Title: Objection To Commitment.
Series: Across The Bridges.
Author: Carly
Rating: G.
Disclaimer: Matt Hardy and Amy Dumas own themselves.
Summary: Someone stops the wedding from continuing.
Amy was looking in at her daughter. After being born two months early there had been a few complications and her lungs hadn't grown completely. The umbilical cord had been wrapped around her neck when she was born so she had been heavy trouble breathing. The doctors had put her in an incubator and had an oxygen machine attached to her. Matt walked up with two cups of coffee in his hands. Amy saw him and forced a smile. He slipped his arm around her waist as she laid her head on his shoulder. They stood in silence, praying for their daughter to make it through. "She will make it, won't she?" Amy asked, on the verge of tears again. "Course she will, babe. She's a fighter, just like you," he assured, pulling her closer. She couldn't stop the tears this time and they rapidly fell down her cheeks as Matt pulled her into a tight hug. She buried her hair in his shoulder, gripping onto him as if her life depended on it. They stood there in a motionless hug, just gripping each other for support. They had decided to name their daughter Danielle after someone from both their families. He sat her down on the chair and kneeled in front of her. Wiping the tears away from her pain-filled hazel eyes, he took her hands in his. "I promise you everything will be all right. I've never lied to you before and I don't intend to start now. She'll be okay." Amy smiled a bit, feeling a lot more calmed at what he had said. She brought her hand up to his cheek and caressed it gently. He kissed her hands then sat next to her, kissing her cheek. Yawning, she placed her head in his lap. She'd hardly slept the past few nights and was constantly yawing. Matt stroked her forehead as she drifted off to sleep. When she awoke a few hours later, she had had a blanket pulled over her. Looking up, Amy saw Matt next to his daughter. She watched them through the window for a while, enjoying the fact that he was in her life. Getting up and walking through the door, she sat next to him. Danielle looked so small and weak. Amy wouldn't to protect her, make sure she survived but it wasn't in her control right now. Barely eight hours old and she was already fighting for her life. She silently prayed in her head that things would turn out all right. Not just with Danielle but with Matt as well. She wanted them to be a family, she wanted him. Jeff knocked on the door, interrupting them. Matt gestured him inside. "How is she?" Jeff asked, concerned. "The doctors are going to see if she can breath on her own next week, just an attempt though," Amy replied, poking her hand through the hole to stroke her daughter's hand. All three of them sat in silence, watching Danielle sleeping and praying she wouldn't die. It was nearing seven o'clock and they all began to grow tired through lack of sleep. Jeff said his goodbyes and left them alone. Matt had earlier gathered Amy in his arms and was still holding her. They had slowly drifted into a peaceful sleep but were soon awoken by the doctor. Their first instincts thought something had gone wrong with Danielle but when they looked over at her, they saw she was still just sleeping. "I just wanted to know if you were both staying the night," Dr. Foster told them. Amy nodded and parted away from Matt for a moment. He stood up after her and held her hand. They went to get some coffee to stay awake for a while. When they returned, Dr Foster was checking on Danielle. "She seem better than this morning," he assured. "We want to transfer her to another ward if she's okay next week, but for now." he sighed. The other two nodded sadly and forced a smile as the doctor left. They sat back down, silently drinking their coffees. Amy sighed slightly remembering a memorable time throughout her pregnancy.
