I had a ton of errands to run yesterday. But, after awhile I remembered that I need to periodically feed the kid, so we stopped for a burger. As we were leaving, I saw this guy on the corner waiting for the light to change. It was Jack, Donnella’s dad. He saw me and I pulled over long enough for him to get into the car. He looked in the back seat and saw his daughter and remarked how much she’d changed in the last two years. When I seemed shocked, he told me that my old roommate had told him and that he understood why I hadn’t told him she was his myself. I was greatly relieved, but in a way I guess I always knew he’d forgive me. He’s just that kind of guy. And, when I mentioned the hurricane and thinking he was dead, he only laughed and explained that a huge mistake had been made.

I told him about my bid for the BBC job and he said how awsome it’d be to live in England. He told me how he really didn’t have any commitments and was up for anything. When I brought up LA, he was also game. He doesn’t have much money, but between the two of us, we could pull it off.

When I asked him why on earth he was in this part of California, he told me he was staying with friends here and just trying to figure things out. The kind of sympatico we had was still there. We just fell back into things and this time wouldn’t blow it. We have enough history to begin anew while picking up where we left off.......well, would have left off if I’d not pushed him away. This time we’re going to be together and finally raise our daughter together. Nella was sleepy in the back, but smiled this little smile at him ~ the cleft in her chin mirroring his.

Instead of finishing the errands, we came back home and I introduced everyone to him. We all sat outside my friend’s mom’s house and enjoyed the shade of her front yard. We laughed and talked and everyone was so amazed at how much Nella looks like her daddy. For once, it didn’t bother me that she doesn’t look like me. I silently wondered how we’d work everything. I mean, my friend’s kids don’t know him, so staying at the house would be awkward. But, we were able to ease their worries so they’d feel comfortable with him there sometimes. And, I must admit that I gloated a bit over having this really great guy as mine. Not to be mean, but it felt kind of good knowing I wasn’t making the horrible mistake my friend is making with that loser she’s with!

So, later that night, after Nella was asleep we talked and made plans. He stroked my hair and we promised to not let this chance go by. It really would be ok this time. We layed in the darkened bedroom and talked about the future. I knew what I didn’t know then, that it didn’t matter if I knew for sure if he was “the one”. That I didn’t need to measure being with him like that. We’d figure it out as we go along.

But, then the light changed and I had to start driving again. It wasn’t Jack. There was no miracle. It was just some guy on a corner waiting for the light to change.