I’d been in a state of paralytic shock until I saw the tears forming in my Nola’s eyes, hearing the pain in her small voice. I pulled myself together and pulled Nola into my arms.
“He acted as though I were some awful virus created to destroy him. I hardly look any different than his other daughters. Why doesn’t he want me?”
“Because he’s a fool, baby.” I growled into her hair. Snuggling her close, I kissed the back of her turned head resting on my shoulder, and ran a soothing hand up and down her spine. I held Nola close reassuring her that I would never let her go. I would never not want her. “You are the most beautiful, thoughtful, intelligent, charming young woman I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. He doesn’t know you princess, and he’s so busy trying to protect his lie he’s blin
