57. Playing Nice

Pretending with Shane and Andrea wasn't easy. My emotions were all over the place. I still wanted Andrea back with me, knowing she loved Shane did not make it easier. If it was not for Shane, she would be with me.

If it wasn't for Emily I could let Andrea go. I knew I could. But every time I looked at that baby I saw Andrea, and now my daughter was finally going home. But not with me. With Shane and Andrea.

"You understand why it would be weird for me to stay the night?"

"Yes, Shane. I understand," I said staying calm.

"You can come see her. Spend all day with Emily," she said.

"I know. I just wanted to be with her on first night out of the hospital," I said not trying to hide the displeasure in my tone.

"I understand that. And Shane understands that too. She is your daughter. We're not going to keep you out of her life. Emily needs you. She needs all of us. We all have to keep getting along for her sake," Andrea whispered. Emily was in her arms. She held her close to me so I could kiss her goodbye.

"Daddy loves you and I'll see you soon," I tell Emily. At my own words, I feel my shoulders tense up. If I loved my daughter so much how could I just let Andrea take her away?

I took a long breath. Watching Andrea and Shane leaving with my daughter was more than I could take. They looked like a happy family. A happy family with my daughter. How long before they kicked me out of Emily's life? Sure, they were being nice now. Seeing them together I knew it was only a matter of time before they pushed me out of her life. I lost Penny. I would not lose this baby. Shane was a nice enough of guy. Maybe in another we could have even been friends. But things being the way they were I only looked at Shane as an obstacle. Someone who I have to get rid of to claim what was rightfully mine.

58. Family

I watched Andrea holding her daughter. Her blonde hair was pulled up in a ponytail, and her dark blue eyes were glowing. Motherhood looked good on her, I thought smiling.

I stood there taking it all in. Andrea walking around the apartment with Emily.

I loved this little girl, and could not love her more if she was my own blood.

"I love you," Andrea said as she put Emily down in her crib.

"I love you. You're mine," I said kissing her forehead.

Emily being born early I had sent everyone in a state of panic. I had been so scared that Emily or Andrea would die. I had even told Andrea she could go back to Philip. A moment of weakness. I wasn't the type of guy who would give up fighting for the woman I loved. I was here for Emily and Andrea. I fight for them if I had too. No way in hell would I just let her go be with Philip, I thought. How those words ever came out of my mouth, would forever be a mystery.

Andrea looks down at Emily in the crib and back up at me again before taking a deep breath.

"Emily Penelope, is finally home," Andrea smiles.

"Why don't you go take a nap. I'll get you some dinner ready," I said timidly.

Andrea looks down at Emily who is sleeping, and smiles at me. Her hand is on my shoulder.

"That sounds perfect. I haven't been able to sleep in weeks," Andrea says walking toward the bedroom.

Looking down at this baby, I realize Andrea's and I relationship is changed forever. We are no longer just husband and wife. She is a mother and I am a stepfather. Our whole life is about this little girl now. Her wants and needs come first. The only problem was Philip.

I wish to God, he was not Emily's father. Sharing moments with someone else was not in my nature. Letting Philip be in the delivery room instead of me, was a horrible experience. One I did not want relive. I walk in the bedroom, and sleep Andrea sleeping. I better go to the grocery store, I thought.

In the car I pick my phone. I needed some advice, and there was only person I knew to call.

"Hey," I said.

"Hi Shane," Rick said simply.

"I need some advice about Philip," I whispered.

After what seemed like forever, Rick answered, "What's going on?"

"He won't stop pushing Andrea. He actually wanted Emily and Andrea to go home with him today," I said.

"Well, Emily was in the hospital for along time. As her father, I can see where he want to have some time with his daughter. I would feel the same way if it was Carl," Rick says logically.

"I know he is Emily's father, but I don't want to deal with him," I admitted.

"You knew going into this marriage, Andrea was having another man's baby. You will just have to make it work. Do what right for Emily," Rick said.

"Andrea and I plan on moving. Philip is not going to be in the picture," I admitted.

"Why now? After Emily has been so sick? That won't be fair for the father," Rick said harshly.

"We can't stay here. You think Andrea, Emily, Philip, and I are going to ride of in the sunset together? Philip is never going to stop trying to destroy my family. What would you if someone was trying to take Lori from you?"

"You need to stay close to the baby's father. For Emily. You know that's the right thing," Rick said.

"You're right, buddy," I said. Rick hangs up the phone, and I think how wrong he is. Philip was playing nice now, but I knew he could not be trusted. And even if he could I still wanted my family far away from him. Andrea was my wife, not his. I walk in the store, and grab the things I need quickly. I drive home quickly, and rush in to look at Andrea. Her blonde curls are falling in her face as she sleeps. I get on the floor beside the bed.

"I love you, Andrea," I whisper in her ear. Looking at Andrea, I know Rick is right. We should stay her for Emily. She deserved to know her father. But I was too selfish for that. I wanted Andrea and Emily for myself. I was not a man who made compromises, I thought.