38

PHIN

Over the next few days, I did everything I could for Marilee. She had nothing except the clothes she came in, and I wanted to burn those.

Cassy helped me find her new clothes, toys, educational materials, and a new bed of her own.

I even set up a room for her, even though she slept in my bed every night. I didn't see a moment in the near future where she wouldn't, but I understood she needed her own space.

She started calling me Daddy pretty much immediately. I didn't ask her to or suggest it. She just started doing it, and I took it as meaning she felt what I was feeling.

That I was her Dad.

Because damnit, I was.

I left her with Uncle Teddy for the first time and returned to brave the mall again. Cassy walked me through the stores, pointing out things Marilee might need. "She'll need some sturdy clothes for playing," she said, picking a few outfits. "And definitely some books. She will need to catch up on her education fairly quickly."

I nodded, feeling overwhelmed. "What a