"He did nothing more than his job," Desiree's defense of me came out of nowhere. "He engaged himself in the welfare of your daughter. I was there the entire time."
"Come this way," the older woman beckoned. Desiree, the woman from the door and me followed her up two flights of stairs to Aya's room.
Loraine and Europa had stepped out of their rooms and were observing us.
"There," the woman - Mom - pointed me into the room.
"Cáel," Aya squealed. "You came." She was sitting in bed with her arms outstretched. I crossed the distance, sat down and hugged her.
"Now what seems to be the problem?" I tapped her nose.
"I...I - ah - wanted you to tuck me in," she mumbled.
"As your Daddy, or as Cáel?" I questioned.
"As my Daddy," she murmured.
"I am not your Daddy, Aya," I explained. "I am you
