Page 52 of Vengeful Secret

She pouts. “But I’ll miss the new hamster. He’s coming today.”

Their class had lost their class hamster a few weeks ago, and Ciara was very upset.

“I guess we should get ready, then.”

I unpack some of her clothes, throwing a few outfits on the bed for her to choose from, and I wince when she looks at them with a discerning eye. I wonder if she’s going to have anotherbreakdown about polka dots, but in the end, she picks out a Minnie Mouse dress and a pair of tights instead.

She dresses herself, and I only have to help her with the buttons on the top of the dress.

“Proud of you, honey.” I kiss her temple.

“Do you think Gray will take us to school?”

I open my mouth to say no just as Gray knocks on the door.

“What are you doing here?” I ask, surprised.

“I thought I’d ask the princess if she wants me to take her to school.”

I don’t have a change to say anything before Ciara is jumping up and down. “Yes, please!”

Gray looks at me with a bit of a smug smile.

I want to roll my eyes but at the same time, I can’t help being glad that he really wants to be a part of Ciara’s life. Now that he knows, it’s great knowing he wants her in his life, wants to be involved.

“It’s no hayride, but it’ll have to do.” Gray picks up Ciara who giggles in his arms.

We walk downstairs and get into one of Gray’s cars—a black SUV.

“There are seat warmers if you’re cold,” Gray points out, and Ciara giggles as I transfer her booster seat into the SUV.

“To warm your butt?” she asks, still giggling.

Gray laughs. “Exactly that,mo órlaith.”

She smiles at him. She seems to have taken to Gray so easily, and I can’t help but wonder if it’s their matching DNA.

Gray pulls off down the driveway and out onto the road, and we head to the school.

I look out the window, watching the trees whip by and feeling slightly nervous. I’ve never seen him in this arena before.

When we arrive, Gray parks as close as he can.

“We can just drop her off.”

Gray shakes his head. “No, I want to meet her teacher.”

I swallow hard and get out of the car, unbuckling Ciara. I plan on taking her hand, but she stands between us, taking both mine and Gray’s hands in her own small ones.

As we walk, she looks up at him with pure admiration.

My heart aches. Have I deprived her and myself of something really amazing? Maybe Gray’s right. Maybe I did make the wrong decision.

Gray stands near the entrance while I quietly address her teacher. “Ciara’s father is here.”

I look as Ciara goes to put her backpack in the cubby.

Mrs. Sampson’s eyes widen. “Her… father?”

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