~Three Weeks After The Discovery~
Amy sat on the bed and sighed. She'd been sick again. Granted, she loved the fact that she was pregnant but morning sickness was definitely something to get used to. She was a lot more tired than usual and was constantly going back and forth to the bathroom. Dan hadn't been helping matters either. Lying back further on the bed, she grabbed the TV remote control and flipped it on, searching for something slightly decent to watch. It helped take her mind off everything. She had no idea where her fiancé was. 'The pub more than likely,' she thought with a deeper sigh. Finding nothing on television, she decided to go to sleep, seeing as there was no point in being at the arena yet. Besides, she'd only be bored there also. Though it didn't take her long to drift off, people arguing next door woke her up. It was then Amy realised Matt and Kim were having a huge fight. After hearing the door slam, it was only within seconds before there was a knock at her door. "Hey Ames, can I crash here? Me and Kim fought again," he asked after she answered the door. "And why should I let you?" she joked, trying to keep a straight face but failed as a smile broke through. "Well, I am your best friend and the father of your baby!" he smiled, walking towards her as she backed away to the bed. "Hmm? I guess so. Tell you what, pay for room service and you can stay." He chuckled and fell to the bed, pulling Amy with him. "What were you arguing about anyway?" she asked, cuddling into him. "The baby mainly. She hates it because I always go to scans with you." She kissed his chest through his t-shirt and traced circles on his chest. They talked about things for a little while, and then ordered food before finding Armageddon on the TV. During the end when Bruce Willis, Amy couldn't stop herself from crying. Her hormones were all over the place and the tears were streaming down her cheeks. Matt laughed at her but soon stopped when she slapped him in the chest. She sat up and crossed her arms. He sat up also and rubbed her arms, resting his chin on her shoulder. Placing a kiss on her cheek, he laid her back on the bed. Amy looked at him curiously but giggled when Matt started kissing her stomach and talking to their unborn child. She gently stroked his hair and kissed the top of his head. He continued to press his lips to her abdomen. But the attraction was too strong for him and he lifted her top up higher. He locked eyes with her for a moment, silently asking if he could continue. She nodded and arched her back against his mouth. He leaned up, gently pressing their lips together. With their hands tangled in each other's hair, their tongues fought passionately with one another's. Pulling apart, he looked down and saw the love and want in her expression and eyes. Luckily, she knew Dan wouldn't be home that night as Matt made love to her once again that night. Early next morning, Amy woke up, naked in his arms. It was eight o'clock and she began to feel nauseous. Pulling a t-shirt on, she sat on the edge of the bed. Matt had made her feel so safe and loved last night, a huge contrast to Dan. Within a few minutes, she jumped up and rushed to the bathroom, vomiting heavily. He heard her and went to see if she was okay. Dampening a cloth, he held it against her forehead. She smiled and curled into a ball, somewhat embarrassed about what had happened between them. They were soon interrupted when there was pounding at the door. Amy stood up and went to answer it, only to discover Dan in the hallway. "Hey baby. I lost my key last night. What's Matt doing here?" he asked, kissing her quickly on the lips. "Umm, he just came by to talk about tonight's match. Matt, I'll see you in an hour, yeah?" she said, kissing on the cheek as he left. Later that morning, they met in the locker room, an awkward silence hanging between them. They had the perfect opportunity to be together.until Kim walked through the door wanting to make up with Matt. Their chance was gone.
~Present Time~
Matt had fallen asleep at this point. She leaned over, stroking her daughter's hand. Tears formed in her eyes, threatening to fall as she watched Danielle. Not bearing to look any longer, she sat back in her chair, also beginning to doze off. The next day, they woke up at noon. It stayed that way over the next week. Exactly eight days later, the doctors decided to try her breathing. Matt held her hand, supportively. She squeezed it back and looked on helplessly as the doctors gathered around Danielle's incubator. Amy thought that maybe she was too weak as she was only a few days old but the doctor's believed she may be strong enough. She dug her head into Matt's chest, not wanting to witness it. Everyone held their breath as Dr. Foster unhooked her from the oxygen machine. Within a few seconds, the four doctors began to panic as they saw Danielle's heartbeat rapidly decreasing. They were about to put the oxygen mask back on her when Matt stopped them. "Wait. Give her a few seconds. I know she's okay," he explained, calmly. Fatherly impulse made him believe she could breath on her own. And she did. After a few minutes, she was independently breathing alone. Amy happily hugged Matt who held her as she cried with joy. The doctors laughed along with them. For the first time, they could hold their daughter. For the first time, they could protect her. For the first time, they didn't have to worry so much. Over the next few hours of the day, all they did was hold Danielle. Jeff, Shannon and Shane passed by and they all held her for the first time. Two weeks later, they had taken her to Amy's house. Matt was always staying over to see his daughter, though it didn't go down to well with Dan. Then again, he'd barely visited