Love Against the Odds

Last Chapter

Rayne 

It has been two days since I woke up and I am supposed to be able to go home today, as long as all the tests show it is safe for me to leave. My room is filled with flowers and balloons from my co-workers, customers, Caleb’s Dad and of course Nate’s parents. His mother is still trying to get on our good sides although both of us are pretty upset with her still. 

“Hey lady.” I hear Nate say as he walks through the door. “Ready to go home?”

“Yes I am ready but the test results are back yet.” I said with a pouty face “while we are waiting I have something to tell you. While I was out I was visited by a spirit that I have seen a few times since the art show. He says he is my biological father from an affair my mother had after discovering the affair my dad was having with your mom. He didn’t know about me until he died 2 years ago. Nate, I think the DNA test will show we not are related.” 

“Will it show our parents are cheating horn dogs?” He said sarcastically

“I know, right? Nate please promise me you will never have an affair. If you feel things are bad between us please come and talk to me. And I promise I will do the same. From the little bit I have heard about the mess our parents created it seems like a lot of their issues could have been dealt with had the only talked to one another.” I said

“Deal!” Nate smiled “Just promise you won’t be mad if I feel we need to talk.” 

“Deal.” I smiled 

Just then a nurse entered the room and said “Your tests all look good. You May go home now.” 

Home, it seems like forever since I have been there!

...............

Nate unlocked the door to my apartment and I stepped inside the door. My heart started to race thinking about the last time I was here. Eileen had showed up and blurted out the most devastating news. I just knew at that moment Nate and I were done, he would leave me for sure. Since then Nate and I have talked and agree that no matter what the blood results say we will stay together. His mother may disown us but we don’t care. My dad made it clear I was his little girl no matter what. Dad, Nate and I all talked and decided Nathan and  my mom never need to know about the affair.  Also I didn’t tell dad about Sequoia as I don’t think he needs to know that either. Everyone moved past that time so I see no need to dig up skeletons now. 

Nate picked me up and carried me thru the door and sat me down on the couch. I laughed because he had no problem letting me climb the stairs to the door!  He slumped down next to me and put his arm around me. He looked in my eyes like he hadn’t seem me in years.

“Never put me thru something like that again. I am not sure I can keep my sanity if you are hurt again.” Nate said softly against my ear. 

“I am so sorry I overreacted dear!” I said with tears in my eyes and seeing his pain hurt me “The thought of you leaving me made me crazy. Your mom screaming she is your f*****g sister just sent me clear over the edge. Why would she do that?”

“Guilt.” Nate said “I am still so mad at her, I told her to stay away but she still came to the hospital.”

“You will have to forgive her at some point, you know that don’t you?” I asked 

“Why?” Nate responded

“Because she is your mother.” I replied “For your own piece of mind you will need to forgive her at some point.” 

Just then Nate’s phone rang. We chuckled saying it probably his mom. 

“Hello” I heard Nate say

While he was listening g to the caller on the other end his face went pale, then lit up a little. 

“Thank you very much, this is great news.” Nate said before hanging up the phone. 

“Well, what is great news?” I asked as I stood up

“We are not related my love!” He screamed and grabbed me by the waist and spun me around laughing and smiling. 

After he put me down he looked into my eyes and I could see happiness and that made me tear up. He lowered his lips to mine and kissed me so light and loving. Then he whispered “You can have my babies some day my love.” 

At that remark I cried. I didn’t realize how much not being able to have his babies had weighed on me. He looked at me and let out a little laugh. 

“Is the thought of having my babies scaring you?”

“No, the thought of not being able to have your babies scared me!” I replied

“We are going to have a great future and a perfect family Rayne.” He said “speaking of family here comes the next question, do you want to know who your father is? Do I want to know who my father is?”

I looked at Nate for a few seconds deep in thought. I really didn’t want to know because I already knew Coya was my biological father and Jim Finn was my daddy. I didn’t want to lose my daddy! “No.” I answered “l am fine knowing Jim Finn is my daddy.  No blood test could ever change that! And I don’t want to ever tell dad about mom and Coya.”

“I agree.” Nate said “Nathan Johns is my daddy no matter what. He raised me, he has always been supportive and I love him. Unlike you I really don’t know who my biological father is but I don’t care. DNA don’t make a parent, raising a child and loving them does.”

“Please never forget that as I will remind you when our kids are being ungrateful little brats.” I said with a big smile.

“Rayne,  I love you very much! Thank you for loving me!”  He looked so sincere I cried again. I am not sure if the concussion had made me emotional or this whole ordeal with our parents but I knew for sure I loved this man and nothing in this world would ever take me away from him! 

Epilogue 

Rayne

It has been 2 years since Nate and I went through the “blood test episode” of our life. Nate and his mom still have a strained relationship as she still believes we are half siblings even though he showed her the DNA test results.    She is convinced my dad is Nate’s father which may be true. We never pursued the issue any further. My dad loves Nate’s because he is so good to his little girl. 

Today is our wedding day as Nate finally graduated college. He just started a job at the local TV station as a reporter. I have since quit the diner and started working at an art gallery. I give tours and schedule events. I still work on my art and display it at the gallery I work at, but I have not made enough sales to support myself yet. 

We opted for a simple outdoor wedding at my Uncle’s pond property. The weather today is simply perfect! I hear a knock at the door and realize it is my dad wondering if I am ready. I take a last look in the mirror and realize I am ready. No nerves as I know I am marring the best man in the world! I take my dads arm and we start towards the crowd of people who have showed up to celebrate with us. As we get closer my dad stops and says to me “you look amazing honey, I have never seen you so happy! I don’t want to give you away but I do feel comfortable knowing I am giving you to Nate.” 

“Thanks for making cry dad, now my make up will be ruined!” I smiled

Then I looked up and saw my Nate. He looked amazing in his white suit! The smile on his face at seeing me was breathtaking. As we got closer my dads paced slowed a little. I think he wanted to hold on to me for just a little bit longer. However I was ready to jump into Nate’s arms. 

“Do you Nate take Rayne to be your lawfully wedded wife?” The preacher said

“You betcha I do” Nate replied

After the reception we went back to our tiny little apartment and celebrated our union. Our life had just begun and we were ready for whatever came out way. Together we have beat the odds! 

THE END