After I finally coaxed her to sleep, I sat at the edge of the bed, but there was no peace in my heart.
I had told her we didn’t need that kind of father anymore—but she hadn’t agreed. She didn’t say a word.
I knew. Deep down, she still missed him.
No matter how often Milford criticized her for being a girl, said she was weak or worthless, she still longed for his love. Still saw him as her dad.
Should I give Milford one more chance—for her sake?
I was lost in thought when suddenly, I felt myself pulled into a warm embrace. The scent of milk and postpartum sweat clung thick in the air.
“Lori,” came a voice from behind me, trembling with emotion. “Thank God… you’re alive. You made it back to me.”
Milford pressed soft kisses along my neck, his voice low and caring, “I promised my brother I’d take care of Lisa... that I’d give him an heir. When she found out she was pregnant, she had a terrible time with it—constant sickness, fainting spells. I had to stay by her side. That’s why I wasn’t there to save you.”
“I have looked everywhere for you. But then, I heard you were dead... Lori, it broke me.”