AN: I think I made a good choice with splitting the chapter, it might of been a lot going on. But I hope everyone enjoys this one.

Chapter 8

Duncan's POV

Sunday

8:30am

I was driving to my parents house to visit mom, if I could get any advice I'd want to hear it from her. Since Saturday I haven't been able to sleep or get myself to go to work clearly in 4 years a lot happened and finding this information out was the biggest bomb that's been dropped on me.

I have been known for getting myself into predicaments with the law but to find out I'm a dad was probably the one to beat.

I talked to both Geoff and DJ starting of by saying " now I know why you guys were acting weird "...

They admitted that it hasn't been easy keeping this from me and that it was not there intention to be dishonest.

I knew there wasn't much I could of done while I was in Jail but the guys informed me that between them and Bridgette they helped Courtney with what they could in my place. I gave them my gratitude for that.

Before ending our chat they encouraged me to go properly introduce myself to my daughter. They went on saying how she's a great little kid and can brighten up anyone's day.

I sent Courtney a text shortly after asking if I can meet Serenity, I was still amazed that she gave her the name I loved.

Parking in the driveway, I check my phone to see if she replied not seeing anything I slip it back into my pocket before walking up to the front door.

I was relieved not seeing dads car meaning I could talk to mom peacefully without having to receive his cold judgemental gaze and hear his comments, I've dealt with enough during the time I was away.

After ringing the doorbell it didn't take long til the door opened.

Smiling at me with all the love any mom would have for her child, " hello dear " mom greeted " hi mom " I replied before giving her a hug.

After greeting each other mom served coffee and brought out some home made pound cake, we settle in the kitchen sitting at the breakfast table near the big window with a view of the yard.

I take a few sips of coffee before I could start telling her about what's going on" Duncan you look tired, is everything okay? " mom asks looking concerned at me as I exhale " I'm exhausted I haven't slept since yesterday " I explain taking another sip of coffee.

" Did something happen? " she asks looking nervous like she did at previous events.

Gripping the mug in my hands I might as well just come out and say it " mom...I just found out that I'm a father " I said waiting to hear what she will say.

Moms mouth opened a bit along with her eyes opening, " what? " she asks shocked " we were 16 and you know how things happen " I explain not getting into certain details looking at my coffee.

" I was already a stupid teenager getting into trouble but just know that I would of taken full responsibility for taking care of them... " suddenly mom stood up and wrapped her arms around me, making me stop breathing.

" I know you would of you stepped up and taken responsibility Duncan it's what any good father would do " she breathes followed by myself getting up to hug her back " I also would of helped " upon hearing those words I only hugged mom tighter.

" Thanks mom I'm glad to know that my daughter has an awesome grandma " I said only to get released from the hug " I have a granddaughter " mom gasps in excitement making me smile and nod.

" Who has a granddaughter? " asks the one voice I didn't want to hear today let alone even see the owner.

Turning to look standing at the kitchen entry was dad with his arms crossed and an eyebrow raised, " hi dad or better yet grandpa " I greeted seeing his expression change " please both of you " warned mom trying to keep the atmosphere calm between us.

Shaking his head in disbelief Dad at me " I thought you have done plenty of wrong and countless mistakes Duncan" he starts " James enough we need to support him on this " said mom coming to my defence placing her hand on my shoulder.

Gripping the chair I look away from making eye contact with dad " I better head out" I breath walking towards where dad stood " so you ruined someone's life" he says making me take a deep breath before looking him straight in the eyes.

" Say whatever you want about my fuck ups but you will not say anything bad about Courtney and Serenity " I said before walking to the front door, knowing mom she was going to give dad an earful.

Just as I was getting my car keys out my phone buzzed I smiled seeing Courtney's name displayed...

Courtney: Of course you can. Does 5:00pm sound good?

Typing back I get excited

Duncan: Yeah, sounds good. And thanks

Gripping my keys I wait to see what her reply is...

Courtney: Your welcome

Smiling at her reply I get in my car and drive off...

Normal POV

5:00pm

Throughout the whole day both Duncan and Courtney were preparing themselves after the last message exchange, they both felt nervous.

