Chapter 311
Carly whirled to face the end of the grave only to see Carl settling down on to the ground. “Daddy.” She stood to run to him, but he waved her back down.
“I’m not here baby.” He looked down. “Well I am, but I’m not.”
She settled back on her knees. “You’re under here?” He nodded.
“Yeah baby, Amy laid me down here so that you can spend some time with me if you want.” He smiled as he settled in. “I know I won’t be able to come every time you need me, but today seemed important.”
Carly nodded her head. “I miss you, daddy.” She swiped her hand at her face, smearing snot across her cheek.
I pulled a tissue from my pocket and I wiped it away. Carl smiled, watching us. His eyes met mine. “I miss too, baby girl, but Amy here has you.‘
Carly looked up at me. “I like Amy, but it’s not the same.” Hey eyes held an apology.
you
I chuckled. “It’s okay sweet pea. It’s going to be different. And it should be.” I kissed her and then we turned to Carl. The smile on his face was bright.
“Go on and say goodbye, baby. I’ll be here whenever you need me to listen.” He nodded to the flowers. “I love my flowers, baby. It was the best choice.” I could see the tear in his eyes as we turned to Carly.
I wrapped my arm around her. “Let’s say goodbye to daddy so he can rest.” I nudged her, and she nodded. “Okay daddy.” She smiled up at me and then at Carl. She settled with her hands in her lap. “I don’t want to let you go. But I know the goddess called you home.” She sounded so mature for someone so young. I looked up at Carl and I realized he was gone. I looked up at the sky and I smiled. He came to make sure she was okay and when he was sure she was, he left. “Amy has been super nice to me. Even though it’s only been a day since you left us, she has made sure you had a nice place to rest. She protected me like you said she would.” She sighed. “Her friends are nice, too. They are like new aunty’s. You always just talked about how Amy would come to save me, but now I got four more girls too. They aren’t my mommy or you, but at least I’m not alone.” She swatted at her face. “I’m going to miss you every day. I promise I’ll be good for Amy She turned, and I watched her face fall. “He’s gone.”
I nodded as I leaned over and kissed her. “He left once he was sure you were okay.” I pulled back and opened my arms. She crawled into my ap and started to cry. “Just because you can’t see him doesn’t mean he isn’t here with you.” I kissed her head as I stood. “Any last words for right now?” She shook her head. “I’ll bring you out here when I get back tonight, and you can tell him about your day.”
She pulled back. “You promise?”
I nodded. “Of course. I’ll tell him about my day, too. Plus, I have to water the lilac.” We turned away and I sent a push of power into the small plant, giving it a boost before we left it alone for the day.
“Amy…are you mad?”
I almost stumbled. “About what?” I pulled back to look in her face.
“About me?”
I chuckled. “What about you could make me mad, baby?” I tucked her head under my chin as we walked the rest of the way.
You are so young, yet now you have me.” She pulled back as we made it to the door, wiggling until I put her down.
I crouched so I could look at her face to face. “Let me be very clear. Yes, I am young, and I do not have a mate. But
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28 BONUS
Chapter 311
never for a minute think I didn’t want you. I might not have any idea how to raise a child, but your father could have asked anyone. And he did. He asked my mom. But you and I knew better, didn’t we?”
Carly nodded. “I’m supposed to be with you.”
“That you are.” I leaned over and kissed her head. “Now. I have to go take everyone one to grab their stuff. Hanna and Micca have to return to their packs, and I have to figure out a way to get our stuff here.”
Carly’s eyes grew wide. “You have a lot to do.”
“I do. But the most important is making sure you are safe. I pulled her inside with me.
“Daddy said the magic of your daddy did failed.” I turned to face her.
“What?”
“He said that the spell your daddy did wasn’t going to last forever, with everyone searching for us. And last night it failed. That’s why those men turned up. People are searching for me.” Sweet goddess.
“Holy shit.” I turned and ran.
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