Page 57 of 500 First Editions (The Romantics #3)

To my beautiful daughter on your fifth birthday,

Being able to watch you grow up is the greatest joy of my life. It’s an honor to have a place in yours. You are smart and you are kind. Your imagination takes you to lands far beyond our willow tree.

As I’m writing this, your mom is picking up your birthday cake at the grocery store.

You were insistent that it had to have all the princesses you adore on top.

Fairytales are your favorite kind of story.

I’d spend every single day reading them to you if I could.

They’re full of brave girls just like you.

Brave girls who aren’t afraid to climb trees, run fast, and scrape their knees.

Brave girls who love with their whole hearts.

I hope you continue to grow in your bravery, never lose your joy, and keep believing in fairytales. Today, you believe that you have magic in your fingertips because that’s what the story says.

Someday, I hope you realize that you actually do.

Happy Birthday, Autumn.

Love,

Dad