Ashton
The minute I saw Cassie in Ryder’s arms my heart was taken. Cassie is a mini replica of her father. She has gorgeous dark hair that hangs in curls and her eyes are the deepest velvety brown. Her lashes swept to the stars and her lips were the brightest ruby red. I have never seen such love between a father and daughter and it took my breath away.
If love, at first sight, is real, then it has hit me twice in as many days. Seeing the two of them in front of me made my world complete. So, this is what it’s like—a family. My family and my future. A little unconventional but so right at the same time. It felt like the most natural thing in the world to fall at the feet of my daughter and hold her close. The fact that I didn’t give birth to her doesn’t matter. This crazy mixed up arrangement and mad couple of days all slotted into place and made perfect sense. I am finally where I belong and every problem I have fades into the background.
Cassie dragged me straight to her room and I smile at the excitement in her eyes. I thought she may be shy, but that is so not the case. One by one she shows me her toys and looks at me anxiously for approval. In no time at all, she thrusts a large storybook at me and drags me to the couch and sits on my lap.
“Read me a story, mommy—please.”
As she bats those luscious eyelashes at me I know how Ryder feels. How can I say no to this?
“I take the book and begin the story. Cinderella - of course. Every little girl’s favorite.”
As I read the words, she leans against my chest and sucks her thumb. Her other hand touches the pictures reverently as I say the words.
I love this. The small human being in my arms has invaded my heart in a matter of seconds. How on earth does life work out this way?
It doesn’t take long before Ryder and his sister join us. They stand in the doorway and just watch as I carry on reading the story. I blank them out. Nothing else matters but Cassie. This is our moment and I will deal with any problems later on. I didn’t miss the icy glare of his sister. I saw she didn’t approve and who can blame her. I understand her anger but she has no reason to worry. I’m going nowhere.
They stay for a while and then leave us alone. I am glad of it. I feel happy with Cassie. Locked in her room with nothing but innocence and magic locking the real world out. If I could stay here forever I would. I had a room much the same as this one. However, my daddy was nothing like Ryder. I think I always hated him. He never looked at me the way Ryder looks at Cassie. He never read me stories or made me feel loved and secure. My room was my escape from an oppressive father. I surrounded myself in fairy stories to escape the brutal truth of reality.
Cassie sits up and turns around. I feel the interest in her look as she reaches up and touches my face in the same way as she did Ryder’s. She smiles and looks at me with complete adoration.
“I love you, mommy.”
The tears well up in my eyes and I swallow several times. I see the hope and wonder in her eyes and know that look. I wanted a mommy so bad it hurt. I understand her need because I share it. I know that Ryder is a good daddy to her, it’s obvious. However, nothing can drive the aching need for a mom from a little girl’s heart and I smile and squeeze her tightly.
“I love you too baby girl. I promise I will be a good mom to you. You know you don’t have anything to fear from me, don’t you?”
She smiles a gappy smile that makes her even more adorable than she already is. “I know. You’re a Princess, not a wicked witch. Jack told me my daddy would marry a wicked stepmother like Cinderella’s. I knew my daddy wouldn’t do that. He’s like the prince, he wouldn’t be so silly.”
I laugh and roll my eyes. “Your friend is wrong and you are right. Your daddy isn’t silly. How can he be when he has a great daughter like you to put him straight?”
Cassie grins. “I’m hungry.”
Jumping up, I start the business of caring for my child.
“Come on then. Let’s see what we can find.”
Hand in hand we leave her room and head towards the kitchen.
We join the others and I feel the icy atmosphere as soon as we enter the room. Ryder’s sister smiles at Cassie but I note the anxiety in her eyes. “You ok, Cass, honey?” Cassie smiles and drags me over to her excitedly.
“Look, Aunty Cara, I have a new mommy and she is so pretty, like Cinderella.”
Cara smiles and then looks at me with curiosity. I see the worry in her eyes and smile reassuringly.
“I’m Ashton, I’m pleased to meet you.”
She nods and smiles half-heartedly. “Cara. I’m Ryder’s sister, for my sins.”
Looking around, I see Ryder watching us from his seat at the table. My heart flutters as I feel those hard eyes piercing my heart. He is a commanding presence and draws my attention. I know we have a connection, it’s obvious to me and to him. Despite the trauma of the last few days, there is an aching need in me to be with him. He wants me to beg, but I will not. I won’t beg for him, what would that say about me? Sighing inside, I drag my eyes away and smile at Cassie.
“Would you like to help me prepare some lunch for everyone?”
Cassie shrieks and charges over to the fridge. She throws it open and starts pulling every item of food from it. Laughing, I join her and shake my head.
“First you must wash your hands, young lady. A good cook always starts with clean hands.”
Nodding, she follows me to the sink and I thank god for my father’s cook, who spent hours showing me how to cook and care for a household. Her training is about to bear fruit and this is going to be a piece of cake.