Dinner was always a lavish affair at the Jones mansion, the dining hall lit with golden chandeliers and filled with the soft clinking of silverware against fine china. Tonight was no different, but there was an undercurrent of excitement in the air-at least for me and Daddy. Sam was curled up in my lap again, as she had been since the incident in the shrine. Her small hands gripped the fabric of my dress, her face buried against my shoulder. She'd been quieter than usual today, which only made her more endearing.
My poor Sammi, always so shy and nervous.
Across the table, Daddy sat with Mom perched on his lap, her posture stiff as always. He stroked her hair absently, his gaze sharp as he spoke.
"Scarlett, I've been thinking," he said, his voice carrying a note of intrigue. "It's time for a family vacation. Something... special."
I perked up immediately, my mind already racing with possibilities. "Oh, Daddy, that sounds perfect! Where were you thinking?" His lips curved into a sly smile. "A remote island. Somewhere private, far from distractions. Just us and the girls."
I felt a surge of excitement, my arms tightening around Sam. "I love it," I said, leaning forward eagerly. "Just us, together in paradise. It'll be perfect."
Beside Daddy, Mom's face paled, her eyes darting toward Sam. I followed her gaze, noting the way Sam's small body tensed against me.
I tilted my head, brushing a strand of hair from Sam's face. "What's wrong, Sammi?" I asked, my voice soft but insistent.
"Doesn't a vacation sound nice?"
Her head shook slightly, her grip on my dress tightening. "I... I don't know," she murmured, her voice barely audible.
"Oh, don't worry about anything," I cooed, pressing a kiss to her temple. "I'll take care of everything. You'll love it, I promise."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------As the discussion continued, I couldn't help but imagine the possibilities. A private island meant no prying eyes, no interference. Just me and Sam, free to be together without distractions. Daddy and I talked logistics, sharing ideas about accommodations and activities while Mom and Sam sat in silence.
I noticed the way Mom's hands trembled in her lap, the same way Sam's did whenever she was anxious. It was almost funny how alike they were.
Finally, Daddy clapped his hands together, his tone decisive. "It's settled, then. I'll have my assistant make the arrangements."
I beamed at him, already envisioning the trip. "Thank you, Daddy. This is going to be amazing."
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After dinner, as we moved to the sitting room for tea, I noticed the way Sam clung to me even more tightly than usual. Her small body pressed against mine, her arms wrapped around my waist as if I were her lifeline.
I stroked her back soothingly, whispering, "It's okay, Sammi. You're safe with me."
But deep down, I knew what she was thinking. She was scared. Scared of the island, of being so isolated with me, with Daddy.
And that was fine.
Her fear only made her more precious to me.
I kissed her hair, a soft smile playing on my lips as I held her close. "Don't worry, baby," I murmured. "This vacation is going to be unforgettable."
Her silence spoke volumes, but I didn't care.
She was mine. And soon, on that island, she would have no choice but to accept it.
