Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 72647 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 363(@200wpm)___ 291(@250wpm)___ 242(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 72647 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 363(@200wpm)___ 291(@250wpm)___ 242(@300wpm)
Her mom winced. “Yup.”
Daisy felt her stomach roll because she’d read the book. Several times. And not merely for the plot. “But that’s the kinkiest one.”
She’d never seen that shit-eating grin on her mother’s face before. “Like I said, she did an excellent job with it.”
“I know I said I thought it was awesome you and Da still do those things, but I’m a little disturbed right now.”
Her mother pointed her way like Daisy had made her point. “Exactly how your father is feeling. All I’m trying to say is that your father loves you, and he’s doing the best he can.”
“My father doesn’t know me, and I’m not sure he wants to.” Daisy sat back. “I’m very tired of pretending to be something I’m not. I hide a lot of myself because I know I can never compete with Aidan.”
Her mother leaned in. “You don’t have to compete with your brother. There’s no competition. This is a family not a race. I need you to understand I see you, Daisy. I see who you are, and I’m very proud of the young woman you’ve become. You don’t have to be a doctor to be a good person. And I’m happy you’ve explored the world. Your father is worried the world will hurt you. I happen to know it will happen whether we protect you or not. That’s the way life is, my baby. It’s how we react to the hurt that matters, and you get up every single time. That’s what your dad isn’t taking into account. He’s so busy trying to pretend you’re perfect he doesn’t see how gloriously beautiful your imperfections are. Perfect is boring and it’s not real. I’m going to tell you something I won’t admit to anyone else. I’m worried about Aidan. I’m worried if this thing with Tristan doesn’t work out it will break him because he’s never had a damn doubt in his life. But you, my sweet girl, have had all of them, and you keep going. Don’t ever let anyone tell you you’re not the strong one. You’re more than strong. You sway. It’s the most important thing you can learn to do. To not let the bad times break you. You bend in the storm and you survive, and when the sun shines again, you are stronger than you were before.” Her mother reached out and put a hand over hers. “I don’t worry about you because you are a tree that sways. One day when you have children those magnificent branches you’re growing will protect them from the worst of the storms until they’ve learned how to be like their mother.”
Like she had.
Tears pierced her eyes because the words were a balm to her soul. “You’re really okay with me trying this thing with Nate?”
“Of course I’m okay with it. You fell for a boy. Baby, I did that, too, and it was the best decision of my life. And no matter what your da says, it was fast and furious, and I was scared out of my mind,” her mother said. “This is when you need to be Daisy O’Donnell. Toss the fear out and do what you need to do.”
She wanted to do nothing more. “And if it all goes wrong?”
A smile crossed her mother’s face. “Then you’ll get up off the floor, dust yourself off, and do what you do magnificently. You’ll try again. You’ll do it with a whole heart because nothing can break you. I’ll handle your father.”
“I think it’s going to be harder than it sounds.” Nate stood in the doorway, another tray in his hands. “Sorry to interrupt but Mum is cooking up a storm, and she asked me to bring these out to you. I think Liam doesn’t want anyone around his daughter, but he has to see she needs someone. I’m not going to apologize for what happened between me and Daisy, but I will tell you I’m sorry it’s caused a riff.”
“Nathan.” Her mother stood and held her arms open. “I’m happy you’re here. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you earlier. I was distracted. Of course that’s not entirely my fault. You didn’t come by the house when you got into town.”
He shrugged. “Well, if I had, things might not have gone the way they did.”
“Oh, do you mean I wouldn’t have tried to seduce you?” Somehow the minute he was in her presence she felt less guilty, less worried. Being around Nate made her feel more like herself. He centered her and allowed her to be who she truly was. “Because I still would have. I just might have put on a better disguise.”
Her mother chuckled, but her cheeks were stained pink. “I don’t know if a disguise would work, sweetie. I’m afraid the kink version of a masquerade is like everything else—just play. I’m glad you had fun. I know it’s been frustrating for you.”