Page 72 of Vengeful Secret

“Princesses shouldn’t have to get up early.” She pouts, and I bark out a laugh.

“I’ll be sure to inform the kingdom of that.”

I look around the room for a small suitcase and find a little pink one, opening it and looking at the contents.

This can’t be that hard. I can do this.

I grab a pink T-shirt and a pair of jeans and hold it up.

She shakes her head.

I hold up a dress and a pair of leggings.

She shakes her head.

We go through this about four more times before she finally settles on a pair of overalls and a green T-shirt.

“Green is my favorite color,” she says, and I’m glad she’s finally waking up and coming around.

My daughter isnota morning person. Much like her mother.

By the time she gets dressed, and I have the same problem with her shoes, Sutton knocks on the door.

“We’re gonna be late,mo stóirin. You better hurry.”

“Gray picked this outfit out,” she says, even though I absolutely didn’t.

Sutton chuckles. “It looks great, honey.”

She glances at me with a smug smile, and I blink at her. I’m sure I look frazzled and frustrated.

Ciara goes into the bathroom to brush her teeth.

“Jesus,” I mutter.

“You did a great job.”

“I did?"

“She usually screams and throws a tantrum.”

“My sweet princess? Never.” I crack a smile, running a hand through my hair.

It’d been wonderful, helping Ciara get ready, even though she’d been grumpy.

At least I was able to get her into something that matched, and spending time with her just made my heart swell with affection.

Even when she’s being a little contrary, she’s my little girl. I’m shocked that paternal feelings have happened so quickly, especially since I didn’t get to bond with her until now.

It’s like she was always mine, like I always knew.

Just like Sutton, it was love at first sight.

Ciara takes my hand when she comes out of the bathroom, and my heart flips over in my chest as she turns her small face up to mine, grinning.

“Let's go to school.”

Her determination makes me smile, and we all head to the car.

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