Page 29 of His Little Garnet

“Something on your mind?” I ask Kelkef, keeping one eye on Olivia.

He shrugs. “Mostly I figured your Little girl could use a few minutes with someone who understands her. How was your trip?”

I draw in a deep breath and face him. “It was good. And thank you. It’s been challenging since we returned. I know I was well informed on every possible eventuality, but nothing prepared me for the animosity I’m getting from Olivia.”

“It’s not uncommon. You’ll get through it. We all do.”

“I know, but I want to speed time and get to the part where she looks at me like I hang the moons as opposed to staring at me as if I killed her pet.”

Kelkef chuckled. “The transition is hard. Some take it harder than others.”

I sigh and run a hand over my head. “I know deep inside she’s drawn to me, but she fights it every chance she gets. I don’t want to push her too hard and alienate her, but I don’t want to be too soft and let her run right over me either. It’s a delicate balance.”

Kelkef smiles. “You’re usually the one giving out advice to new Papis.”

I groan. “I know. What a mess. How did I ever think I knew what I was talking about?”

Kelkef sets a hand on my shoulder. “You’re doing fine. It’s not easy. I promise she’ll come around. She won’t be able to give you the evil stares and cold shoulder forever. It will get boring, and she’ll be lonely.”

“She refuses to even try to get stronger. I’ve left her alone on a mat to give her space to roll over and pull up onto all fours. All she does is lie there and stare at the ceiling.”

Kelkef shakes his head. “She’s stubborn.”

“Very.”

I blow out a breath. When I glance back at Olivia, she’s staring wide-eyed at Julia. Her gaze jerks to mine, and I’m pretty sure she shoots daggers at me.

Shit.

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