The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy

I scootch forward on the window seat, making room behind me. Jackson takes a moment to dip low, pressing a kiss to Marigold's cheek and then to her hair, telling her how much he missed her and how glad he is to see her. The little girl laughs, beaming up at her father, and I can feel both of our hearts wrench at how incredibly precious she is.

Then Jackson sighs and slips in behind me, his back against the wall, pulling me back so that my back rests against him.

"Here, Goldie," I whisper, placing the picture book firmly in her lap. "You play with this."

She looks down at the book for a moment before her eyes stray to the collection of little plastic ponies that Seraphina gave to her. I laugh and give her a little nudge, encouraging her to go play with those if that's what she wants.

I cuddle close to Jackson as we watch our little girl scurry over to the toys, dropping to her knees in front of them and beginning to play.

"How are you?" Jackson murmurs, his voice heavy and low, his mouth close to my

ear.

turning my head to gaze up at him, all tingly and warm curled up in his arms like this. "How was

frown, his eyes searching my face. "It was difficult to

you," I say, giving him a

cheek against my hair. "It was miserable. I felt horrible the whole time. I'm so

I whisper, letting my eyes flutter shut. "You're just protecting

- whether or not I should continue to attend school now that I'm a father - you jumped to my defense. Not a single moment of hesitation before you were on

little bit of grief coils in me there, because he's right. But I forgive him instantly. Jackson's had a challenging life and the past few months have asked him to grow so much. He's doing beautifully and I love him for constantly, always stepping up

the kids behind and go continue your education? And I'm

trying to be evasive - I just...honestly do not have an answer for that, Ari. I need...a lot of books. I may not sleep again until I've read them all. What do you

any policy that says a woman is too pregnant to continue her education. Not

agreeing with me. "I'm sorry I didn't think of

owe you an apology too," I say quietly, looking up at him.