Chapter 6 - Earning The Title
Over the next few weeks, Julian tried everything.
He bought out an entire toy store and had it delivered to our temporary house. I sent it all back.
He offered to pay for the finest private schools in the country. I told him my kids were perfectly happy at their public schools.
He tried to throw money at his guilt, because that was all he knew how to do.
But my children were raised by a soldier.
They valued discipline, honesty, and presence. Not credit cards.
One afternoon, I was in the backyard watching the kids play soccer.
Julian pulled up in his car. He didn't bring any gifts this time.
He just walked to the fence and stood there, watching them.
Luke, my middle son, kicked the ball over the fence by accident.
It rolled right to Julian's feet.
Julian picked it up. He looked at Luke.
"Can I throw it back?" Julian asked nervously.
Luke shrugged. "Sure."
Julian tossed it over. "You have a good kick. You play striker?"
Luke looked at him, suspicious. "Midfielder."
"I used to play midfield," Julian offered gently.
Luke didn't say anything, but he didn't run away either.
It was the first actual conversation they had shared.
I walked over to the fence, crossing my arms.
"You're trying," I noted.
"I will spend the rest of my life trying, Genevieve," he said, looking at me with total sincerity. "I know I don't deserve you. I know I broke your heart. But please... just tell me how to be their father."
"You don't become a father overnight, Julian," I told him. "You have to earn it. Every single day."
"Then let me earn it," he said.
I looked at my five children. They were curious about him.
They had grown up without a dad, and despite my anger, I couldn't deny them the chance to know where they came from.
May you like
"Sundays," I said. "You can come for two hours on Sundays. We play board games. You don't bring gifts. You bring yourself."
Tears welled up in his eyes. "Thank you. Thank you, Gen."