How was this was first or second meet going to go?

Courtney was currently getting herself ready while talking to Bridgette with her phone speaker on...

Courtney: I don't know what I was thinking? ( brushing her hair )

Bridgette: Your overthinking it, just breath

Courtney: is this a good idea to let him meet her? I just thought I'd have more time before this actually happened

Bridgette: How long exactly were you planning on waiting to tell Duncan

Courtney: to be honest I have no answer, I guess apart of me thought he would forget about me

Bridgette: he would of never forgotten you Courtney, I heard bits and pieces from the other day Duncan still has feelings for you

Looking at her reflection in the mirror Courtney replayed everything Duncan has said so far...

Bridgette: It could be heard in his voice and it's obvious that you still have feelings for him too

Courtney's eyes open up hear her best friend

Courtney: I've tried to forget Duncan but I can't especially when I literally have a piece of him

Bridgette: Maybe you two can rekindle what you once had

Courtney: Uh your forgetting that when we last rekindled we ended up having a baby

Bridgette laughed lightly

Bridgette: true but it doesn't hurt to try, its different this time

Courtney sighs putting her brush down, she was still heart broken and every kind of emotion she once had for Duncan was gone. She was sure if she could let him back into her life.

Courtney: it's just * sighs * right now what's important is Serenity

Bridgette knew Courtney was avoiding her feelings for Duncan, she remembers how she would force herself to block her feelings

Bridgette:True but remember your important too

Courtney: Thank you for being there Bridge, I better go Duncan should be here soon

Bridgette: everything will be okay call me if you wanna talk

Courtney: I will talk to you soon

After hanging up the call Courtney took a deep breath before opening the bathroom door making her way to the living room to see Serenity colouring her colouring book on the coffee table.

Courtney got her ready a little while ago, she dressed her up in black leggings, a grey sweater with little white bows and white socks, for her hair she had gathered it up and put it up in a little bun in the middle of her head.

" Hi honey " greets Courtney walking over to her making Serenity look away from her book, " hi mommy " she says smiling " you pretty " she adds giggling.

Courtney wore a simple v neck white crop top with long sleeves and light blue skinny jeans, her hair pulled to the side and had house slippers on. " Aw thank you " answers Courtney thinking it was simple what she wore.

Feeling nervous taking a deep breath Courtney sits down on the couch beside Serenity, " sweetie can I talk to you for a moment? " she asks getting her daughter's attention, " okay " answered Serenity standing in front of her mom.

Holding both of her daughters tiny hands in her own Courtney begins talking " honey I need you to be a big girl " she starts " I am big girl " replies Serenity looking at Courtney " I know you are but it's for something very important " explains Courtney using one hand to caress her daughters cheek.

" Honey do you remember mommy's friend from the other day? " she asks expressing concern.

" The man?" answers Serenity tilting her head to the side, " yes...um...are you okay if he comes by there's something important we have to tell you " explains Courtney nervously " and I just want you to be okay with him here ".

* knock * * knock *

Jumping in her spot Courtney looks over at the door, " who here mommy? " Serenity asks.

Standing up Courtney inhales slowly, " I'll go see why don't you colour okay " she says before walking over to the door.

* Outside *

Duncan just knocked Courtney's door along with trying to control his breathing and staying calm.

" You can do this don't be a coward " Duncan says to himself " be a good man and meet your daughter " he adds waiting for the door to open.

Looking at the bouquet of light purple and pink roses he got for Courtney remembering they were her favourite colours and flower, while in the other hand he held a cute plush deer for Serenity.

He wanted to give his daughter a meaningful gift when they met, so after who knows how long of looking around the toy department his eyes settled on this cute plush deer reminding him of when him and Courtney were deer on TDI.

( AN: I literally needed inspiration and saw this CUTE plush deer if you have a moment to look at please do. Bellzi Deeri the deer )

The memory made him think of good times and how that was the beginning for them.

Just then the door slowly opened and he quickly hid both gifts behind his back, upon seeing Courtney coming out Duncan's heart only raced.

