"Daddy, what family traditions did mommy have?" Charm asked before she looked up at him, blinking to adjust her eyes against the sunlight.

Isaac closed his logbook for a moment, keeping place with his thumb. Tilting his head to the side, he stared down at his daughter. "Mommy and her family really didn't have any traditions, pumpkin." He admitted slowly, his throat constricting against the flood of memories.

"But when her and I were kids, she adopted many of my family's and stayed with us now and again on holidays and special occasions."

She nodded then asked; "What was Grandpa Syrus and Grandma Kasha like?"

Holding back the sigh he wanted to let go, Isaac called upon his patience and smiled at her. Ever since she heard that Uncle Arie's wife and kids were coming for a visit, she couldn't stop with her questions.

Putting his book down on top of the table next to him, Isaac patted her knee and she readily got up and plopped down on him. Wrapping his arms around her, he kissed the top of her head, breathing in her baby shampoo and relaxing considerably.

"Your mama's parents," he started softly. "Were working lawyers. Very busy building up Christian, Christian, and Whitman. They wanted to leave their children a legacy, as well as raise them with every advantage money could get them."

He could see her face puckering up in concentration and thought. "Like us, Daddy?" She asked curiously. "Like me and Angel?"

Isaac smiled, "Angel and I." He corrected gently.

She nodded, "That's what I said, Daddy. Me and Angel."

Chuckling, Isaac nodded as well. "No, baby. I'm here. So is Uncle Taylor, and Uncle Zac, and Grammy and Grampa." He tightened his hold, "Your mama and I knew we wanted you girls surrounded by love and family." Shrugging he announced, "While having money helps now and then in certain area's of life, baby. You must first and always have love."

Charm bit her lip; "Love is the main thing, Daddy?"

"Yes, baby. Love is all that matters. Money and status mean nothing really." He explained as he started rocking her slowly.

Leaning back, she laid her head compliantly against his shoulder. "I love you, Daddy." She whispered.

Smiling, he kissed her cheek. "I love you too, baby. So very very much, I do."

"And I love Angel, and Zoë, and Uncle Tay, and Uncle Zac, and soon-to-be Aunt Randy, and Uncle Mackenzie, and Grammy, and Grampa, and Aunt Jessie, and Aunt Avie…"

Grinning, Isaac half listened as she named off all those that she loved.

"And, Daddy?" She whispered again.

"Hmm, baby?" He murmured, rubbing his cheek against the soft hair of her crown.

"I also love, Mommy. Even though she's not here, and I've never held and kissed her before."

Her innocent admission was enough to bring even the blackest of hearts to their proverbial knees.