Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess

Lena got totally stumped by Josefina's question and was a bit peeved.

Hattie gave Lena's hand a reassuring pat and said, "Josie's right on the money. Why would we ever kick you to the curb? You're the kid I watched grow up. You just keep on living here like always."

Lena had to swallow her pride, and with tears in her eyes, she accepted, "Thanks, Mom. Thanks, Josefina." Her pitiful look was so on point no one could find fault with it.

A servant came over and asked, "Ma'am, is it time for breakfast now?"

"Let's chow down. Josie just woke up. She must be starving. And Lena just got back. Let's get started with breakfast."

Hattie treated everyone equally, but it made Lena feel like now that Hattie had her own flesh and blood, all her focus was on her. Lena totally forgot that Josefina went eighteen years without parental love and care, and she surely needed it more than ever now.

bit sleepy. I think I'll hit the hay.

jet-lagged and nodded with affection. "Then off

upstairs, Garrett came down. "Josie, your old man overslept. Lucky you guys haven't finished breakfast." He almost missed the chance to have brekkie with his precious girl! Hattie playfully glared at him. "You've been sleeping

was oversleeping, Josefina couldn't

in a low voice, "Let me take your

out his arm, making it easy for

fingertips from the pulse point on Garrett's wrist. Garrett asked cautiously, "Sweetheart, I'm all good, right?" He just got his girl back and

smiled, "You trust

trust you. And

doctor to check on Clover, who, sure enough, had been poisoned. The old doctor couldn't cure her, and Garrett's heart

with your health, but don't you worry. I'll go get you some medicine later, and with the right care, you'll be fine." Garrett beamed with pride. "Josie, you're amazing. They say a daughter is her father's protector, and