" Hi " She greeted opening the door " hello you look nice " he said his eyes unable to resist from checking her out.

Hearing his comment made Courtney's heart feel something familiar but she pushed it to the side, " thank you...come in " she answers opening the door to allow him enter her home.

Courtney POV

Seeing Duncan here again has me nervous I'm constantly thinking about what is going to happen?

Taking a deep breath I compose myself and close the door once he's inside " before we... " turning around to face him I'm met with a beautiful bouquet of both my favourite flower and colours, I can't believe he remembered.

Looking me straight in the eye " I know that countless sorries and these don't make up for everything but I hope it's a start " said Duncan sounding so deep and sincere.

I never heard him talk this way before it was a side I didn't know he had, my heart was kinda reacting.

Slowly smiling I carefully reach for the flowers and hold them inhaling their sweet scent, " thank you " I breath looking up at him, " your welcome " he replies smiling at me.

" I was gonna say before we go on...Duncan do you really want to be in her life? " I asked in a serious tone of voice.

Seeing his expression change Duncan takes a breath " I already missed out on so much of her life " he states momentarily looking up to compose himself " I wouldn't be asking you to meet her if I wasn't serious " he adds looking at me again" I want to be the dad she deserves, who will protect her and make sure to always be there I'm not going anywhere ".

Hearing him say all this was making me feel a lot more comfortable knowing he's serious then again I shouldn't let my guard in case but I'm going to give him the benefit of the doubt.

Placing the flowers on the counter I exhale before looking over my shoulder at him, " are you ready to meet her? " I asked turning around.

" Yeah " Duncan answers with both hands behind his back " what are you hiding? " I asked curiously standing in front of him, " a gift for her" he answers smiling which I think he wants to keep a secret.

" Don't be nervous" I said gesturing Duncan to follow " I'm not " he answers as we go into the living room seeing Serenity colouring.

Duncan freezes momentarily" are you okay?" I ask looking at him " yeah just she's...beautiful " he answers lightly smiling " she really does look like you " he adds looking at me.

Smiling back at him " everyone always says that...come on " I replied before we go " Serenity" I said making her look up at me " hi mommy " she answers seeing both myself and Duncan, " hi " she waves to Duncan.

" Hello again " he said smiling at her.

Gesturing him to follow my lead I crouch down in front of Serenity while Duncan sits criss crossed beside me.

" Serenity do you remember mommy asking you to be a big girl because of something important to talk about " I explain holding her hand " yes " she answers in a shy tone while looking back between me and Duncan.

I was feeling my anxiety go up with every word I was saying but I agreed to this and Duncan gave his word he wants this.

Taking a deep breath I look into Serenity's eyes " Honey he isn't just a friend to mommy he's your daddy " I said then I look towards her dad " Duncan this is Serenity our daughter " I breathed...

Duncan's POV

After hearing the official introduction I couldn't help but get this overwhelmed feeling in my chest.

Waiting a moment to get a reaction from my daughter I take another breath and try to say something or take action, I just hope she doesn't get scared but then I didn't have to..

" My daddy? " I hear looking at her

" Yeah I'm your daddy " I answer smiling nervously unsure of what could happen next " where were you? " asks Serenity " honey -" Courtney was about to stop the question but I gestured to stop.

" Are you sure? asks Courtney concerned but I just nod.

Holding a hand out towards Serenity she looks at it for a moment before placing her tiny hand on mine, " wow look your hand is small in mine " I joke making her giggle " I'm little " she says smiling at me only to warm up my heart.

" Serenity the reason why daddy wasn't around was because I had to go away " I started explaining then look at Courtney " you go away " said Serenity stepping closer to me" yeah daddy got into big trouble and couldn't see mommy for awhile so I had to go away " I said making sure to word what I say carefully.

" Did you miss mommy? " Serenity asks making my eyes open, damn my kid is straight forward clearly something she got from Courtney, " yes, I missed mommy very much she is special to daddy " I answer winking at the shy faced Courtney.

