A/N Thanks to cypcheerchick07, Nadya E., bananabeth, and Cherry0208 for the great reviews!
We have 66 reviews now, and I thought 50 would be impossible...So thank you to everyone who had ever reviewed this story, and even if you don't, thanks for reading!
Chapter 21: Daddy/Daughter Memories
Angela hurried down the stairs and opened the door. She was immediately smothered in a bone-crushing hug. "Let me see you Angie" his voice bellows in her ear. Angela pulls back regretfully. He stares at her and sees the little girl, pigtails askew, crooked little grin, sparkling brown eyes twinkling mischievously, mismatched, paint-smeared clothes, and heart so open. He blinks and she becomes the woman who makes everyday seem like Christmas time, dark hair pulled into a high ponytail, a beautiful smile, and a cotton pajama top that showed off the gentle sloping bump of her belly. He laughs happily but doesn't say a word when she hurriedly ties the robe to hide the baby bump. Then he pulls her back into his arms. They sit on the couch, side by side, and Angela snuggles into him taking in the smell of guitars, smoke, and old spice cologne. Her Daddy strokes her hair and smiles.
"Angie, the night you were born I was the first to hold you. You were red in the face, just screaming. You were the most beautiful thing I had ever laid eyes on. You were something special. You took your first steps to me too. You stumbled and nearly hit your head on the drum set. But you made it into my arms instead. I was your first word "Dada" and it lit up my world," he said smiling.
Angela looked up at him proudly "You taught me how to read music before I could read words. I could play scales faster than Dusty. But you also helped me color inside the lines and taught me how to tie my shoes. You became a pro at making grilled cheese, chicken nuggets, and peanut butter and jelly," Angela said.
"I remember your first day of school," he added. "I was so scared" Angela murmured. "You held my hand so tight you nearly broke it. Thankfully you were clutching my left hand. I gave you hugs and kisses and dropped you off at the door. You made it 5 minutes before I heard your hollering. So I teased you and got you to laugh and made you a friend. Then I let you go…" he trailed off. "Then I grew up" Ange told him.
"Not so fast. You're skipping over a whole lot of hellion behavior. I had to chase away a lota boys when you were a teenager. I had to put up with your moods, disapprove your boyfriends, and teach you about being a grown up" Billy added in. "But it was all worth it to watch you graduate. Angie, you've made me so proud." "You didn't seem to think so when I moved to New York to go to college" she said. "No mouthing off to me, young lady. I let you go, didn't I. I gave you the hugs and kisses and called you everyday. Then you made me give you away all over again to that buffoon Jack, when I walked you down the aisle".
"Daddy, be nice" she chided him. "It got me two beautiful granddaughters though" he prompted her, staring at her with that I know something look she occasionally gave Brennan. "Dad, please. I told everyone early last time on accident" her hand flew to her mouth. "Our secret" he whispered, her co-conspirator. "Boy or girl?" he asked. "Boy" Angela said before she realized it. "A grandson, that's terrific baby" he said smiling. Angela leaned into his arms and took another whiff of the warm, protecting, comforting smell of dad. "I love you," she told him quickly, the sense that it must be said overcoming her. "I love you too, Angie," he said helping her up. They walked up stairs and parted ways at the landing with hugs. Home, Love she decided nestling into her covers.
A father is someone who can take the place of all others, but whose place no one else can take.
A/N: So there it is...What did you think? More to follow soon!