Shielding Her

Valerie noticed her father's expression and was about to step in to smooth things over.

But Donovan spoke up again. "Mr. and Mrs. Thorne, I know I was a bit abrupt today. I probably shouldn't have confessed my feelings so quickly, but I just want to be there for her openly and support her in whatever she needs.

"You two are the closest people she has in this world, and my feelings for her are real