" Will you go away again? " she asks lightly pouting her lip " no I will never go away again and I promise to be here for now on " I answered smiling at my daughter. I do not plan or ever plan on going away I'm staying for not just Serenity but also her mother.

Lost in my own thoughts little arms were around my neck, " my daddy " said Serenity's little voice a smile slowly formed followed by my arms hugging her. Looking over at Courtney she quietly wiped tears from her face.

Pulling away from me Serenity smiles at me and I suddenly remembered the gift " daddy is silly I brought you a present " I said pulling from behind me the plush deer " look mommy " she said showing it to Courtney.

" It's a deer what do we say to daddy for the present " said Courtney try to hold her laugh, " thank you daddy " answered Serenity hugging her new toy, " can I name him? " she asks looking up at me.

Smiling hearing the question she asks I chuckle " you can what name do you want to give it " I ask watching her think " Duncan Deer " Serenity answers looking up at me while Courtney tries holding her laugh " alright then " I answer only imagining how good of a laugh everyone is going to have.

" Daddy can we walk to school? " Serenity asks smiling " uh if it's okay with mommy? " I answer looking at Courtney " mommy can he? " she asks looking hopeful, " if he wants to come then it's okay" answers Courtney looking back at me.

" I'm gonna show Duncan Deer my room " announced Serenity before running off " okay " we both say watching her go.

We exhale a breath of relief, " I'm so glad that went well " I sighs Courtney resting on the side of her legs, " yeah but also you did good preparing and explaining things to her " I answer laying on my side feeling that my butt was going numb. " I try my best everyday to be a good mom " she said rubbing her temple, " from what I saw your an incredible mom Courtney " I complimented knowing that she's definitely doing everything right.

" I just hope I can be a good dad to her " I say as my thoughts start to get me " you already are Duncan the way you explained things, meeting her and giving reassurance are good steps " explains Courtney smiling.

My heart started racing seeing Courtney smiling like the way she was right now, memories of when she would remind me my efforts and to be positive came to mind especially when I was having hard times or showing I'm trying to change meant nothing to people.

How did I get such an incredible person like Courtney?

" So a deer? " asks Courtney getting my full attention " it was in some way the start of our courtship " I explained grinning at her while moving my eyebrows " you mean that dumb hunting challenge " said Courtney rolling her eyes " but your forgetting how our antlers got tangled which I kinda liked " I replied seeing her blush " I also recall giving you one hell of a kick for your smug comment " she says smirking.

My smile disappeared recalling that part " right " I answer before sitting up " but one thing that I can't forget is I still love you Courtney " I announce.

Courtney's eyes open clearly hearing what I just said " Duncan I don't think..."

" I'm not joking Courtney it might take time but I'm letting you know " I explained feeling tension in the room " I should head out it's been one long day " I add both myself and Courtney slowly standing up from the floor.

Walking towards the door I hear small feet coming down the hallway, " daddy " said Serenity coming to us with her deer in arms, " hi sweetie " I answer crouching down, " where you going? " she asks me " I'm going home because I got work tomorrow " I explained smiling " just like how I'm guessing you have school " lightly poking her belly.

Nodding her head yes " will I see you? " she asks hopeful.

I glanced up at Courtney to see her nod yes, " yeah mommy and I need to talk about more things okay but I promise to see you " I said smiling at my little girl " okay I love you daddy" says Serenity hugging me again which I return while picking her up holding her close, " I love you too " I answered once again getting overwhelmed.

After awhile I open the door looking back at Courtney smiling lightly " let's talk soon to make arrangements for visiting but also I wanna help you financially " I explain putting my hands in my pockets " Duncan no I'm not accepting handouts " she answers crossing her arms.

" Its not a handout it's my responsibility as her father to help you with everything needed even you Courtney " I say surprising her " Ive been working hard...now I got more to work harder for...let's talk soon okay " I explain being serious.

Seeing her stunned expression I lightly smile " by the way you still look hot good night " I whispered before walking out of the apartment.

I knew things were going to take awhile but I'm sure of two things first being I'm going to be a good dad and secondly I was going to get Courtney back.

AN: It finally happened. I hope everyone enjoys it