A few days after Annie came to my apartment, she was back again. Only this time, her parents, Emmett and Rosalie McCarthy, accompanied her. Apparently, Annie had told her parents that, while they were still her parents, she wanted to know more about where she came from. However, they had wanted a DNA test to confirm that I was Annie's biological father before they allowed their little girl to grow close to me. I consented and was ecstatic when I received the test results yesterday.
"How did you and my..." Annie struggled to find a suitable word. "…birth-mom meet?"
I rubbed the back of my neck anxiously. Of course she'd be curious as to how her biological parents met. But I couldn't really tell her the truth.
"We ran into each other near a—near her work," I said, being quick to change some details of my story. "She was being harassed by…this really mean guy. After the debacle was over and done with, I took her back to my apartment."
Annie's brow furrowed. "I was the product of a one night stand?"
My eyes widened and I swear I heard Emmett growl from behind.
"No!" I exclaimed. "She didn't have anywhere to go. She had just…lost her job and had nowhere to go. I gave her a place to stay, that's all."
"She was homeless?"
I chuckled nervously and without humor.