Taylor's POV

The whole day, Thomas kept saying that what if she won't like him, or what if she'll hide behind me the whole time. I literally told him to calm down, or I'll change my mind about taking him. That got him to be quiet a little bit.

At lunch, I walked in and sat down beside Joy, "So? It wasn't a crush, huh?" She grinned as I sat down.

Just as I opened my mouth to reply, Jim sat down next to us, "Elise has a crush?" I couldn't identify his tone as hurt or happy, but his eyes were showed otherwise. 

"No," I said quickly, "he's an old childhood friend, that's all!"

"Who?" He kept pressing for answers.

"I'll tell you later," I felt the need to move away from him. I longed to be in Thomas's arms.

"Awe come on," he smiled, "can't I know now?"

"Hey Jim, remember those papers that you were supposed to turn in? The whole board won't be happy." Joy jumped into my rescue.  Jim's eyes widened.

"You're right! Thanks a bunch, I owe you." He got up and quickly left.

"Joy, you're amazing," I sighed, slouching. "I just don't know how I'm going to get rid of him since me and Thomas, you know...kinda got back together."

"Relax!" She reassured me, taking a sip of her coffee, "he'll leave you alone once he sees you with Thomas. Besides," she cleared her throat, "I heard we may get a new female employee, I'll hook them up." I laughed at the thought of her 'hooking' Jim up with someone else.

"How have you girls been?" A deep voice sounded above us. I looked up and instantly smiled. Thomas's tall figure hovered over us. Another young man who I've got to know as Kieth was standing beside him as well. They both sat down.

"My days great, now that you're here," I replied. Thomas laughed.

"Now that I'm here? Why is that?" A few weeks ago, talking with Thomas and seeing him as our new manager seemed revolting enough. Now, I can't imagine if he wasn't here. Not that I still didn't remember my days as a single mother without him. 

"No reason," I grinned. I heard Joy sighing dramatically.

"This is better than any movie I've seen." I rolled my eyes and her childish manner. 

"Kieth, this is the girl I've been telling you about back in college," Thomas spoke up, glancing at Kieth who was minding his own business this whole time.

"You two were made for each, is all I can say," He answered, keeping a half smile on his lips, holding a cup of coffee or tea mug in one hand.

"Right?! I couldn't have said it better!" Joy said excitingly. I don't know how Arthur can keep up her. 

I looked back at her and her piped up face. Concerned, I asked, "How many cups of coffee have you had today?"

She was taken aback for a few seconds, then she smiled and replied, "Four cups of coffee and one energy drink." She must have seen my confused look because she said, "With growing kids, you need to stay awake!"

I shook my head in bewilderment, "You have two kids, they can't be that bad."

The smile disappeared off of her face as she said in full seriousness, "As soon as you get a boy, tell me how things are going." 

I hesitated before I answered, "And I will." Just then the bell rang, signaling the end of our lunch break.

Thomas helped me up, I said a quick thank you, before taking up my lunch box and heading to my small humble office.

Thomas POV

I've waited patiently the whole day, till my shift ended. A few workers who passed m y office asked why I look so happy, but I just answer with a simple, "Plans". Finally, my shift ended. Without wasting a single minute, I gathered my things and walked on over to her office, which wasn't too far of a walk. Up ahead, I saw that Taylor was already locking up her office. Her blonde hair hung loosely over her shoulders. My Taylor. The Taylor I've missed. The girl I've been waiting for. Dreaming about. I can't believe how foolish I've been. I truly hope she can find a place in her heart to forgive me.

She noticed me just as I walked up. "Hi!" She said cheerily. Her smile looked genuine and wholesome.

"Hey," I smiled back.

"Ready?"

I gave short laugh, "Why do you think I've rushed over here?" She also gave her melodious laugh. Man, I've even missed that side of her. "So why are you locking up your office?" I asked, changing the current subject as we walked side by side towards the double doors.

"To keep intruders like you, out of it," she grinned.

"Intruders?" I pretended to sound hurt. "You think I'm an intruder?"

She thought for a moment, "You were just a few week ago." She said quietly. I squeezed her hand, rubbing my thumb against her soft skin.

"I guess I'll follow you, right?"

"Yeah," Taylor looked into my eyes. I felt other things I've never felt before. A small thought whispered a simple, "Marry her." I smiled, a shrugged the thought away. Maybe in the future, I'll consider it, but right now, just being beside the girl I've lost is enough. Peeling ourselves away, I got into my car and pulled out of the parking lot, following her out. 