them. Matt was the one tended to Amy when she was exhausted or took her food when she was too run down. Dan expected her to make all the wedding plans as well as looking after Danielle. Matt tried doing everything he could to help her out and it did help but only to extent. And now, they were looking for a wedding dress. Once again, Dan had disappeared somewhere. They were in a posh bridal shop and she came out in a white flowing wedding dress. "So, what do you think?" she asked, twirling around. "You look beautiful, Ames," Matt truthfully answered. "It's okay. Dan picked it out. He's already bought it though. I'm not sure. I mean, I want to choose my own." "Then why don't you?" She sighed and shrugged her shoulders before going back in to change. Matt was waiting for Amy to put her other clothes back on before they went for something to eat. Though he was happy for her but he wanted to be the one marrying her. He leaned back in the chair and placed his hands over his eyes, rubbing them. Danielle had kept them up most of the time, and they were utterly exhausted as a result. He yawned loudly and closed his eyes for a moment but Amy came out and woke him up. She prodded him and laughed at the bags that had formed under his eyes. They went to the shop assistant who packed the wedding dress up for them then they exited the shop. A few days later, after hours of planning, Matt decided to take a break from helping Amy and went to see his dad for a while. Besides, he needed to talk to him alone, but he found Jeff, Shannon and Shane there. "Guys, can I talk to dad alone for a sec?" he asked. "What's up son?" Gilbert inquired once they all left. "I can't deal with this situation anymore. Look, for the past few months, I've been hiding a secret. See, one night, Amy caught Dan kissing someone else. Obviously, she was really upset. I comforted her but back at the hotel one thing led to another, and basically, Danielle is my daughter. I've fallen in love with Amy and I don't think I can watch her marry Dan," Matt confessed. "Son, normally I couldn't condone this but I know that you two belong together. Why didn't you tell me about Danielle before?" Matt shrugged, not really knowing why. But Matt decided that he couldn't watch the woman he loved marry someone else. After talking to his dad for a little while longer, he went back to his own house for a sleep. He needed to clear his head. With all the time they'd been spending together, he'd fallen hard and fast for his best friend. He couldn't watch her commit to somebody else. The moment he got into his house, he crashed on the sofa. If he was going to talk to Amy then he needed to rest first and think about what he was going to say. After waking up two hours later, he had a quick shower before calling Amy to come over. Dan was sleeping so she had to take Danielle with her but she knew Matt wouldn't mind. After changing, she packed Danielle's things then drove over to his house. When she stepped through the door, he gasped. She took his breath away. She was clad in a tight red halter-top and jeans, her hair hanging loosely down her back. She didn't look over-dressed but that's what Matt loved about her. Even the simplest of effort and she still managed to look gorgeous to him. She let her natural beauty shine though. "Amy, I have something to tell you. I wont be at the wedding tomorrow," he blurted out, shocking her at first. "Why not? I need you there." "Because I love you. I can't stand there watching you marry someone else." "Matt, I.I love you too but I cant hurt Dan, it's too late. I need you with me." "I'm sorry." he whispered, turning away from her. Tears slipped, unchecked, down her face. To say he was hurting at that moment would be an understatement. Was she crazy? Here was Matt, one of the most amazing guys in the world and he was offering her love. And what did she do? Refuse it. Instead, she was marrying a drunkard who she knew deep down, didn't really care about her or Danielle. Collecting her daughter in her arms, she left Matt's house. The next day, Amy woke up in a daze. She'd barely slept that night. Danielle, pre-wedding jitters.Matt's words, all kept her awake. Trish, Stephanie and the other divas were at her house and helped her get ready. They noticed she was distracted but they all assumed it was down to nerves. They helped put her makeup on and curled her hair before she placed her dress on. In an hour, she would be at the church.throwing her life away. Pulling a dressing gown over the dress, she went to the kitchen for a drink only to see Matt there. He stopped eating and looked blankly at her. There was no expression on his face. Amy asked him if he was coming, already knowing the answer.no. He left. Walked from the house. She sighed. But before she had a chance to catch him, Steph pulled her back to her bedroom to finishing preparing everything. And before she knew it, the limo arrived to take them to the church. Nothing was registering with Amy. All she could think about was Matt. It was then she made a decision. Matt also thought of something. He couldn't take it any longer and made his way to the church. Because she was still in a daze about everything, then it was only then she realised the vicar was asking them if she took Dan to be her husband. "I..I," she stuttered. "Amy!" a voice yelled. That familiar voice. Matt's voice. "Amy, you can't marry him. He's not right for you. If he really loved you, he wouldn't have asked you to quit wrestling. He doesn't treat you right. I can't bear the thought of losing my chance with you. All last night, I couldn't sleep as I thought of you. Amy, I can love you the way you deserve. Me, you and Danielle as a family. She's my daughter. Please?" he pleaded, taking her hands in his.
