But Why Daddy?

Chapter 24

By: Lizzie

©Lizzie 2002-2004

           

“Yes, one last thing, don’t try to leave with the child.” Marcus said looking at Josh, “It’s against the law to kidnap.”

“You’d be wise to tell that to Paula too.” Josh said, “She’s right down the hall.”

Marcus stood and gave a curt smile, “That’s exactly what I plan on doing.” He walked out of the waiting room and headed to Paula’s to see if she was still awake.”

“Well, I don’t know about you…” Liz said, “But there’s a bed with name on it.”

“Speaking of…” Cathy said, “Liz, do you know of any place where Josh could stay?”
            Liz thought a moment, “There’s a place about a mile up the highway called the Stardust Motel. It’s a real cheesy place, but it’s out of the way…no one would know him there. They always have about six or sever rooms free.” She said, “I’ll call and tell them to be expecting you.” The group nodded their head as Liz and Lance walked out of the room. Liz stopped and looked at Josh, “I’ll see you tomorrow at nine.”

Josh nodded his head and smiled, “Okay. And Liz…thanks.” Liz smiled and continued out of the room with Lance.

+*+

            Over the next week, the doctors released Paula from the hospital. She went back to the hotel with her parents leaving Josh and Randy to watch over the little baby that was still too weak to leave, yet strong enough to be held and bottle fed. The results came back from the paternity test and Randy left out of the hospital in a huff. His chances of having a family with the woman he loved went up in a ball of smoke when the nurse said Josh’s name and not his.

Randy was heartbroken because in the weeks time, he had bonded so much with the little girl, who he called Janie. Liz almost felt sorry for him, but felt more sorry for Kayla Denise. She would never know her mother and that was the saddest thing.

            The doctor told Josh that Saturday was the day that Kayla could go home. Josh asked Liz, Cynthia and his mother to make sure everything was ready when he brought her home, so they went back to his house, cleaned a week’s worth of dirty dishes and laundry and made sure the newly decorated nursery had everything it would need.

            Josh called Cathy and asked her to discretely mention to a few reporters of what was going on and that the following week, a baby picture would be released. Cathy was thrilled that Josh was taking her advice and giving out a little information as opposed to nothing at all. His fans would be thrilled to have some sort of glimpse into his life.

            “Are you ready?” Karen asked Josh as they walked out of the hospital.

            Josh looked at his mother and smiled, “You know that I am.” He said, “Are you sure everything at the house is ready?”

            “Liz and Cynthia have been working nonstop.” Karen said, “Even Heather is helping.”

            Josh laughed, “She told me she was.” He said, “Her exact words were, ‘I want things to be perfect for my little niece.’”

            Karen laughed, “Only niece.” She said. They successfully maneuvered their way out of the hospital and to Josh’s car. There were a few reporters but they kept their distance.

            After the forty-five minute drive from the hospital to his house, Josh parked the car in his driveway and sat there a moment. He turned and looked at his mother who was sitting in the back seat next to the baby carrier, “How’s she doing?”

            “Still sleeping and sucking on her thumb.” Karen said with a smile. She opened her door, got out and walked to the other side to get Kayla out.

            Josh got out, grabbed the baby bag and waited for his mother at the front of the car, “Let’s switch.” He said, “I carry Kayla, you carry the bags.”

            Karen smiled and handed her granddaughter to Josh and took the baby bag from him. “We have family waiting to see her.” She said

            They walked us the walk way to the front door. Karen took the keys from Josh, unlocked the door, opened it and walked in, “We’re home!” she called out.

            “In the living room!” Cynthia called back.

            They walked to the living room to see their family and close friend sitting or standing around. Above the fireplace was a light pick banner that read:

WELCOME HOME KAYLA AND JOSH!

            “Aww, you guys shouldn’t have.” Josh said setting Kayla down, “But thank you.”

            “So where is she?” Josh’s sister, Heather asked, “Let’s see her.”

            Josh picked up the carrier, set it on the coffee table, unbuckled it and took Kayla out. He stood in front of the fireplace and smiled, “Everyone, this is Kayla Denise Chasez.”

            “I wonder who got her that adorable pink dress…” Liz said

            Josh laughed, “Thank you for the dress Lizanne.”

            Liz smiled, “You’re quite welcome dear.”

            “I see baby!” Lance and Liz’s daughter Adriana said walking to Josh, “I see baby.”

            Josh sat in the chair near the window and smiled, “Yes, you can see the baby.”

            Adriana stepped closer to Josh, “She’s sleeping.” Adriana whispered.

            Lance laughed, “Yes, she is. Like you should be doing too.”

            Adriana’s brow wrinkled, “I no tired.”

            “Oh let her stay up.” Josh said, “It’s not going to hurt her.”

            The group spent the rest of the afternoon looking at baby pictures, laughing, talking and eating the food that Heather, Liz and Cynthia made. By about seven Karen asked everyone to leave so that Josh and Kayla could rest. Once they left, Josh took Kayla up to her room, turned on the baby monitor and stood at the crib watching his daughter sleep.

            Cynthia appeared in the door way and spoke softly, “If you’re hungry, Liz brought over dinner.”

            Josh turned and looked at Cynthia, “I’ll eat later. I want to stay in here a while longer.”

            Cynthia smiled, walked to him and gave him a hug, “You did good.” She kissed his cheek, turned and walked out of the room, “I’ll be sure to save you a plate.”

            Josh smiled, “Thanks.” He went back to watching his daughter sleep. “So perfect.” He said softly.

+*+March, 2002+*+

One day, about a week after Paula left Orland, she returned. She said she wanted to see little Kayla one last time before she left the country. Paula ended up spending two months in Orlando. Two months in a hotel. Two months bonding with the little baby that would never remember who she was.

            Josh was a little hesitant about letting Paula spend so much time with his Kayla, but he figured that this was Paula’s way of letting go, and if spending time with Kayla was what she needed, then he was going to let her spend time with the little baby.

            The day before Paula was to leave for Amsterdam, everyone was busy. Josh’s CD was set to be released in less than twenty-four hours. There were Release Party guest lists to conform, gift bags to check and of course, making sure Josh had enough sharpie markers for the CD signings.

            He wanted his release party to be unlike anything that had been seen before. A very family oriented night. His siblings were flying to Orlando from Maryland; the rest of his friends and their families would be there, Cynthia, her parents, Liz, Lance and their daughter…a true family event.

            No one noticed Paula walk out of the front of Josh’s house with a very bundled baby Kayla in her arms. They were all too busy. She placed Kayla in the baby carrier that was buckled in the back seat of her car. “I’m doing the right thing.” She said to the sleeping girl.

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