Kneeling for a Second Chance (Sebastian and Valeria) novel Chapter 262

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Sebastian had never once fulfilled his role as a father. He had never even taken Selena to an amusement park.

Selena thought it over. She wanted to go, so she nodded.

Since it was summer break and a weekend, the amusement park was packed with long lines everywhere.

Near the entrance, there was a pet check-in. Sebastian left Nemo in a kennel with some water and kibble, then headed inside with Selena.

It was probably his first time in a place like this.

He had never liked crowds, especially places that were overrun with kids like this.

They went on a few rides, but since the trip had been so last-minute, Sebastian found himself pulling out his phone, skimming through guides as they went. Shopping seemed to come naturally to Selena—every time she spotted a shelf of stuffed animals, she froze in her tracks.

Sebastian crouched down so their eyes were on the same level as he said, "Pick whatever you like. We'll buy them all."

Leaning close, Selena whispered in his ear. "If we buy too much, Mommy will find out."

He felt a sharp sting in his chest. Even she could pick up on the tension between him and Valeria.

When he first discovered Selena was his daughter, the rush of joy had been fleeting. However, it was quickly swallowed by an ache he couldn't shake.

Even if Valeria no longer pushed him away, he still couldn't bring himself to tell the little girl standing in front of him that he was her father.

He felt he didn't deserve that title, so the words stuck in his throat.

Sebastian couldn't bring himself to look Valeria in her eyes. And if he said the words out loud, he knew he wouldn't be able to face Selena's either.

Instead, he clipped a little bunny keychain onto Selena's backpack and asked, "How about this one?"

Then, he picked up a purple headband with floppy rabbit ears and gently settled it on her head.

"Mr. Grant, this one is called Chubby Bunny."

Sebastian scooped Selena into his arms, his forearm pressing down the edge of her dress. At the counter, he paid, while she leaned against his broad shoulder.