Vincent let out a long, relieved breath. Alicia hadn't run out the door, screaming. In fact, she seemed fairly amenable to the idea. Glancing over at Bethany, his wife gave him a nod, silently giving him the go-ahead to proceed. He shifted closer to their daughter and smiled. "Well, I think we'll get to that soon enough, but your Mom and I wanted you to know how good it can be in every way."

Holding his breath again, he put his hands on his daughter's beautiful face and leaned in, closing his mouth over hers, kissing her gently at first, and then with more fervor. Bethany stayed close, her hands stroking Alicia's shoulders and arms while she made quiet, encouraging noises and considering the sudden urge that had just sprung to mind, the one that made Bethany wonder about kissing her daughter as well.