The Unknown

Mr. Donovan

Shane's pov

Mike and I are both needed on short notice in Africa next week to do some work with Neil at one of his largest clinics. Neither of us feel comfortable leaving the girls unsupervised and Rick is unavailable so when my father informed me again for the umpteenth time he wanted to come from England for a visit, I decided, despite my better judgment, to let him watch them. I'm hoping he'll get to know the girls better in the process.

My father'd been quite persistent about wanting to make the trip out for some months now but I kept putting him off, afraid of what might happen. He'd never been too thrilled about the choice I made to raise the girls with Mike, never understanding how I would want to devote my life to kids who weren't even, "mine." I believe his exact words were, "What in the world do you want to do that for? Kids just get in the way."

I asked Neil if they could stay at his lakeside cottage since the girls were on break from school and I felt my father would be more comfortable there. As an added bonus, Mike and I would be able to join them upon our return from Africa for a few days of relaxation.

I voiced my concerns to Mike about leaving the girls under my father's care but we both decided in the end he was our best and honestly, only option. To say my father is a bit rigid and rough around the edges is like saying fire is a bit hot. We never had the best relationship to begin with but after the accident that killed my brother it became incredibly strained. To be honest, I was quite surprised when my father started requesting so insistently to visit as we barely ever even spoke to each other, aside from an occasional call on holidays.

Dr. Evans has been encouraging me for years to mend the relationship with my father. "It's an important part of the healing process," she always claimed. "You've been craving your father's approval and forgiveness ever since your brother's death. You'll never truly forgive yourself for what happened until you mend that fence." Damn her spot on psychological analysis, I thought to myself. I know she's right and now's as good a time as any to repair my relationship with my dad.

Once all the arrangements were made, my father rented a car at the airport and we drove separately up to the cottage so my dad would have a car available if needed. Mike didn't join us as he flew to Africa a few days prior. On the drive up, I made it clear to the girls to be on their best behaviour as my father would be allowed to punish them. I also tried to encourage them to do their best to be patient and accommodating, letting them know he hasn't been around teenagers in quite some time.

"Relax, Shane, you and Mike worry too much. Your dad will be fine," Stacey reassured me.

"It's the four of you I'm worried about," I mumbled softly, so they couldn't hear me.

When we arrived at the cottage, we all sat down together and I reiterated my expectations for the girls.

"How would you like the girls to address you, Father?" I asked.

"As Mr. Donovan of course," my father replied.

Of course, I shouldn't have expected any different, I thought. It broke my heart a little to leave my girls alone with him but they assured me they would be fine and I didn't need to worry about them. They were actually looking forward to getting to know my dad. After kissing and hugging them goodbye, I drove home thinking they really are great kids.

Nine days later

Shane's pov

I opened the door to Neil's cottage and heard Carrie ask, "Granddad, what time is Shane supposed to be here?"

"Should be any second now, luv," I replied, grinning broadly as I set my suitcase down.

"Shane, you're back!" Carrie squealed, running into my arms for a welcoming hug.