Chapter 36

　　But I swore I’d only do so once so that she allowed Fern to accept the gifts. 　　Meeting the woman’s gaze, I used my preternatural stare. “It’s fine, honestly. I’m a good friend of Cherry’s. Let Fern take the gifts, and I’ll leave and call Cherry to arrange a better time to visit.” 　　Lara released Fern’s shoulder, and as she met Fern’s upturned hopeful eyes, the nanny sighed. “Okay, go on, Fern, open one.” 　　I gave the young woman my warmest smile, and she blushed. 　　I crouched down and handed Fern one of the packages. Soon she had ripped it open. She turned to Lara, “Look! It’s an Elsa and Anna set!” She beamed at me and threw her little arms around my shoulders since I was still crouched down at her level. 　　My chest felt tight as I heard Lara opening the door and calling Fern in. I was about to be shut out, away from my daughter. Nuu-Chah’s insight stirred again, and I felt keenly that Fern was my daughter. 　　As I stood up, I tried my warmest smile, without any use of my shifter po