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“No” he shook his head “I refuse to believe that”

“Haven’t I always been the type to know my own mind?”

“Yes, which is why I don’t understand you right now” Paddy shook his head and sank down into the closest chair

“Da, what’s so confusing? I’m happy here I love Jonah and the kids This?” She circled her finger in the air “Makes me happy”

“How am I supposed to look at the monster who stole you away and be happy about it? He took you from me by force Do you kno hard that was to let happen? I’ve never felt so helpless in my life You’re my first born I look to you to helpafter That’s so I have to live with for the rest of my life”

“Not if you see it as the blessing it is We’re happy together I never would’ve found this back in Denton I would’ve spent the rest ofothers find their own happiness while I reround An envious shadoatched life happen to everyone else, but her That’s not the life you wanted for me, is it?”

“Were you really so unhappy?”

“No, Daddy I wasn’t I was just…nued “Jonah erous life But tomorrow isn’t promised to any of us Please be happy forfrom you and Mom The others will follow your example”

“I don’t know if I can do that darling It doesn’t see this to protect me “

Ardy cursed her penchant for self-sacrifice “Before you for at odds with her fa away froh I can’t believe my mom sent him down here like so me back “Da You drove all the way here, what’s a few days spent with us?”

“Us” He scowled

The sound of a lock turning drew Ardy’s attention to the door “Just let ht up” She dashed out the kitchen before her father could protest

“Daddy!” Rocket and Harley ju off each leg, they looked up and grinned

“You missed me, huh?” Demon said

“We need to talk,” Ardy whispered