Chapter 48

"Then why did you not tell me? Why did you still decide to run away?" Robbie asked.

He did not know what to think. All this time, he made himself believed that the reason why she left was because of Miguel... and that was why he decided not to reach out to her.

But knowing what he knew now, he suddenly felt stupid. If he probably looked for her and assumed responsibility, then perhaps it would not be as complicated as it was now.

"You have a whole future ahead of you, Robbie. I don't want to be the reason to stop you from it," Alex told him.

"Everyone thought I was gay because of you... if you did not run away... and they had seen we have Sasha, then maybe..."

"But your company soared when you admitted you were gay."

"But that was not me! Do you know how hard it is for me to live with it everyday? They gossip about me for months. I'm on the headlines in magazines... while you were there far away, hiding my child from me!"

"I did not have a good life, Robbie, if that is what you're implying. I have to live with my sister for years. I work my ass off every night and tried my best not to be harassed by drunk patrons in bars I worked with. I have to swallow my pride every single day just to provide for our daughter, and exhausted myself taking care of her. I cried every night thinking of the things I have done. So if you think I had a good life, no. Because I always wished I could turn it back... fix it... but then it was too late. The damage was already done," and she wiped the tears that trickled down her cheeks.

Robbie suddenly felt guilty for even implying such a thing as he saw how hurt she was. No matter how much he wanted to hate her, he just could not. He always had a soft spot for her and right now, all he wanted was to dry her tears and let her know he was here.

He walked over to her and wiped her tears with his thumbs. He cupped her face in his hands as her eyes continued to shed tears.

"We still have time to fix it, Alex," Robbie told her. "We could start over... make it right."

"But how, Robbie? Your mom hated me... and I can't blame her. Even Sasha-"

"What about Sasha?"

Alex sighed.

"She thought your mom was mean to me."

Robbie sighed. "I'll talk to Mom then."

"No, Robbie, it's okay. I already told Sasha to give her a few more days... a chance to get to know her more."

Robbie gazed at her eyes.

"I'm really sorry you have to go through all these things, Alex. How I wish I was there... if you have only let me, Alex. You know I would do everything to make you feel safe and protected."

"I know... I just felt that I don't deserve it."

"We're friends, Alex. I would always forgive you. But I promise you this. From now on, I will always be here for both of you. You cannot get rid of me that easily because I'm telling you, you won't," and he leaned his face closer to hers. "And if you decide to run away again, I promise you, I will scope everywhere just to find you."

"Then why didn't you look for me before?"

"I have been hurt, Alex. I was so hurt that I started not to care... but then, I know I just can't rid of you at all... I just can't forget you.... our friendship gave us so much memories together... everywhere I go, it reminded me of you."

Their eyes met and he took her mouth with his.

Alex held on to his neck as she drew him closer.

"Alex..." he whispered as he let go of her lips. "Whatever happened between us before, it was all done. We are a family now... and we will stick together no matter what."

She grinned.

"But I won't be the best wife to you. I am super stubborn," she teased.

"Well, I'm bossy and I would make sure I'll get your ass back to where it should be."

Alex laughed.

"Now, if you will let me do one thing, I'd be happy."

"And what is that?"

"Let me talk to Sasha."

"But, Robbie..."

"Please, Alex. Let me handle it with her for once."

"Are you sure about this?"

"Yes."

Alex sighed. "Okay. Just let me know if you need back up."

Robbie smiled. "I'll be fine, sweetheart. Now, you rest for awhile. I'll be there soon."

Robbie gave her a quick peck on her lips and let her go. Alex walked back to the other bedroom.

Walking over to the small table leaning against the post dividing the two bedrooms, he opened the drawer and fished the cabin keys.

He turned the key inside the keyhole in Sasha's bedroom and walked inside slowly.

Sasha was lying face down on the bed. He approached her, sitting beside her on the bed and stroked her back. Her body turned, surprised to see her dad sitting beside her. She sat up as Robbie pushed a strand of hair that got stuck from her now dried tears.

"Daddy..." she said softly. "Am I a mistake?"

"Of course not, honey? Why are you thinking that?" Robbie replied.

The girl lowered her eyes.

"Maybe if I was not born... maybe... you and Mom are still friends."

Robbie held her chin up to him.

"You are all we ever wanted Sasha. The best and most amazing mistake, if you wanted to call it that, that we had ever made. I would never change anything at all."

"But you don't even like me at first, Dad. You even slammed the gate on us."

"I know.... and I'm sorry. It's because I got scared."

"Of what?"

"Of what will happen.... I don't know how you will accept me."

"Daddy, I have always wanted to meet you since I was smaller. Every year I bug Mommy about you... but then she always had excuses. Telling me you live very far away... and that you're too busy."

"The reason why your mom did not tell you who I am because she was afraid to lose you. I was willing to keep you no matter what."

"But you will not take me away from her, right?"

"No, of course not. Actually, I wanted you to stay with me forever."

Sasha smiled.

"Do you love Mom, Daddy?" she asked.

Robbie did not know what to say. Should he tell his daughter how madly in love he was to her mother that there was not one night he didn't think of her? But since things happened, he was scared he would lose her again...

And now he was willing to fight for it...

Even if she would reject him...

He smiled and said, "I love both of you, Sasha."

Sasha beamed and gave him a hug.

"I love you, too, Dad," she replied, as Robbie hugged her tighter.

It took a moment before they let go.

"Now, you need to rest. Tomorrow we have a very busy day ahead. Michael said they had prepared different fun activities for all of us."

Sasha's eyes lit up, suddenly forgetting her troubles.

"What kind of activities?"

"Let's surprise ourselves, okay?"

Sasha sighed. "Okay... but Daddy.."

"Yes, honey."

"Can I sleep with you tonight?"

"Okay... are you still mad at your mom?"

"No... not anymore."

"Good. Come with me then."

Robbie took her small hand with his and she looked up to him. It felt amazing to see that finally his daughter had warmed up to him, and he could see the admiration in her eyes. He smiled at her.

Alex was lying on the bed with her eyes closed as they came in. Sasha walked over to the bed and laid down beside her mother, in which to the girl's surprise, had placed a hand on her waist. She pulled the girl closer to her body, gently squeezing her stomach.

"I know you're still awake, Mom," Sasha said and turned towards to face her mother.

Alex opened her eyes and smiled.

"I love you, Sasha. You know I'd do everything for you. Whatever happened between me and your dad was never your fault. I want you to know that."

"I know, Mom. I'm sorry for how I acted."

Alex caressed her face.

"It's okay. I understand," and she kissed the girl's forehead.

Robbie walked over to the bed and laid down beside them, placing his hands over the girl's waist. He looked over to Alex and smiled. She in turn smiled back, and they held hands. They squeezed Sasha and the girl yelped.

"You're squeezing me, guys!" she complained. "Let go!"

Both Robbie and Alex laughed, and released her. Sasha chuckled, too.

"I love you, guys," Sasha said, as both kissed her on her head. "Goodnight."

"Goodnight,princess," Robbie replied sweetly, and taking Alex's hand, he brought it to his lips.

"Goodnight, my love," he whispered.

She did not know how to respond to it as her heart longed to hear it again.

But sadly, Robbie had already closed his eyes and she squeezed his large hand.

His eyebrows furrowed as she whispered, "Goodnight to you too... my love."