#Chapter 458 – Fatherhood

“Adoption is always an option, Jackson,” Ella says, a bit too casual, quietly cutting another piece of cheese from the block. “If you don’t think you’re up for being a father. We could have her placed with a very nice family –“ A rough snarl breaks from Jackson’s throat and Marigold goes still, turning towards her father in surprise. He works hard to reign himself in, passing the little girl a bit of comfort down their bond, letting her know that the snarl was not for her – never for her. Marigold hesitates for a second but then turns back to the apples, continuing to eat. “Good answer,” Ella says, flicking her eyes up to Jackson and smirking at him. “Was that a joke?” he growls. “No,” Ella says with a happy sigh, putting the knife down and taking a sharp little bite of her cheese. “But it was a way to get you to realize that even if this is a surprise, and you may not have thought you wanted it before, that you want it now.” Ella nods towards Marigold, who Jackson can t