Read Online More Than Scars by Sarah Brocious - Free Book Online

a good place.”
    I heard him blow out a breath.  “Ok,’ he said softly.
    I smiled, knowing his concern came from his big heart. “Now, you catch me up to speed on what’s going on with you, and I will reciprocate. Deal?”
    We talked for another half hour, before he was called away on duty. I decided to shower before the children got back. I intended on looking my best tonight. Even if I would be in a dark theatre. Liam Byrne would be there. That was reason enough!
    The girls arrived home hours later, bright red cheeks and happy smiles. Time with Daddy was a necessity to them. I hurried them out of their riding uniforms, and into a warm bubble bath.  I dressed them in their flannel pajamas, wanting them to be comfy for movie night.
    We were surprised when Stewart showed up at the door with pizza.
    “ Mr Byrne insisted today was to be a fun day!” He set the pizza on a table in the girl’s room. Another servant set out the plates, And yet another followed with cups and a two liter of Coke.
    “Does Mr Byrne expect his children to sleep tonight?” I giggled, seeing Amelia eyeing the pop with delight.
    Stewart chuckled and gave me a wink. “Have fun tonight Nerissa.”
    Embarrassed, I ducked my head.
    Brianne and Amelia danced around the table. It was a rare treat for them to get pizza. Liam was insistent on a healthy diet for them. Overly protective in my mind, but I respected him for it. Besides, if the girls ate healthy, I ate healthy. My waist line should thank him.
    But healthy was not the plan tonight! I savored each bite of the pepperoni pizza!
    We waddled our full bellies to the theatre room, and found comfy spots in the plush chairs. I couldn’t help looking around in awe at the state of the art room. Never had I been in a more comfortable, more lavish theatre!!
    Stewart appeared with the popcorn. I bit my lip and resisted the temptation of the buttery treat. The girls did not show restraint even for a moment. I did insist they have milk instead of more pop. Frowning faces followed my words. But I wanted to sleep tonight, not stay up with sugar frenzied girls. Brianne had studies in the morning.
    We sat back and waited for the movie to start. The lights lowered in the room, and our eyes turned to the wide screen. I couldn’t help my smile, then the rush of butterflies in my stomach when the movie began, and I realized it was Cinderella. Not Ever After…but the animated version.
    “Did you girls choose this?” I whispered trying to keep my voice nonchalant.
    They both shook their heads.
    “I chose it,” a baritone muttered from the back of the room.
    My heart thudded hard against my ribs, attempting an escape I am sure!
    “Hi Daddy,” the girls chorused, their eyes never leaving the screen.
    I held back my smile, even if he could not see me.
    “Does it displease you?” He did sound concerned over this.
    I turned slightly, not quite looking at him, but there was his silhouette. “Quite the opposite,” I murmured, and then settled in to watch.
    As I had expected, Amelia crawled into my lap when the stepmother made her appearance.
    “She’s scary Rissa. Make her go away!”
    I cuddled her close, happy for the warmth, since the room was rather cool. “She can’t hurt you,” I said softly, and brushed back brown curls.
    In that same moment a warm blanket covered the two of us from above. One corner was gently tucked behind one of my shoulders, the other smoothed around Amelia by a scarred hand. He too brushed curls from the girls forehead, and I sensed him move away. From my peripheral vision I saw him do the same for Brianne.
    “Thank you Daddy,” she sighed, cuddling in to its softness.
    He leaned down and kissed the top of her head.
    I assumed he was going to retreat to the back of the room again. Instead, he sat down behind us. I heard him settle in. I heard the sound of silk against silk, as he undid his tie. Apparently he had rushed from his meeting, not even stopping to make himself