I stroked her head. "I understand, baby. After Gillian left I didn't have any family, I left school because I couldn't stand to be there. I was totally adrift. Who I was had destroyed my whole life. And that's not fair."
"I'm not totally adrift. I'm lucky, 'cause I have you."
I kissed her on the forehead, which caused her to make a little happy noise. "I have you, too. I don't think you have to be afraid of your family. Your dad will come around. Especially once I prove to him that I'm not going to drag you into the poor house. When he sees that we're happy together. But no more worries tonight. Now it's just me and you. I love you."
"I love you, too." It came out just a whisper.
"I know. Do you trust me, baby, y'know, to take care of you?"
"Yes, My Lady."
"Good. Close your eyes." Sh
