“She does,” I said quietly.
He stood, glaring at me. “Ashley needs stability. She needs her parents. Not… distractions.”
I looked at Ashley. I really looked at her. Her red eyes. Her trembling hands.
I knelt to her level.
“I’m so sorry about today, Ashley” I said.
I wrapped my arms around her and breathed in her scent.
“I was so scared,” Ashley whispered into my shoulder.
“I know,” I told her. “It must have felt awful.”
She pulled back to look at me. “Are you mad at me for running away?”
“No,” I said quickly. “I’m not mad. I was worried. Very worried.”
I took a slow breath and looked into her eyes.
“You are not a bad daughter,” I said firmly. “Not at all.”
I brushed her hair back from her face.
“You are a strong, smart, wonderful girl,” I continued.
