It started off as a few sprinkles but eventually the heavy clouds gave way and large drops of rain began to spill everywhere. Morning practices had run late and well after the athletes had departed the gym, Jake had a ton of paperwork to complete. It was almost lunch by the time he left the arena and although the day was still early, he was dead tired. He dashed out to his SUV, unlocking it on the way with his keyless entry. Opening the hatch, he loaded his bags inside.

"Did anyone ever tell you how hot you look standing in the rain?"

The female voice from behind startled him as Jake stopped dead in his tracks.

"Oh God", he mumbled.

He hadn't heard that voice in years but he had never forgotten it.

"Long time no see."

Jake slowly turned around.

"Nikki…"

"You remembered", she smiled. "I'm flattered."

"What are you doing here?"

She looked him up and down.

"Wow. What a difference a few years make. You're looking good. A lot leaner and more muscular. Toner…and I'm digging the George Hamilton tan."

He desperately tried to keep his cool and contain his shock all at the same time. It was the most unexpected of visits.

"You didn't answer my question. What are you doing here?"

"We need to talk."

"About what?"

"Our daughter."

Jake shook his head.

"Our daughter? You mean the one you kidnapped? The one I haven't seen in 11 years?"

"I see you still have a flair for the dramatic but that would be her."

"Nikki…"

"We need to talk."

"Fine", he folded his arms. "Talk."

She shook her head.

"Not here."

"Where then?"

She motioned towards the street as the rain soaked them both.

"There's a diner a few blocks away. We could have coffee…you know, like we used to."

"Why would I want to do that?"

She smirked.

"Because I think you'll be interested in what I have to say."

Before he could respond, she hopped into the compact car with rental tags and started the engine. Like in a trance, Jake followed suit. He had hated Nikki more than life. She was the one chapter he wish he could have erased. But she was the mother of his daughter and for that, she'd always have that hold on him.

They drove not even a mile down the street. Both parked and got out, walking and taking a seat at a private booth in the back. He studied her. She was 28 now and she still looked good. Of course she had always been a pretty girl, especially when she wasn't wearing tons of dark eye make up.

"Alright", he sighed, when the coffee had been brought out. "What's this about?"

"Jenny", she stated.

Jake's eyes widened and his heart pounded.

"What about her? Is she okay? Where is she?"

"Hold on with the 20 questions…"

"Nikki, I don't have time for your games."

She sighed.

"It's not a game. Not this time."

"Is Jenny okay?"

"She's fine."

"Is she here? With you?"

Nikki shook her head.

"I'm just passing through. She's with a friend of mine in Orlando."

"Orlando?"

"Yeah. I was there for a while but something's come up. I'm headed to Kansas City. I'm going to be there for a while and Jenny can't come."

"What does all this mean? What are you saying to me, Nikki?"

"I made a mistake, Jake. I've been making them since the day she was born. I just couldn't handle it. It was too much and I was too young. That's why I bailed. I know I shouldn't have just left my child like that so that's why I came back. Believe it or not, my intentions were good. I was sorry and I still loved you and I wanted for us to be a family. You were so angry with me…"

"And with good reason. Don't turn this all around on me."

"I know. But when you didn't want me anymore, I flipped and I made it my mission to get you back. I knew taking Jenny away would hit you the hardest so that's what I did."

He nodded.

"I know. And that just made me hate you more. You used our daughter as an innocent pawn in another one of your sick games. You didn't give a damn about Jenny or me. You just wanted revenge."

"I was young and dumb and selfish."

"And evil."

She smiled.

"Okay. That too. Look, I know I was wrong to keep her away all these years. I'm sorry, Jake."

He laughed.

"Sorry. Sorry? How can you sit here and say that to me with a straight face. You're sorry if you accidentally step on someone's toe or you lose something that belongs to someone else. But you intentionally kidnapped my child, manipulated the judicial system and refused to let me see her."

"Thanks for the recap."

"This isn't funny, Nikki. You wanted to hurt me? Guess what? You did. Losing Jenny destroyed me. It still hurts. I think about her every single day."

"I can't change the past, Jake but maybe I can do something about the future."

"What are you talking about?"

"I'm talking about next week I head to Kansas City. Jenny isn't coming with me. You're her dad."

"Nikki…"

"You wanted her? Now you can have her. This is your chance."

Jake spilled hot coffee everywhere but he didn't care. His hands couldn't stop shaking. He was afraid it was all a dream. It had to be. This was a moment he had waited for years to happen. He'd even dreamt about it. Finally it was happening.

"Why are you doing this? Why now? Why after all this time?"

"Because it's the right thing to do."

Jake laughed out loud again.

"Please spare me. Nikki, it's me, okay? I know your ass. Doing the right thing has never been on your list of priorities. This is about you. Nikki doesn't do anything unless it's for Nikki."

"Would you believe it if I told you I have changed?"

"No", he answered, not missing a beat.

Now it was her turn to laugh.

"Jake, Jake, Jake. What am I going to do with you? Look, Jenny is almost 12 now and it's hard. I've been doing this by myself all these years because I thought I could bit it hasn't been easy and I need a break."

"Whose fault is that?"

"I don't need you throwing my shit in my face, Jake. I fucked up and I know it. I'm sorry and I'm trying to do the right thing this time. Now do you want her or not?"

"Of course I do", he swallowed hard.

She smiled.

"Good. Then that's settled."

"When?"

"Next week. Give me your numbers and I'll be in touch."

"I want to see her now."

"You'll see her soon enough."

"I could drive to Orlando and…"

"That isn't necessary. I already made the arrangements. I will drop Jenny off here."

"Does she know yet? Is she excited?"

Jake had a million and one questions as Nikki shrugged again.

"I'll tell her when I get back. She's at that…awkward age. She doesn't get excited about much but you'll see."

Jake wrote down his number and address.

"She's my daughter, Nikki. And I love her and miss her. I've wanted her back for so long. I never wanted you to take her. I'm just saying, she better be okay…and you better be for real on this."

"Don't you trust me?"

"I think you already know the answer to that one."

"Fine. I give you my word. Cross my heart and if you're still not convinced, we can even do the pinky promise."

"Real cute but I'm not in the mood. Just have my daughter here next week."

Nikki nodded as she looked at Jake's wedding band.

"You still with Goldilocks?"

"Her name is Peyton and yes we're still together and very happy."

Nikki smirked.

"I see. Wonder what the missus will have to say about all this."

"Not only will Peyton understand but she will be thrilled. She loves Jenny too and she misses her. You hurt her too by taking Jenny away but I guess you already knew that. That was part of your evil master plan."

"Something like that", she shrugged. "So are we squared away?"

"We're done here. I'll see you next week and Jenny better be there."

He stood and turned to leave but Nikki grabbed his arm and pulled him towards her.

"I'm backing off but I'm not walking completely away this time, Jake. I can't take care of her right now but it doesn't mean I don't love her. So you take care of my baby."

Jake broke away from her grip, shaking his head in disgust as he made it to the door.

"She's my baby, too."