Chapter Text
It's the third sunday in June and Eddie gets a call from Sally.
"It's not that I want you involved in her life or anything, but... I think you should see her at least once."
That's the confirmation he's been looking for ever since Sally became noticeably pregnant only a few months after they had made up.
"I'll be there." He says and Sally pretends not to notice the catch in his voice.
He's standing by the tree 15 minutes early, trying not to appear as anxious as he feels.
"Hey." Sally says softly, holding the bundled up baby close like she's afraid he'll grab her and run.
"So, what's her name?" He asks, trying to peak past the blanket.
"Laurel Jane."
"After...?"
"Yes. I wanted her to have.... something of yours and you said you'd always wanted to name your daughter after your grandmother Jane."
"Can I hold her?" He asks haltingly.
Sally hands her over, showing him how to support her head and keep the blanket from slipping.
Eddie doesn't know what it is about holding Laurel Jane, but he has the sudden urge to take her and hide her from all the bad things he's seen and done, to build an ivory tower to protect her from the evils of the world.
He doesn't want to hand her back but Sally's glancing worriedly at her watch and looking upset.
Eddie kisses Laurel's forehead.
"Love you Laurie." He says.
He hands her back to Sally without looking, not wanting to see pity.
"Happy Father's day, Eddie" She calls after him.
Years later a pregnant woman will stand before him and demand he be the father of her child. He doesn't tell her that it's better that he's not. He doesn't tell her about Laurel Jane.
He shoots her so that her child will never have to live with the shame of being his kid.