Raegan sensed an intrusion looming over their lives, her irritation boiling over. “Mitchel, can’t you see? We’ve managed without you. We always will.”
Mitchel’s complexion went ashen as her words cut deep. Nonetheless, he masked his hurt, his voice strained. “Raegan, you might not need me, but have you thought about Janey? Don’t you think she needs me?”
Mitchel’s words struck a chord. Raegan knew Janey was not just innocent but deeply sensitive. Despite overcoming her childhood introversion, Janey’s psychologist had once advised that a father figure could play a crucial role in her emotional development.
Noticing Raegan’s uncertainty, Mitchel gently persisted, “Raegan, I won’t fight with you over Janey’s custody. I’m her dad, and I mean her no harm. I just want her to experience the love of a father.”
His plea was soft and earnest. “Please, let me be a part of her life.”
Raegan was torn. Mitchel was right. She couldn’t make such a decision for Janey. Mitchel was, after all, her biological father. And he had shown nothing but love for Janey, even when he remained oblivious to Janey being his biological daughter. If Mitchel’s presence could bring any joy or improvement to Janey’s life, denying him that chance seemed unjust.
Raegan took a moment to consider and then laid out her conditions.
“You can see Janey, but there are going to be rules.”
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Mitchel’s face lit up with hope. “Whatever you say, I’ll follow.”
“The first rule is you can’t tell anyone Janey is your daughter.”
Raegan’s stance was firm, borne out of a protective instinct. The Dixon family had always disliked her, and the news of Janey being Mitchel’s biological daughter could either be a boon or a bane.
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Mitchel consented without hesitation. “Understood.” Until he was in a position to safeguard Janey and Raegan openly, keeping Janey’s paternity under wraps was wise and could prevent any unwanted attention. He harbored the hope of one day being openly recognized as part of their lives.
“The second rule is Janey doesn’t go anywhere with you without my permission.”
Mitchel nodded in agreement, accepting her condition.
“The last rule is that I expect not to cross paths with you beyond Janey’s matters.” Raegan needed to make it crystal clear that their interactions would be strictly regarding Janey. This was not an opening for Mitchel to weave back into her personal life.
This condition struck Mitchel hard, tempting him to protest, yet he recognized his lack of standing to do so. Any objection might jeopardize his fragile connection with Janey and by extension, Raegan.
He much preferred this arrangement over complete separation.
With a heavy heart, he conceded, “Okay.”
Raegan, however, remained skeptical of his ready agreement. She gazed at him, firmly stating, “I trust you’ll stick to your word. If not, our agreement ends here.
Mitchel nodded. “I’ll heed your words,” he assured her quickly.
Raegan, caught off-guard by his prompt compliance, chose silence over further discussion and turned to leave.
Mitchel, undeterred, offered softly, “Raegan, allow me to drive you to work. It’s along my route.”
“No, thank you.” Her refusal was swift, and with a meaningful look, she added, “And please, stop loitering around my place. Lack of sleep not only ages you prematurely but also shortens your lifespan!”
She hadn’t missed the redness in his eyes, a clear sign of his nightly vigils, nor was she unaware of his all-night waits outside her villa, as the driver had informed her.