Chapter 14

Chapter Fourteen

"What?"

I look up from where I'm playing in my playpen to see Daddy jumping up from where he's been sitting on the couch. He meets my gaze, running a hand through his hair as he sets his phone on the end table. Whatever he's distressed about, I suspect it has to do with a text.

He looks worried or scared, and I crawl toward the side of the playpen and rise onto my knees. I know better than to stand. I won't lose a sticker. "Daddy?"

He comes to me and leans down to lift me out of the playpen. He holds me close and carries me to the recliner. As soon as he sits, he cups my face. "I just got a message from my PI."

My breath hitches before I start shaking. "Did my father find me?" I've tried hard not to think about him since we arrived. Daddy assures me every day he couldn't get to me here even if he knew where I was, but Daddy doesn't understand the level of fear I feel. If my father ever finds me, he will kill me.

"He's dead, Little one," Daddy says softly.

My eyes widen. "Dead?" A flood of emotions consumes me. Top among them is relief, which makes me feel like a bad person.

"Apparently he was extremely drunk and fell asleep smoking. He must have dropped the cigarette and caught the bedding on fire. He burned himself alive."

I stop breathing. Dead. He's dead. He can't hurt me ever again. I never have to look over my shoulder or wonder if he's going to find me one day. He's gone. And all I feel is…relief.

"Are you okay, Little one?" Daddy asks, rubbing my back.

"I think so. Is it mean that I kind of hope he suffered?"

"I think that's a normal reaction, Baby girl. He was very mean to you for a long time. You'll probably experience all kinds of emotions in the next few days. We already have an appointment scheduled with the counselor. She'll help you sort out your feelings."

I lean against Daddy and wrap my arms around his neck. For a long time, we just sit there. Finally, I murmur, "I'm glad he's gone."

Daddy pats my bottom. "I'm glad you will always be safe. Do you want to go back to the mainland and see the house or attend his funeral?"

I shake my head. My father doesn't deserve to have me mourn him. I don't need to see that house again. It will only bring up bad memories for no reason.

I took what I needed from the house when Daddy rescued me. I never need to go back. I'm happy here with Daddy on the island. I have opportunities. I get to be who I am on the inside without judgment. I get to go to school and make friends and read books. All the books.

I'm so very lucky I met Daddy and even luckier that Amelia pushed me to let him look at my arm. I hope she finds her perfect Daddy one day soon, too. She deserves to feel the same happiness I feel.

Daddy leans me back. His brow is furrowed.

I smile. "I'm okay. I'm a very lucky Little girl. I love you."

"I love you, too, sweet girl. Forever and always." He brings his lips to mine and kisses me sweetly.

"Forever and always," I agree.