Читать книгу The Texan's Secret Daughter - Jolene Navarro - Страница 8

“You’re Rosemarie, right?” Elijah asked.

The little girl nodded, moving toward her mother one slow, agonizing step at a time. She eyed him as if he was a coiled rattlesnake. Her hand stayed on the railing. The wall behind her was covered with photos.

Sweat broke out across Elijah’s body.

His daughter was five. The family had to hate that their only surviving child had married an alcoholic. He had a lot to prove, but first he wanted to see his daughter smile. He lowered himself to a crouch so he wouldn’t tower over her.

Finally, she made it to her mother’s side and wrapped an arm around Jazmine’s jean-clad leg.

“Hi, Rosemarie.” He tried again, making sure to give her an easy smile. “I’m...” Your dad, father, daddy. Each word clogged his throat. None of them sounded right. “I’m so happy to meet you.”

“You’re my daddy, right?” Her tiny, bow-shaped lips twisted to the side.

He couldn’t breathe for a minute. “I am.”