs. Martin," I replied, returning her smile. "Thank you for having me."

As I stepped into the hallway, Mrs. Martin motioned towards the staircase. "Mr. Martin is upstairs with her. Let me go and fetch them for you."

I nodded, my heart thudding in my chest as I waited. Every passing second felt like an eternity until finally, Mrs. Martin returned, a little hand clutching hers.

"Darren, meet Ava," she said, her voice choked with emotion.

And there she was, standing shyly behind Mrs. Martin, her eyes wide with curiosity and uncertainty. Every time I looked into her eyes, I saw her staring back at me, her essence captured in the depths of Ava's soulful brown gaze.

My heart swelled with love at the sight of her, and without a moment's hesitation, I knelt in front of her, holding out my arms.

"Hey there, sweetheart," I said softly, my voice barely above a whisper. "It's so wonderful to finally meet you."

As Ava stood there, trying to process, she turned to Mrs. Martin with a puzzled expression. "Is he daddy, Gramma?" she asked innocently. "Grandpa showed me his pictures with mommy."

Mrs. Martin knelt beside Ava, her eyes filled with warmth and understanding. "Yes, sweetheart," she replied gently, her voice tinged with a hint of sadness. "This is your daddy, Darren. He's been away for a while, but now he's here to be with you."

Ava's confusion seemed to lift slightly as she took in Mrs. Martin's words. She turned to me, studying my face with curiosity and recognition. "Are you really my daddy?" she asked, her voice soft and uncertain.

I nodded, reaching out to gently cup her cheek in my hand. "Yes, Ava," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

A small smile tugged at the corners of Ava's lips as she leaned into my touch, her eyes searching mine for reassurance. Gathering her into my arms, I held her close, savoring the feeling of her tiny body pressed against mine.

"Why did you have to go away?" she asked, her voice small but filled with a longing for understanding.

"I had to go away for a little while to... to figure some things out," I replied carefully, choosing my words with care. "But I never stopped thinking about you, Ava. You were always in my heart, even when I was far away."

Ava's gaze softened, her small hand reaching out to grasp mine in a gesture of comfort.

"Daddy needs to have a little chat with Grandpa. Why don't you go get ready and then we can go out for some ice cream? How does that sound?"

"I love ice cream.", Ava replied, all bubbly, and ran to her room.

I turned to Mr. Martin, who was standing in the corner talking to Mrs. Martin.

"Thank you for taking such good care of Ava. I don't know how I could ever repay you for this?"

"Come on, Darren. She's our grandchild as well. We love her. She reminds us of our daughter."

"She is so much like Celine. And I'm sorry to make you sign an NDA. I had no other option. No one can know she's alive."