Lost Soul
Chapter 7
Hannah had to admit, Josie was pretty sweet and she liked picking out all the baby stuff. Her dad had also bought the socks for her mom, as well as some candy and flowers. He had asked Hannah if she wanted anything, but she told him no. She wanted him to concentrate on Josie and her mom. The one thing her dad had asked her was not to tell Kaitlyn about Josie. He would do it and didn't feel Kaitlyn would handle it well. What he didn't know was that Kaitlyn LOVED little kids.
Hannah had her own reservations. It wasn't because her dad had been involved with someone else. It hurt that he had a relationship and was trying to replace her mom, and maybe Josie was a way to replace Kaitlyn, Hannah, and Lucas. That's what bothered her. She felt like he was trying to replace them. But, Josie was so darn cute.
That night, after they had left the hospital and got dinner, Hannah watched as Mike gave Josie a careful bath and got her ready to sleep. Josie was making soft cooing noises and had even given a smile or two. Hannah watched with some interest because watching how tender her dad was with Josie was fascinating.
"Why does her belly button look like that?" Hannah asked.
"Because they cut the umbilical cord. Yours looked like that too. It'll heal." Mike answered.
"Mom loved those flowers you got her." Hannah remarked.
"Yeah, she did. When I spoke with Dr. Summers, he thought it might only be a day or two until your mom is released." Mike told her.
"Good. I'm ready to be home." Hannah told him.
"Me too." Mike agreed. He picked Josie up and rocked her back and forth for a moment.
"Can I hold her?" Hannah asked.
"Of course." Mike answered and then gently placed Josie in Hannah's arms. "Support her head." Mike told her. He smiled down at her and kissed the top of her head.
"Dad…I get that you were lonely and I know that you will say you weren't replacing us, but it kind of feels like you did." Hannah finally said.
"And that's your aversion to Josie?" Mike asked.
"Yeah." Hannah answered.
"Well, I can see why you would think that, but I assure you, nothing could replace you guys, and because of that; I was kind of lost. Things would have never been right." Mike told her.
"And now?" Hannah asked.
"I know Josie is a hard pill to swallow, but I think we'll all will grow to love her. What I need from you is to be this honest with me. Let me know when something makes you uncomfortable, okay?" Mike asked.
"I will." Hannah promised. Mike sat down next to her and wrapped an arm around her. Hannah had to admit, it felt good to have him close.