Chapter 106

"Daddy! You're here!" Abby yelled as he walked into the house the next morning, New Year's Eve. She ran toward him and he scooped her up into his arms. "Want to go sled riding?"

He gave her a smile. Abby was the one thing that he and Scarlett had done right, and he was grateful for every second he had with her.

"We will in a little while. It's a little too early yet. Let Daddy rest for a bit." He carried her into the living room and sat with her on his lap as the bright morning sunshine streamed in through the windows. It was rare that the sun was so bright this time of year.

She wrapped her arms around his neck and looked into his eyes. "I love you, Daddy."

His mother walked in, carrying a cup of coffee and sat on the chair kitty-corner from them.

Taren pulled his daughter close and gave her a hug. "I love you, too, pumpkin." Then he set her on her feet. "Now, go play and I'll take you sled riding in a little while."

"Yeah!" she shouted, running off to her room to play.

His mot