Forever Yours [Series Two of Bittersweet Disasters]

[59] I Hate Seeing My Baby Stressed

♚♔♚ TRENT ALLOCCO ♔♚♔

{Monday, April 9, 2018}

{12:03 pm} I SIGH HEAVILY AS I tug a clean pair of boxers on. "Are you okay?" I hear Destiny whisper as she appears behind me and lightly brushes her lips against my bare back.

Groaning softly, I lightly tug at my damp hair. "I'm nervous for today," I answer in a low voice. "I can't believe that in just a few hours Lily will legally be my daughter again."

"I'm happy for you," Destiny replies. "Lily is such a sweet person and I'm going to love having her as my stepdaughter."

I spin around in Destiny's arms and wrap mine around her neck. "Lily is not your stepdaughter, she's your daughter," I acknowledge before pressing my lips to the top of her head. "She just came along before you knew about her."

My fiancé chuckles. Leaning down, I firmly press my lips against hers. She hums softly against my lips and after a few moments, pulls away. "There's nothing to be nervous about, babe," she informs. "What's the worst that could happen in court today?"

After she asks that question, I freeze as I glance over at the desk in the corner. Sitting on top of it are my probation papers I got back when I was 18. "I've done drugs in the past, Destiny," I whisper, not meeting her gaze. "I've been on probation. The judge could take my own daughter away from me today because of my past."

Reaching up and tugging my face for me to meet her eyes, she grips my face. "You don't know that," she acknowledges . "Deep breath. Please, don't let this stress you out so bad. I hate seeing my baby stressed."

Sighing inaudibly, I squeeze my eyes shut and nod.

~ ~ ~

{1:49 pm} "Daddy, why are these big guy's standing at the doors?" Lily asks me in a low tone as we enter the courthouse, Destiny is walking to my left and my attorney, Henry Anderson, is walking to my right.

"Because, honey, it's their job," I answer. Lily nods. I lightly squeeze her hand as I whisper, "I love you, baby girl. Don't be scared, I'm going to be right beside you the entire in there."

My mature eight-year-old daughter forks over a small smile as we continue to walk.

Grabbing my other hand and lacing her fingers through mine, Destiny gives it a gentle squeeze. I smile at her as I lightly squeeze hers back. "Thanks for coming, babe," I reply in a low tone. "I appreciate it."

That's when my mom and stepdad appear. Lily's face brightens up and she grins widely. 'I think Lily was just a few months old the last time she saw my mom. Wow, I'm surprised she even remembers what she looks like!' I think. "MiMi?!"

My mom smiles down Lily as she reaches out and picks her up. "My, you're so grown," she replies. "I haven't seen you since you were a few months old."

Lily smiles at my mom.

That's when Nikki's mom and stepdad, Natasha and Rylan, appear. Her mom shoots me a nasty look and hisses, "This is your fault that my granddaughter was taken from Nikki and put in foster care. You told the freaking police what Nikki did after y'all broke up. So this is all your fault!"

"I did no such thing!" I growl. Natasha sticks her tongue out at me and then they stalk off. I huff and roll my eyes. "Damn, I'm so glad I don't have to deal with them anymore after today," I grumble, slightly digging my nails into my arm.

Destiny and my mom both fork over small smiles and Destiny gently squeezes my hand again.

~ ~ ~