"I'm sorry, I didn't do it deliberately. By the time I realised I was pregnant, I had a decent job and people who cared about me. It seemed more important to make a home for my baby and make sure I could earn a decent living than try and tell everyone. I didn't even get to tell Mum. She died the day Tamara was born."
"I wondered why you didn't come home for her funeral. I'm so sorry. I know how much you loved her." He stepped closer now he’d calmed down. Tentatively he reached out a hand and she fell against him, her tears running fresh again.
"I'm sorry I didn't tell you."
"We can fix things now you're home." Stevie leaned down and kissed her hair, rubbing circles on her back. "When can I come and see her?"
"Can you let me talk to her first? You can come over tomorrow after work and get to know her." She smiled at him through her tears. "I don't want to throw it at her in a hurry and have you waiting by the door. It might freak her out."
"I think that's a great idea."
* * *
As he drove up the driveway the next afternoon, Stevie was a bundle of nerves. Going into a raid never left him feeling as anxious as he was now going to meet his daughter for the first time. He pulled up outside the old stables and parked his car. There was nobody in sight and he stepped out, looking around as he shut the door. The place hadn't changed much since he was here last. The only difference was the old man not glaring at him as he asked for Rooney.
The sound of a puppy yapping drew his attention and he walked around to the back of the house. A dark-haired child was swinging in the old tyre hanging in the fig tree by the old milking shed. As she swung in the air, the pup tried to catch her and missed. It yapped each time it jumped, dragging its injured leg.
Stevie stood transfixed, looking at the face of the child—his child—as she laughed at the animals’ antics. The sound of her laughter, the high pitches squeals of delight shot through to his heart. Pure joy radiated from her face, the huge grin she wore hitting him with a rush of paternal pride he never expected. She looked so much like him, it almost broke his heart. There was no mistaking he was her father. A well of emotion rose in his throat and he coughed to avoid tears. Now wasn't the time to lose control.
Tamara looked over and smiled, her features her mother’s, her colouring his. "Are you here to see me?" She jumped off the swing and took a few steps toward him, the pup at her feet.
Stevie crouched down on the ground and waited for her to come closer. "Yes. I guess if you are Tamara, then it's you I want to see."
"I like to be called Tam. Tamara is such a girly name." She titled her head to one side and gazed over him. "You're my father, aren't you? Mum said you were coming. Where have you been? Fathers are supposed to be there to help mothers look after their children."
"Sometimes things happen in strange ways, Tam. Things don't always work out the way you think they will. But I'm here now and I'd like to get to know you, if that's okay?"
"Of course it’s okay, silly, you're my dad." She grinned and sat down on the grass, grabbing the puppy and pulling it on her lap. "He has a broken leg but it doesn't stop him running around. Mum said I have to be careful and not let him get too excited because he might hurt it more."
"I think your mum might be right. She is a vet after all." Stevie reached out and scratched the pup under the chin and the needle-like teeth latched onto his finger, making Tam laugh. "What have you called him?"
"Well, I'm still thinking about it. I like Sid but Uncle Cade said he needs something better than that. Sid is too silly for a dog. I think what he called his dog is sillier."
"It's your dog, call it what you want."
"You are a policeman, aren't you?" She pinned him with an intense gaze.
"Yes, I am."
"Can you tell Uncle Cade I'm calling him Sid then. He won't argue with a policeman."
"Tam, hey. Oh, hi Stevie, I didn't hear the car." Rooney walked out and glanced between them. He gave her a reassuring smile and saw the tension leave her jaw. She walked over and rested a hand on his shoulder.
"I hope you aren't letting that puppy do too much, Tam. He needs more rest before he'll be up to racing around the yard after you."
"I am, Mum." She looked up at Rooney and cast a quick look to her father before meeting her mother's gaze again. "Is my father staying here now?"
"I live in town." Stevie spoke up, mindful of the way Rooney gripped his shoulder at the question. "I can come and see you lots though."
"Okay. Are you staying for dinner then? I want to show you my room?"
"Essie has cooked enough to feed an army. She said to make sure I told you." Rooney looked down at him, a small smile playing at her lips.
"I've missed her. Funny, she was the only one who approved of me." He stood and took her hand. "Can we talk later, after dinner?"
"Um…yeah, sure." She pulled her hand free and spoke to Tam. "You need to go and wash up. Essie will have dinner ready in ten minutes."
"Okay, Mum." Tam smiled and