The End
Amy was looking in at her daughter. After being born two months early there had been a few complications and her lungs hadn't grown completely. The umbilical cord had been wrapped around her neck when she was born so she had been heavy trouble breathing. The doctors had put her in an incubator and had an oxygen machine attached to her. Matt walked up with two cups of coffee in his hands. Amy saw him and forced a smile. He slipped his arm around her waist as she laid her head on his shoulder. They stood in silence, praying for their daughter to make it through. "She will make it, won't she?" Amy asked, on the verge of tears again. "Course she will, babe. She's a fighter, just like you," he assured, pulling her closer. She couldn't stop the tears this time and they rapidly fell down her cheeks as Matt pulled her into a tight hug. She buried her hair in his shoulder, gripping onto him as if her life depended on it. They stood there in a motionless hug, just gripping each other for support. They had decided to name their daughter Danielle after someone from both their families. He sat her down on the chair and kneeled in front of her. Wiping the tears away from her pain-filled hazel eyes, he took her hands in his. "I promise you everything will be all right. I've never lied to you before and I don't intend to start now. She'll be okay." Amy smiled a bit, feeling a lot more calmed at what he had said. She brought her hand up to his cheek and caressed it gently. He kissed her hands then sat next to her, kissing her cheek. Yawning, she placed her head in his lap. She'd hardly slept the past few nights and was constantly yawing. Matt stroked her forehead as she drifted off to sleep. When she awoke a few hours later, she had had a blanket pulled over her. Looking up, Amy saw Matt next to his daughter. She watched them through the window for a while, enjoying the fact that he was in her life. Getting up and walking through the door, she sat next to him. Danielle looked so small and weak. Amy wouldn't to protect her, make sure she survived but it wasn't in her control right now. Barely eight hours old and she was already fighting for her life. She silently prayed in her head that things would turn out all right. Not just with Danielle but with Matt as well. She wanted them to be a family, she wanted him. Jeff knocked on the door, interrupting them. Matt gestured him inside. "How is she?" Jeff asked, concerned. "The doctors are going to see if she can breath on her own next week, just an attempt though," Amy replied, poking her hand through the hole to stroke her daughter's hand. All three of them sat in silence, watching Danielle sleeping and praying she wouldn't die. It was nearing seven o'clock and they all began to grow tired through lack of sleep. Jeff said his goodbyes and left them alone. Matt had earlier gathered Amy in his arms and was still holding her. They had slowly drifted into a peaceful sleep but were soon awoken by the doctor. Their first instincts thought something had gone wrong with Danielle but when they looked over at her, they saw she was still just sleeping. "I just wanted to know if you were both staying the night," Dr. Foster told them. Amy nodded and parted away from Matt for a moment. He stood up after her and held her hand. They went to get some coffee to stay awake for a while. When they returned, Dr Foster was checking on Danielle. "She seem better than this morning," he assured. "We want to transfer her to another ward if she's okay next week, but for now." he sighed. The other two nodded sadly and forced a smile as the doctor left. They sat back down, silently drinking their coffees. Amy sighed slightly remembering a memorable time throughout her pregnancy.
