Harris and Mallory met at the same cafe. Like the first time, Harris was ahead of time. He was waiting for Mallory and having his espresso coffee when she came.
When Mallory's gaze met his, something inside him snapped into place. His heart blazed with a fiery passion he hadn't experienced in years — he was confident that if the flame were to be snuffed out, he would cease to exist entirely. He knew then and there that she was worth every battle, every scrap, every ounce of energy he had left; she was worth fighting for.
A fire ignited in Harris's chest that had been dormant for far too long. His heart sang, and he promised himself that Mallory was worth fighting for at all costs. He vowed to never let this love slip away, to protect it with every last ounce of strength he possessed. He dismissed all the doubts and fears he had the night before.
"Mallory, I'm so happy you decided to talk personally. I prefer we talk in person to properly discuss things if necessary," Harris began. "I'm sure you heard me on the phone the last time I called. I want to apologize for it. It must have been so sudden, and I was wrong to tell you on the phone about Harriet."
Mallory's eyes narrowed as she studied Harris, trying to determine whether his words were genuine or just another manipulation.
"Mallory, I want to hear it from you," Harris implored.
For a moment, Mallory hesitated, torn between the desire to protect Harriet and the longing to be honest with the man she still loved. Heidi's advice kept replaying in Mallory's head.
Because he's Harriet's father, Mallory. Regardless of what happened between you, he deserves a chance to be a part of her life. Just give him a chance to explain.
Her heart wrenched at the mention of her daughter, torn between the desire for answers and protecting Harriet from potential threats. With a deep breath, she finally responded.
"Yes, Harris. She's your daughter."
"Then let me be there for her! For both of you!" Harris pleaded, leaning forward in earnest desperation. "I know I messed up, but I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make things right."
Mallory bit her lip, her thoughts racing. Could she trust Harris again after everything that had happened? Could she risk exposing Harriet to the pain and heartbreak that had once torn them apart? The fact that they are not suitable for each other.
"Promise me, Harris," she whispered, tears forming. "Promise me you'll never let your mom come to my daughter. Harris, she's my world now."
"Look, Mal," Harris began, his fingers tapping nervously on the table. "I agree that we should wait until our little girl is ready before introducing them."
Mallory chewed her lip thoughtfully, studying Harris's face for signs of resentment or hidden agenda. "Really? You're not just saying this to appease me?"
"Of course not," Harris replied, his eyes meeting hers sincerely. "You know how much I care about Harriet and want what's best for her too. If waiting is what's right, then I'm willing to compromise."
Mallory took a deep breath, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. She appreciated Harris's willingness to put their daughter's needs first. "Okay, then. We'll wait until Harriet feels comfortable and ready. Not soon, since I know your mom would take Harriet away from me."
"Mally, I swear to you," Harris vowed, his voice thick with emotion. "I'll do everything in my power to protect you and Harriet from anyone who tries to hurt us. And if that means standing up to my own family... I won't hesitate."
"You don't have to think about me, Harris. Please protect our daughter; I don't want her to suffer under your mother. I know your mom is influential, given the wealth and power that goes along with it. You can be a father to Harriet in exchange for keeping her safe. Do we have a deal?"
"Yes," Harris said firmly. "When can I see Harriet?" With a newfound sense of determination, Harris asked.
"Please, Mallory," he pleaded, his voice shaking with emotion. "I don't deserve it, but I want to be a part of her life. I promise I'll do everything possible to compensate for the past."
There was a long silence before Mallory finally spoke. "Alright, Harris," she sighed, her voice wavering. "You can see her. But please, let's take this one step at a time."
"Sure. That's not a problem. Whatever you feel is right and comfortable for our daughter, Harriet." Harris loved mentioning her daughter's name; it was like a good sound in his ear.
"The first time we met, Harriet knew it, and she was hoping she could see you one of these days, so I'll introduce you as her father."
"Really?" Harris was elated to hear Mallory's confession. "Do you mean to say Harriet already knows my name?"
"Yes. It takes time for Harriet to process things, and it might be confusing since I already told her you are just an old friend and not a possible father figure for her."
"Is Harriet looking for a father figure all this time?"
"Just recently, when she overheard my conversation with Heidi on the phone about meeting you. After that, she asked about you and if you could be my boyfriend and possibly her dad when we get married," Mallory said hesitantly.
It breaks Harris knowing his daughter badly wants a father by her side. But he silently celebrated the last part of it, knowing her daughter wanted him to marry her mom. It wouldn't be hard to convince Mallory for them to be a complete family after all.
"I'll let you know when you can meet Harriet."
"Thank you," Harris whispered, his heart swelling with gratitude. "I won't let you down. I promise."
Harris knew he had taken the first step toward a better future – not just for himself, but for Mallory and their daughter.
As Mallory rose from her chair, feeling the weight of their conversation bearing on her, she knew their life was forever changed. Mallory let out a shaky breath, trying to steady the rapid beating of her heart. She knew her love for Harris lingered, buried beneath hurt and betrayal.
Later that evening, as Mallory lay in bed, her thoughts were consumed by the impending conversation with Harris. She couldn't help but recall the tender moments they had shared, the promises whispered in the dark. Her heart ached as she considered the possibility that those memories might be all she would have left as they were not fit for each other.
But beneath the uncertainty, there was hope. Hoped that Harris would step up and become the man she believed he could be. Hope that their love could weather this storm for their daughter. As sleep finally claimed her, Mallory clung to that hope, embracing the unknown future with tentative optimism.
Days passed, and Harris stood outside Mallory's modest small house, his heart pounding. He took a deep breath and knocked on the door, bracing himself for whatever reaction he would receive.
"Come in," Mallory called out softly from inside.
As Harris entered, he found her standing in the living room, cradling their daughter Harriet. He couldn't help but feel a wave of emotion wash over him at the sight of them together.
"Please, Harris," Mallory implored, her eyes filled with fear and vulnerability. "Promise me you won't take Harriet away from me."
"Of course not," he reassured her, his voice gentle. "I just want to get to know her and spend time with her. That's all."
"Your mother can't find out about this," she continued, her gaze never leaving him. "You know how influential your family is. I don't stand a chance if they decide they want full custody." Mallory reminded Harris.
Harris reached out and took Mallory's hand in his own. "I promise," he vowed sincerely. "My mother won't find out. This is between us."
Harris's nerves were a bundle of excitement and anxiety as he watched Mallory gently guide Harriet toward him, her tiny hand clutching her mother's fingers.
"Hi there, Harriet," Harris said tenderly, crouching to her level. "I'm your daddy."
"Hi, Daddy," Harriet replied timidly, a shy smile pulling at her lips.
"Would you like to play on the swings with me?" Harris asked, trying to hide his eagerness.
"Okay!" Harriet agreed, her shyness beginning to fade.