done.
She looked at her mother, wondering what combination of events had caused the other woman to toss out her own daughter. Had Joylyn really been that difficult to live with or were there other forces at work?
Maybe things weren’t as good at home as she’d thought. Maybe the boys were getting into trouble or there was tension in the marriage. Joylyn wasn’t sure and knew this wasn’t the time to ask. While she was still hurt by her mother’s actions, she didn’t feel quite so raw when she thought about them.
Her dad returned from the kitchen and walked over to stand by her chair. He looked uncomfortable as he cleared his throat.
“I made you something. I was going to bring it out when you were opening the other presents, but then I wasn’t sure. I didn’t want you to think I was trying to take over the shower or be more important than anyone else, so I waited. But I’d like you to see it.”
She laughed. “Dad, I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“I know. I’ll be right back.”
Before he left, he glanced at Wynn, who nodded and got up to follow him.
“What is that about?” Holly asked.
Joylyn shrugged. “They’re sure acting mysterious.”
She had the brief thought that maybe they were going to announce their engagement, but then told herself it wasn’t that. Her dad would never do that at her baby shower. Plus he’d said he made her something. She had no idea what it could be. Her dad didn’t...
Wynn returned with a gift bag in her hand. Before Joylyn could ask about it, her father stepped onto the patio, a beautiful, wooden bassinet in his hands. He carefully set it on the concrete, then stepped back and watched her.
Joylyn stared at the incredible piece of furniture. The lines were simple but elegant. The light stain allowed the beauty of the wood to shine. There was a baby mattress in place.
She got out of her chair and crossed to the bassinet, then ran her hands along the smooth wood. It took only the lightest push to get it to rock.
“Oh, Daddy,” she murmured. “I don’t know what to say.” She looked at him. “You made this for me?”
He nodded. “I wanted you to have something special. You’re my little girl.”
She thought about all the time it would have taken him to build this for her. She thought about all the years they’d lost because a bitter woman had lied to her and she’d believed her. She thought about her own child and how much she already loved him, then she rushed into her father’s arms and hung on tight.
“Thank you,” she said as the tears started. They quickly turned into ugly sobs she couldn’t control, but no matter how much she cried, her dad didn’t let go.
“You’re welcome, Joylyn. I love you. I always will.”
She nodded, unable to speak. Eventually the waterworks stopped enough for her to catch her breath and dry her face. When she had a little control back, Wynn handed her a bag.
“Your dad got you this, too, but it seems a little anticlimactic.”
Joylyn looked in the bag and saw Winnie the Pooh bedding.
“It’s perfect,” she managed to say, trying her best not to start sobbing again. “I mean it, Dad. It’s wonderful.”
“Good. I’m glad you like it, little girl.”
Everyone took turns rocking the bassinet. Her mother congratulated her on the successful shower.
“It was a special day,” her mother said, looking a little emotional. “I’m so glad I was here.”
Joylyn hugged her. “Me, too, Mom.”
“I hope you’re not too angry about me sending you to stay with your dad.”
Joylyn didn’t know what she was feeling anymore. The anger had faded, but the hurt remained.
“Having me stay here turned out really well for all of us,” she said with a smile. “Besides, I’m sure the boys appreciate not having to be quiet in case I’m resting.”
Her mother bit her bottom lip. “They do miss you. I miss you, too. If you want, I can take some of the baby’s things with me so you have less to transport when Chandler gets home.”
“That’s okay. Dad’s going to drive back with us. What we can’t fit in my car, we’ll get in his SUV. It’s really big.”
Her mother looked at her. “Joylyn, did you want to come home now? I keep thinking you should be with your family when you’re so close to giving birth.”
A month ago Joylyn would have jumped at the chance to leave Happily Inc,