Chapter 26

“She hates me, doesn’t she?” Emma asked.

Daniel pulled her into a hug, using his broad shoulders and strong hands to comfort her as he had comforted Rebecca. “She doesn’t hate you. She just misses her mother.”

“What did you tell her?”

“I told her that you loved her.”

“No, what did you tell her about Carol?”

He shrugged. “The same thing I always tell her. I also told her to get dressed and to come out and apologize for hurting your feelings.”

Emma sniffed and wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. “I’m fine.”

He looked down at his dirty boots and grimaced. “I’m going to clean up this mess. I was working in the garden when the screaming started.”

“I’m ready!” Rebecca announced, opening the door. She stepped into the hallway with her dress on backward, her face still streaked with tears, and her fine, blonde hair sticking on end. “Am I beautiful?”

“You’re the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen,” Daniel said, smiling.

Rebecca beamed, executing a perfect curtsey.