Chapter 4: When Love Found its Way Back[Final Episode]

By TeeNami Writes

The days turned into months, and the seasons began to change again. Grace’s home was now always filled with laughter Peace’s giggles, Danielle’s constant chatter, and the sound of their father’s radio playing old love songs in the evenings.

Grace had officially completed her studies, though she juggled motherhood and assignments with sleepless nights and unshakable determination. Her lecturers admired her courage. Her classmates respected her quiet strength. Even Peace had grown into a lively toddler who carried her grandfather’s newspaper every morning, tearing a few pages before proudly handing it to him. Mr. James would laugh, saying, She’s my assistant editor. Life, for the first time in years, was calm and bright. It was on a warm Thursday morning that Grace’s past knocked again this time not in the form of a letter but in person. She was walking home from the market when she heard someone call her name. Grace! Her heart skipped. She turned and saw Mike, standing by his car. He looked older, calmer, with an expression that carried both guilt and hope. For a moment, time froze. He walked closer. You look stronger, he said softly. And she? He pointed gently to the little girl in Grace’s arms. This is Peace, Grace replied, her tone steady. Your daughter.

Mike’s eyes welled up. He knelt slightly to meet the child’s eyes. Hi, princess, he whispered. You look just like your mum. Peace smiled shyly and hid her face in Grace’s neck. Grace stood still she wasn’t angry anymore, just curious about what life was trying to teach her next. When Mr. James saw Mike standing at the gate that evening, he didn’t need anyone to tell him who it was. He stepped outside slowly, hands clasped behind his back.

Mike greeted respectfully, bowing slightly. Good evening, sir. I came to apologize again face to face this time. Mr. James looked at him for a long moment, his expression unreadable.

Then he said quietly, You’ve already been forgiven. But forgiveness doesn’t mean trust comes easily. I understand, sir, Mike said. I just want to be part of my daughter’s life however small that part may be. Mr. James nodded. Then start by being consistent. Words fade; actions don’t. It wasn’t approval, but it wasn’t rejection either. For Mike, that was enough.

Weeks turned into months. Mike began visiting occasionally not to stir old feelings, but to show responsibility. He helped with Peace’s school needs, fixed the leaking roof, and often brought groceries without being asked. Grace noticed the change. He was patient, quiet, and never forced his way into her heart. One evening, as they sat outside watching Peace play with Danielle, Mike said softly, You don’t have to forgive me twice. I just want you to know I’m not running anymore.

Grace smiled faintly. I forgave you the day I chose peace. I just didn’t know peace would have your eyes. They both laughed, and for the first time, the silence between them felt warm instead of heavy. One Sunday morning, Mr. James sat on the veranda reading his newspaper when he noticed Mike trimming the flowers near the fence. He folded the paper slowly, watching the young man’s effort. After a long pause, he said, Mike, Yes, sir. Do you really love my daughter?

Mike looked up, his voice steady. With all my heart. And this time, I’m not afraid of it. Mr. James stared at him for a moment, then nodded once. Then don’t make her cry again. You’ve already seen what tears look like in this family. Grace smiled slightly, understanding the weight of those words. A week later, he came back not just with flowers, but with a simple ring and trembling hands. In front of her father, her sister, and a very curious little Peace, he went down on one knee.

Grace, I don’t just want to fix the past. I want to build the future. Will you marry me? For a moment, Grace was speechless. Her father’s eyes softened with emotion, and Danielle whispered loudly, Say yes before he changes his mind! Everyone laughed.

Grace smiled, tears glistening. Yes, Mike. Let’s write a better story this time.

The wedding day , It was small but beautiful held in the church where her parents once worshiped. Grace wore a simple white dress, Peace in a matching little gown, Danielle dancing all through, and Mr. James smiling wider than anyone had seen him in years. When the pastor said, You may now kiss your bride, Her father smile and Dannielle clap. It was not just a wedding it was a celebration of healing, forgiveness, and new beginnings. As they took family pictures, Mr. James whispered to Grace, Now I can rest easy. The strength of a father’s heart is not in how loud he shouts, but in how deeply he loves. Grace held his hand and smiled. And you’ve loved us enough for a lifetime.

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