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He lifts his head as he hears footsteps coming into his hospital room. He sniffs the air and you haven’t changed your perfume much in the past ten years. “Princess, that can’t be ya can it?” His voice sounds so raw and he struggles to get to your feet. You hurry over and grab his hand.
“Gator, honey, I’m here.” He lets out a whimper from the back of his throat and collapses in your arms. You didn’t know the totality of how much he was hurt but it sounded like he was sobbing without tear ducts.You rub his back, sighing. “Our girl is waiting for you to come home.”
Gator’s head bolts up. “Girl? Princess, whatcha mean by that?”
You smile softly. “I was pregnant when I left. Didn’t find out til after but I wasn’t coming back.”
“Princess,” he bows his head. “Why didn’tcha tell me?”
"Hadn't come back yet. But I told her I was coming to get her daddy and bring him home with us 'cause he got injured." You rub his back again. "Shelby is probably setting things up for you like the little angel she is."
"Wish I knew what she looked like." He huffs a bit and lets you help him to his feet. You lead him out and help him sign his discharge papers, before bringing him to your car.
"She took more after you in the face and me in stature." You gently say. "Let me know your size. I see you've grown since high school."
He lets out a dry chuckle. "I will, Princess." He tilts his head towards you. "Surprised ya came back for me. Ya kinda abandoned me."
"I asked you to come with me, Gator." You look over at him as you start driving down the long driveway to your house. "If you did, we'd have a family by now."
His hand grips your thigh. "Ya knew I couldn't." The front door bursts open and you see Shelby making a sprint with your dog to run to the car. You let out a chuckle as Shelby slides to a stop by the door on Gator's side of the car.
"Mama, this is Daddy right?" She opens the door for Gator and he smiles.
"Yeah, babygirl. This is your Daddy." You move to his side of the car and offer him your arm. Gator takes your arm and lets you lead him into the house.
"What do you like, Shelby?" Gator speaks so kindly towards her that your heart melts a little. This is what you could've had if he'd left with you. She starts jabbering away, talking about her love for Nightmare Before Christmas and how she hopes someone writes some books about it so she can read them to him. You smile. This is your little family. Things will be alright.