Thomas' POV

"Will they accept me back?" Taylor asked for the tenth time. She was acting more anxious than Paula who was sitting quietly in the back seat, giving Taylor a weird yet concerned 7-year-old look. 

I couldn't help but laugh. It's been two months since Taylor agreed to my proposal, and neither of us could still believe how fast time is passing. By now, everyone in our work field knew about our engagement. And nearly a week ago, I finally convinced Taylor to visit her family. I can't begin to imagine how nerve wracking this was for her. 

"You think think this is funny?" She asked from the passenger seat, giving me an annoyed and angry glare.

"No," I replied, "You're just cute when you're anxious,"

"Tom! I'm here trying to decide whether or not I should hitch hike back to LA, and you're here like, 'you look cute when you're anxious',"

I put my free hand on her lap, "Honey, you'll be fine,"

"I know, it's just that....what would they think?"

I thought for a second, "They'll be happy to see you, we gave them a call, remember? They sounded happy."

"But what if they're angry with me now? We'll arrive, and mom will refuse to go outside, everyone will just shut the doors in our faces, and..."

I interrupted her, "I won't leave your side the entire time, I promise,"

"Daddy?" Paula said from the back seat.

"Yes, sweety?" I looked in the rear view mirror.

"Are we almost there? I really need to go." Her face twisted as she tried to hop up and down on the seat.

Uh oh. "Yes, wait 10 more minutes, we're almost there," the GPS was already leading us down a familiar road. 

"I remember that old fire hydrant," Taylor said softly, trying to remember her life back then. I smiled.

Just like I said, 10 minutes later, we arrived at the old Harlem house. So many emotions passed through Taylor's eyes that I didn't bother saying anything. She slowly opened the door and got out.

The door on the porch swung open. Mrs. Harlem stood there, trying to decide whether or not she should run up to Taylor. Fearing that this is all a dream and Taylor might disappear again. Mrs. Harlem's face aged over the years. After Taylor's disappearance, she never got a good amount of sleep. I also got out of the car.

"Mom...?" Taylor said.

"Taylor, is that really you?" Taylor nodded as her mom ran up to her and embraced her with a tight hug. "My, you've changed!" She broke the hug and looked at her.

"I can say the same thing about you," Taylor breathed, holding her mom's hands.

"Daddy?" Paula grabbed my attention away from Taylor and her mom. "I really need to use the bathroom" She got out of the car and started doing the potty dance.

Taylor's mom looked over when she heard another voice. When she saw Paula, her eyes widened. "Taylor? Is that..."

"My daughter, meet Paula," Taylor smiled, "Paula! Come meet grandma," 

I already felt bad as Paula half hopped half ran to Taylor.

"My, she has your brown eyes, who's the father?"

Taylor briefly looked my way as I walked towards them.

"Um..." she stammered, "actually..."

"I'm the father," I spoke up.

Mrs. Harlem looked surprised, "Why didn't you tell me you two had a daughter, on the phone?" She questioned.

"We..."

"Wanted it to be a surprise," I finished for her once again.

"Grandma...?" Paula said, trying to get used to calling Taylor's mom, grandma.

Mrs. Harlem looked down at Paula, "Yes dear?" She said politely, still trying to get used to this new information of having another granddaughter.

"May I please go to the restroom?" 

"Yes, you may!" She looked towards the porch to find Tony, Seth's kid who's six. "Tony dear, can you please show your cousin to the restroom?" He nodded and gestured Paula over.

"Well, then, we should come inside, everyone's waiting!" She said excitedly.

Taylor's POV

The week passed fast. Our old friends were surprised by the information of us having a daughter. Thomas stayed beside me just like he promised. Mom had changed over the years. I bet more than half of the reason for her graying hair was my fault. I was relieved to see at how well Paula was getting along with her three cousins. They seemed to enjoy her outgoing and fun nature and she enjoyed their company. When she found out she had cousins her age, her expression was priceless.

When mom found out that Thomas and I were finally engaged, she was thrilled. She murmured something about 'grandma would have been proud'. Thomas and I couldn't agree more.

My sister told me everything that happened before and after I left. I never knew just how much I've missed everyone. The only other person that is missing out is Grandma. I wanted her to see Paula so badly. 

Grandma may have been a little over her head, but when she claimed that Thomas and I were destined to be together, never have I thought at how true that was. Thomas is everything I could ever wish for. And to think that I'll be marrying him in just over four months, made my heart race. We'll finally be a complete family. That emptiness will be whole. And Paula will grow up knowing that both of her parents love her very much.

"Honey? You ready?" Thomas asked, peeking into my old room where we were staying in.

I smiled at his presence, "Yeah, just let me take a few things, I'll be out in two minutes."

Home. Where is home? Home is where the heart belongs. And I have finally found that place....And he's forever mine.
Forever Yours

THE END