Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 415

When she heard her daughter’s shout, Camila Davis’s jaw practically hit the floor.

Even Dennis Williams looked thrown off for a second.

Camila hurriedly scooped little Lillian into her arms, stroking her hair and trying to soothe her. “Sweetie, did you have a bad dream? Don’t call people like that—this is just Uncle Dennis, remember?”

She felt her face flush with embarrassment. Dennis wasn’t even married—being called “Dad” out of nowhere had to be a shock.

Turning to Dennis, she apologized quickly, “I’m so sorry, Mr. Williams. Lillian’s just talking in her sleep, please don’t mind her.”

But Dennis just shrugged it off, not looking the least bit offended.

His attention stayed on Lillian. Camila was gently wiping away Lillian’s tears, whispering comfort.

The little girl’s lip was trembling, her eyes brimming with fresh tears, but she clung to Dennis with a desperate look. “Daddy, can you hold me?”

The tiny, hopeful voice hit Dennis right in the heart.

He frowned, sensing something wasn’t right. Lillian, for all her shyness and anxiety, had never confused people before—so what was this about?

Relying on his instincts as a child psychologist, he didn’t leave her hanging. He knelt and carefully took Lillian into his arms. “Let me check on her,” he told Camila quietly.

Camila heard the seriousness in his voice and quickly let go, trusting him.

As soon as Lillian was in Dennis’s arms, her sobs started to slow. She clung to his shirt, burying her face in his shoulder.

Dennis rocked her gently, murmuring soothing words until she finally quieted. But instead of jumping into explanations, he did what he always did—spoke to her softly, like they were the only two people in the world. “Hey Lillian, are you thirsty? Want a glass of apple juice? Are you hungry? How about some cookies?”

She hadn’t eaten much at lunch.

Lillian nodded, still clinging to his jacket, her tiny fist wrinkling the fabric.

Camila watched, torn between worry and relief, then slipped off to the kitchen to fix Lillian’s favorite snack—some peanut butter crackers and a glass of milk.

Dennis stayed with Lillian for over an hour, quietly playing and talking while she calmed down. When she seemed a bit more settled, he led her to the art nook.

Even there, Lillian refused to let go of his hand.

Dennis’s patience was endless; he just let her hang on, chatting gently, guiding her back to herself without her even realizing it.

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