Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 598

Lillian fidgeted, twisting her fingers together for what felt like ages before finally looking up at her dad. “Do I have to go to school?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Dennis Williams didn’t give her the usual answer. He didn’t say, “Of course you have to.” Instead, he said, “You don’t have to go, but running away from things isn’t the right way to handle them. And it’s definitely not what brave kids do…”

He said it so gently, so patiently, that Lillian didn’t even get upset. She just stared at him, listening intently.

He continued, “You know, the other kids at school are just like you—polite and sweet. If there’s ever a problem, you guys can talk it out. It’s never going to turn into a food fight or anything crazy.”

“And if it does get that far, there are teachers—like Mr. Adams—who’ll step in and help. And if for some reason that doesn’t happen, you can always come to me. If anyone ever picks on you, I’ll be there to protect you, Lil.”

Lillian nodded, still not totally convinced. Her little face was all scrunched up with worry.

Dennis grinned and teased, “What, you don’t trust me?”

She shook her head furiously, “I do! I trust you, Daddy. But… if I go to school, will you take me?”

She looked up, her eyes wide and hopeful.

Dennis’s voice was warm and reassuring. “Of course. If you want to be brave and give school a try, I’ll walk you there myself—pinky promise.”

Hearing this, Lillian’s whole face brightened. “Then… I wanna try! I’ll go to school!”

Dennis felt a wave of pride and gave her chubby cheek a gentle pinch. “That’s my girl. Let’s take a few days, though, so you can get ready, okay? When you feel good about it, I’ll be right there with you.”

“Okay!” she chirped, bouncing on her toes. “Yay! Daddy and Mommy can take me to school together!”

Lillian was so happy, she had to tell Lightning, her trusty golden retriever. She grabbed his paw and spun around in the living room, giggling as Lightning barked along.

Watching this little victory dance, Camila Davis just stood there, stunned. Seriously? That was all it took? After all the persuading and pep talks she’d given, this was it?

She couldn’t help but wonder if Lillian had been playing her a little, just to get Dennis to promise he’d take her to school.

Dennis noticed her expression and laughed. “What’s with the face?”

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