My Daughter Cut Ties with Me After She Married a Rich Man – a Year Later, She Came Back Crying with a Baby

“That’s what she needs from you,” I said.

“Not some supermom from a book. Just you, showing up, over and over.”

Gillian let out a sound that was half sob, half laugh.

“Will you help me?” she asked. “Please?

I don’t know what I’m doing. I thought I did. I don’t.”

I pulled her in and kissed the top of her head.

“Every single day,” I said.

“As long as I’m alive.”

That was three months ago.

Now, every Wednesday afternoon, my house isn’t quiet anymore.

There’s a knock at the door.

It’s lighter now. Not panicked. Just…there.

I open it and see Gillian with a diaper bag over one shoulder and Rosie on her hip, kicking her legs like she’s thrilled just to exist.

“Grandpa!” Gillian sings, grabbing Rosie’s hand and making it wave at me.

I pretend to be shocked every time.

Rosie squeals and reaches for my beard.

Gillian hands her over.

I sit in my old rocking chair and reach for the stack of children’s books I saved all these years.

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