~Three Weeks After The Discovery~
Amy sat on the bed and sighed. She'd been sick again. Granted, she loved the fact that she was pregnant but morning sickness was definitely something to get used to. She was a lot more tired than usual and was constantly going back and forth to the bathroom. Dan hadn't been helping matters either. Lying back further on the bed, she grabbed the TV remote control and flipped it on, searching for something slightly decent to watch. It helped take her mind off everything. She had no idea where her fiancé was. 'The pub more than likely,' she thought with a deeper sigh. Finding nothing on television, she decided to go to sleep, seeing as there was no point in being at the arena yet. Besides, she'd only be bored there also. Though it didn't take her long to drift off, people arguing next door woke her up. It was then Amy realised Matt and Kim were having a huge fight. After hearing the door slam, it was only within seconds before there was a knock at her door. "Hey Ames, can I crash here? Me and Kim fought again," he asked after she answered the door. "And why should I let you?" she joked, trying to keep a straight face but failed as a smile broke through. "Well, I am your best friend and the father of your baby!" he smiled, walking towards her as she backed away to the bed. "Hmm? I guess so. Tell you what, pay for room service and you can stay." He chuckled and fell to the bed, pulling Amy with him. "What were you arguing about anyway?" she asked, cuddling into him. "The baby mainly. She hates it because I always go to scans with you." She kissed his chest through his t-shirt and traced circles on his chest. They talked about things for a little while, and then ordered food before finding Armageddon on the TV. During the end when Bruce Willis, Amy couldn't stop herself from crying. Her hormones were all over the place and the tears were streaming down her cheeks. Matt laughed at her but soon stopped when she slapped him in the chest. She sat up and crossed her arms. He sat up also and rubbed her arms, resting his chin on her shoulder. Placing a kiss on her cheek, he laid her back on the bed. Amy looked at him curiously but giggled when Matt started kissing her stomach and talking to their unborn child. She gently stroked his hair and kissed the top of his head. He continued to press his lips to her abdomen. But the attraction was too strong for him and he lifted her top up higher. He locked eyes with her for a moment, silently asking if he could continue. She nodded and arched her back against his mouth. He leaned up, gently pressing their lips together. With their hands tangled in each other's hair, their tongues fought passionately with one another's. Pulling apart, he looked down and saw the love and want in her expression and eyes. Luckily, she knew Dan wouldn't be home that night as Matt made love to her once again that night. Early next morning, Amy woke up, naked in his arms. It was eight o'clock and she began to feel nauseous. Pulling a t-shirt on, she sat on the edge of the bed. Matt had made her feel so safe and loved last night, a huge contrast to Dan. Within a few minutes, she jumped up and rushed to the bathroom, vomiting heavily. He heard her and went to see if she was okay. Dampening a cloth, he held it against her forehead. She smiled and curled into a ball, somewhat embarrassed about what had happened between them. They were soon interrupted when there was pounding at the door. Amy stood up and went to answer it, only to discover Dan in the hallway. "Hey baby. I lost my key last night. What's Matt doing here?" he asked, kissing her quickly on the lips. "Umm, he just came by to talk about tonight's match. Matt, I'll see you in an hour, yeah?" she said, kissing on the cheek as he left. Later that morning, they met in the locker room, an awkward silence hanging between them. They had the perfect opportunity to be together.until Kim walked through the door wanting to make up with Matt. Their chance was gone.
~Present Time~
Matt had fallen asleep at this point. She leaned over, stroking her daughter's hand. Tears formed in her eyes, threatening to fall as she watched Danielle. Not bearing to look any longer, she sat back in her chair, also beginning to doze off. The next day, they woke up at noon. It stayed that way over the next week. Exactly eight days later, the doctors decided to try her breathing. Matt held her hand, supportively. She squeezed it back and looked on helplessly as the doctors gathered around Danielle's incubator. Amy thought that maybe she was too weak as she was only a few days old but the doctor's believed she may be strong enough. She dug her head into Matt's chest, not wanting to witness it. Everyone held their breath as Dr. Foster unhooked her from the oxygen machine. Within a few seconds, the four doctors began to panic as they saw Danielle's heartbeat rapidly decreasing. They were about to put the oxygen mask back on her when Matt stopped them. "Wait. Give her a few seconds. I know she's okay," he explained, calmly. Fatherly impulse made him believe she could breath on her own. And she did. After a few minutes, she was independently breathing alone. Amy happily hugged Matt who held her as she cried with joy. The doctors laughed along with them. For the first time, they could hold their daughter. For the first time, they could protect her. For the first time, they didn't have to worry so much. Over the next few hours of the day, all they did was hold Danielle. Jeff, Shannon and Shane passed by and they all held her for the first time. Two weeks later, they had taken her to Amy's house. Matt was always staying over to see his daughter, though it didn't go down to well with Dan. Then again, he'd barely visited them. Matt