“If you will trust me, I’ll help you protect Daisy.”

      Jacob watched the emotions wash across Lilly’s soft features. She wanted to trust him but something held her back.

      “Thank you.” The words sounded tight in her throat.

      He offered her a smile. “I won’t let you down.”

      If someone was going to hurt Daisy, they’d have to go through him. He’d vowed to watch over the little girl and he’d do just that.

      Jacob realized then that his promise included Lilly. If anyone hurt Daisy, they’d also be hurting Lilly. His instincts told him that she was a kind person. Her sympathy for him when he’d told her about his upbringing had been sincere. Jacob knew he’d not let either Daisy or Lilly be hurt.

      He just prayed he’d not lose his heart in his desire to protect them both. Jacob had no intentions of falling in love. Women couldn’t be trusted not to abandon those they claimed to love the most. His birth mother had proven that. No, he’d harden that part of his heart and still keep his promise.