Tarquin asked, “So, when you head back to the cabin in the mountains, are you taking your folks with you?"


    Elysia shook her head.


    "No, I promised my grandparents I''d keep everything about them a secret. Can''t bring a whole crowd along. Besides, Mom''s health isn''t really up for a serious hike."


    The trail was tough enough, and her grandparents'' ce was tucked way off the beaten path.


    They''d have to trek through a stretch of thick woods, then wind their way through what felt like half a national park just to find the cabin.


    Last time they came down the mountain, they''d been out there for days.


    Tarquin frowned. “So what are you gonna tell your parents? They hate being apart from you."


    Elysia thought for a moment. "I''ll just tell them it''s confidential family stuff. They''ll get it."


    Tarquin pressed, "But can you even find your way back?"


    Elysia grinned. "No way I could, not by myself."


    Tarquin sighed. "Then how are you getting there?"


    She shrugged, "White and Evan know the way. They''ll guide me."


    He just shook his head.


    After drying her hair, the two of them headed downstairs.


    yton had already set the table-three steaming bowls of chicken noodle soup and a te of fresh sd.


    As soon as he saw Elysia, yton called out,


    "Irene,e try your dad''s secret recipe!"


    Elysia hurried over, "Smells amazing!"


    yton beamed. "Dig in, but don''t burn yourself."


    Elysia hadn''t washed her hands yet, so Tarquin grabbed a fork, spun up some noodles, blew on them, and offered them to her.


    Elysia felt like a princess-spoiled by her dad, adored by her husband.


    She took the bite from Tarquin, nodding with delight. "Oh wow, this is so good!"


    yton grinned from ear to ear, looking every bit the proud dad. "If you like it, have some more."


    "Definitely," she agreed.


    After theirte-night snack, yton insisted on doing the dishes. Elysia wouldn''t let him do it alone, so she stayed to help, while Tarquin tidied up the dining room.


    In the kitchen, father and daughter had a quiet moment.


    "I took your mom and the kids to see a house today," yton said.


    "Oh? What kind of house?"


    "A cozy little cottage. Once it''s fixed up, your mom and I are moving in. We''ve decided―Jindale City is home now."


    "Really?" Elysia''s eyes went wide.


    He nodded, "Wherever you are, we''ll be there too."


    Elysia felt a wave of love and surprise.


    "You two could stay here, you know. Why move out?"


    yton just smiled. "This house belongs to Tarquin. I know he''d never kick us out, but I want to buy our own ce, with our own money. Something that''s just for us, not tied to Tarquin at all.”


    "And if you and Tarquin ever have a spat, you''ll have your own ce toe home to."


    "Maybe I''m not as sessful as Tarquin, but I can give you afortable life. I can provide for you, always."


    "My little Irene''s a princess in her own right. You didn''t marry above your station, sweetheart."


    Elysia''s heart swelled; she knew her dad was giving her confidence, letting her know she would never have to feel less than anyone.


    Her dad was saying: you''re just as good as anyone. You''re my princess.


    Eyes brimming, she nodded.


    "Then when you decorate, make me a princess room."


    yton was over the moon.


    "You got it. The biggest, sunniest room is all yours."


    Elysia smiled, happiness shining on her face.


    Life has a way ofing full circle. The tougher things used to be, the sweeter happiness feels now.


    She had her parents'' love, her husband''s devotion, and her children''sughter. And right now, for Elysia, that was everything.