The whole ride, I couldn't get my thoughts off of Taylor and my daughter, I'm about to meet. It's surprising how I managed to keep up with her all the way to her house. At least, I now know that she was living pretty good. I parked my car behind hers since there was already somebody else's car parked on the other side.

Taylor got out of her car and I followed. "Welcome to my small house," She smiled, looking at me.

"It's perfect for two people," I remarked, glancing at the house. It looked amazing from the outside. She must have sacrificed so much to gain such a living. Just then, the door to the house opened and a young teenager, maybe 17 or 18 stepped out. I was a little confused until a little girl ran out without any shoes on. 

"Mommy!" She yelled excitingly. I laughed at the sight of her barefoot. But what made me freeze was her calling Taylor 'mom'. 

Taylor smiled, "Honey! I missed you bunches!" She bent down as the little girl ran into her arms, almost knocking her down. Her little hands hung onto Taylor's cardigan as she gave her a kiss. The teenage girl probably had the same expression as me. My affection was deeper. I mean, this is my daughter. Just then, fear gripped me, what if she decides to run away? What if she won't accept me? I've been gone her whole life. 

Taylor stood up, and looked over her shoulders when she saw me, she motioned me forward. I stiffly walked towards the two.

"Paula, there is someone I want you to meet," 

Paula had to look around Taylor as she peered over at me. I was about to open my mouth to say something, but before I could, Paula's eyes widened. "Daddy? Daddy?!" I was just as shocked as Taylor, as she ran towards me with the same affection she had earlier. I bent down as her tiny arms wrapped themselves around my neck, giving me a tight squeeze. She pulled herself away and looked into my eyes. She definitely got that from Taylor.

Paula's bright smile lit up my world. "I've missed you." Through all of the excitement, I saw a few tears stream down her face. I gently wiped them. My fatherly instincts kicked in.

"I'm not leaving again." I promised her. She nodded her head. Some wavy curls bounced up and down along with the guesture. Taylor walked up to us after she talked with the teenager.

"Let's go inside you too," she grinned down at us. Paula exchanged the same expression.

With Paula out of my arms, I already wanted her back. Surprisingly, she pulled my hand towards the door. "Come on, slowpoke!"

I laughed, and got up, following her to where she was pulling me, Taylor wasn't too far behind, probably laughing at how ridiculous we looked. Without stopping, she pulled me through the door and. Into the living room. "Sit!" She ordered. Obediantly, I sat down. "Do you want anything to eat? We have spaghetti, chicken, and noodle soup." I chuckled at the way she was trying to host. I saw Taylor cross her arms.

"Alright, big girl, that's enough, I think I can take care of that."

"Okay," Paula immediately left into a different room, probably the kitchen, because I heard something clatter down to the floor.

I pretended to pout, "Awe, but I want some spaghetti and chicken!"

"And spaghetti and chicken you'll get." She chuckled, sitting down beside me. I shifted a little to make her feel comfortable. She snuggled into my side while I wrapped my arms around her. Even the inside of her house looked neat and tidy. I smiled half to myself.

"When she was born," I heard Taylor say, "she looked nothing like me. For seven years, she was just a constant reminder of you. The way she talked, the way she acted, the way she always had a plan B for everything. It...it took me four years to love her as a person, because she's a part of me too..."

I felt her shoulders shake. My heart broke with every soft sob that escaped her frail body. "Tay, I-" I paused, I couldn't stand seeing her like this, not after the jerk I've been. "I didn't mean to inflict this on you. As teenagers, I had to admit, but both of us didn't think of the consequences, but after seeing Paula, it only reminds me of how much I've loved you."

"Oh really?" I could see anger in her eyes as she looked up.

Before she could attempt to say a word, I continued, trying to explain myself, "I loved you when we were in high school, I was just too stubborn to admit it and searched for that love with other girls. After you disappeared, you were constantly on my mind. I couldn't do anything and blamed myself for it. I didn't expect to see you here in LA."

The expression on her face changed and her eyes softened, "I should probably get some food out, tomorrow's Saturday, we should all do something."

I smiled as a great idea came to me, "How about a picnic and star gazing?"

"That sounds wonderful." Taylor smiled and got up, heading into the kitchen.