was the one tended to Amy when she was exhausted or took her food when she was too run down. Dan expected her to make all the wedding plans as well as looking after Danielle. Matt tried doing everything he could to help her out and it did help but only to extent. And now, they were looking for a wedding dress. Once again, Dan had disappeared somewhere. They were in a posh bridal shop and she came out in a white flowing wedding dress. "So, what do you think?" she asked, twirling around. "You look beautiful, Ames," Matt truthfully answered. "It's okay. Dan picked it out. He's already bought it though. I'm not sure. I mean, I want to choose my own." "Then why don't you?" She sighed and shrugged her shoulders before going back in to change. Matt was waiting for Amy to put her other clothes back on before they went for something to eat. Though he was happy for her but he wanted to be the one marrying her. He leaned back in the chair and placed his hands over his eyes, rubbing them. Danielle had kept them up most of the time, and they were utterly exhausted as a result. He yawned loudly and closed his eyes for a moment but Amy came out and woke him up. She prodded him and laughed at the bags that had formed under his eyes. They went to the shop assistant who packed the wedding dress up for them then they exited the shop. A few days later, after hours of planning, Matt decided to take a break from helping Amy and went to see his dad for a while. Besides, he needed to talk to him alone, but he found Jeff, Shannon and Shane there. "Guys, can I talk to dad alone for a sec?" he asked. "What's up son?" Gilbert inquired once they all left. "I can't deal with this situation anymore. Look, for the past few months, I've been hiding a secret. See, one night, Amy caught Dan kissing someone else. Obviously, she was really upset. I comforted her but back at the hotel one thing led to another, and basically, Danielle is my daughter. I've fallen in love with Amy and I don't think I can watch her marry Dan," Matt confessed. "Son, normally I couldn't condone this but I know that you two belong together. Why didn't you tell me about Danielle before?" Matt shrugged, not really knowing why. But Matt decided that he couldn't watch the woman he loved marry someone else. After talking to his dad for a little while longer, he went back to his own house for a sleep. He needed to clear his head. With all the time they'd been spending together, he'd fallen hard and fast for his best friend. He couldn't watch her commit to somebody else. The moment he got into his house, he crashed on the sofa. If he was going to talk to Amy then he needed to rest first and think about what he was going to say. After waking up two hours later, he had a quick shower before calling Amy to come over. Dan was sleeping so she had to take Danielle with her but she knew Matt wouldn't mind. After changing, she packed Danielle's things then drove over to his house. When she stepped through the door, he gasped. She took his breath away. She was clad in a tight red halter-top and jeans, her hair hanging loosely down her back. She didn't look over-dressed but that's what Matt loved about her. Even the simplest of effort and she still managed to look gorgeous to him. She let her natural beauty shine though. "Amy, I have something to tell you. I wont be at the wedding tomorrow," he blurted out, shocking her at first. "Why not? I need you there." "Because I love you. I can't stand there watching you marry someone else." "Matt, I.I love you too but I cant hurt Dan, it's too late. I need you with me." "I'm sorry." he whispered, turning away from her. Tears slipped, unchecked, down her face. To say he was hurting at that moment would be an understatement. Was she crazy? Here was Matt, one of the most amazing guys in the world and he was offering her love. And what did she do? Refuse it. Instead, she was marrying a drunkard who she knew deep down, didn't really care about her or Danielle. Collecting her daughter in her arms, she left Matt's house. The next day, Amy woke up in a daze. She'd barely slept that night. Danielle, pre-wedding jitters.Matt's words, all kept her awake. Trish, Stephanie and the other divas were at her house and helped her get ready. They noticed she was distracted but they all assumed it was down to nerves. They helped put her makeup on and curled her hair before she placed her dress on. In an hour, she would be at the church.throwing her life away. Pulling a dressing gown over the dress, she went to the kitchen for a drink only to see Matt there. He stopped eating and looked blankly at her. There was no expression on his face. Amy asked him if he was coming, already knowing the answer.no. He left. Walked from the house. She sighed. But before she had a chance to catch him, Steph pulled her back to her bedroom to finishing preparing everything. And before she knew it, the limo arrived to take them to the church. Nothing was registering with Amy. All she could think about was Matt. It was then she made a decision. Matt also thought of something. He couldn't take it any longer and made his way to the church. Because she was still in a daze about everything, then it was only then she realised the vicar was asking them if she took Dan to be her husband. "I..I," she stuttered. "Amy!" a voice yelled. That familiar voice. Matt's voice. "Amy, you can't marry him. He's not right for you. If he really loved you, he wouldn't have asked you to quit wrestling. He doesn't treat you right. I can't bear the thought of losing my chance with you. All last night, I couldn't sleep as I thought of you. Amy, I can love you the way you deserve. Me, you and Danielle as a family. She's my daughter. Please?" he pleaded, taking her hands in his.
The End