Daisy's Decision (Icehome, #15)

by Ruby Dixon

She glances over at me, a wry smile on her pink mouth, and her eyes brim with unshed tears. “Veronica worked on me today. Does my face look better? Be honest.” Unable to resist, I reach out and run my fingers through her soft mane. It is longer now, the strands fine and clinging to my work-roughened hands. I would give anything for D’see to lean into my caress, but she only watches me with intent, hopeful eyes. “Your mane is longer. The color is different.” “But my face?” I pause. “Less red?” She bites her lip. “But still ugly.” “Never ugly. Never.” She does not understand that when I look at her, I do not see scars. I see the bright-eyed, eager female who gave up a life of ease because she wished so desperately for a true mate and a family of her own. She is yet that female, and she is still perfection to me. Her face could be riddled with thick, ugly scars and she would take my breath away every time she smiled. “You are cruel to yourself.”