Your Dad Is Mine

I stepped out of the Lyft with a bottle of Rosé in one hand and a box of chocolates in the other. The December wind whipped through my coat, biting at my skin, but I barely felt it through the excitement. I was finally home.

Jayden's manor loomed ahead, glowing with holiday lights, picturesque as always. My heels clicked against the stone pathway as I buzzed myself in, replaying our last phone call.

'Katie, baby, please tell me you're coming home for Christmas. I don't think I can spend another week without you.'

I giggled, nursing a cup of coffee as my secretary passed me some files to sign off on. 'I'm sorry, but work has been so crazy. The firm had a last minute client and I'm this close to losing my mind.'

He sighed. 'I'll miss you.'

I smiled brightly, staring at the 24 karat diamond ring Jayden had used to propose. 'I'm so sorry. I'll be back as soon as I can. I love you.'

'I love you too Katie bear.'

That was two days ago. Luckily I was able to wrap up just in time to catch the last flight back home. I didn't call when I landed. I wanted to surprise him. Big gesture. Classic rom-com moment.

I punched in the gate code and waited as the iron doors buzzed open. My heels echoed in the cold as I climbed the familiar steps. The front door swung open and my breath caught.

Blue eyes. Salt-and-pepper hair. Jaw like a Roman sculpture. Mr. Turner. Jayden's father, looking every bit the man who turned heads without trying.

"Cathrine," his deep voice rumbled through the air, as smooth as aged whiskey. "I wasn't aware you were in town."

I offered a sheepish smile, struggling to balance the oversized chocolate box on my hip. "Yeah... I managed to make it in last minute."

A flicker of something unreadable crossed his face, but he stepped aside. "Jayden's around here somewhere. Make yourself at home."

As he walked away, I noticed, again, how strange it was that I'd never seen him with a woman. Not once in two years. My friends always joked I was dating the wrong Turner. "Ditch the trust fund kid," they'd tease. "Go for the silver fox with actual ambition."

They didn't understand. Jayden could be intense, sure. But he had his moments. We had our moments.

My phone buzzed and I smiled at the text. It was from my sister, Ellie.

I'm so glad you're back in the city. The hospital's like a literal cell. They threw a fit cause I left to get jelly! Save me!

Be good Ellie. I'll be there as soon as I can.

I shoved my phone into my coat and climbed the staircase with a flutter in my chest, careful not to spill the Rosé. His door was slightly ajar. I raised my hand to knock but stopped short.

I furrowed my brows, slowly pressing my ear to the door.