Chapter 298

"Oh, daddy, is that for me?" she said, beaming at me. "No more lessons for three days! They said I have to give my voice a chance to rest because I’ve been coming in a lot. So I’m ready to party!"

"Actually, gorgeous," I said, setting the mirror down and wrapping my arms around Katie’s tiny frame, "Rita has a new friend over. The weather girl she was subbing in for. But, of course, help yourself."

I held her for a prolonged moment then kissed her. Her eyes radiated. She was so happy and full of life. She had been all the way back, her normal self, for quite some time, but the singing had brought another level and element to it. It was a joy to see.

"Come on," Katie said, "I’ll go say hi then change. I want some sun, too, and I can do my lines with them."

"That’s remarkable restraint," I said jokingly.

Katie rolled her pretty, doe-like brown eyes at me. We walked outside, and Rita caug