Harry rallied and sat on the other side of Holly. “Your old dad knows a thing or two about feminine hygiene products. I only made the mistake of buying no name pads once and your mom had my guts for garters. She was a Libra girl all the way.”

“Libra makes funky pads in awesome colors,” Alice added, trying to give Harry some street cred. “They’re perfect for arty girls.”

“Congratulations, on becoming a woman, Holly,” Harry said clumsily, raising his hand for a high five.

It was awkward and full of love—Hallmark would have bottled it if they could. Alice’s chest filled with a rush of emotions and she didn’t know if she wanted to laugh, cry or sigh.

“It’s not something to celebrate!” Holly yelled, clearly incensed by the idea.

So much for Hallmark. “Actually, Holly, your dad’s right.”

Holly glared at Alice, clearly skeptical. Harry blinked, equally surprised.

“It is something to celebrate,” Alice reiterated. “Lots of cultures have special ceremonies for girls that can last for days. I remember when my twin got her period first, I was so jealous she got to go out for a special celebration without me. I had to wait another year and a half.”

“What did you do when you got yours?”

“My mom took me out to lunch and then we went shopping and I got a Roxy T-shirt. After that, she bought me a sparkly makeup bag for the pads so no mean girls or stupid boys teased me.”

“Your mom sounds really nice,” Holly said sadly.

Hating that she’d inadvertently added to Holly’s pain, Alice glanced at Harry for some guidance. But he was no use—he just nodded encouragingly, as though saying, “Good job, keep going.” It reminded her of her own father. “My dad was great too. He gave me a “Girl Power” badge and bought me some new paints.”

Holly visibly brightened. “Hear that, Dad?”

Harry laughed. “We can go to Bairnsdale on Saturday if you like.”

“You and Holly should go shopping for supplies now and then go out for dinner,” Alice suggested. “Hunter and I can hang out here.”

“But I thought we were doing the campfire …” Harry’s voice trailed off as Alice shook her head fast over the top of Holly’s. “How about we all go to the Thai place for dinner instead?”

“Awesome!” Holly squealed, her distress vanquished by the offer of dinner out. “I love the Thai place.”

Was Harry utterly clueless? This was supposed to be a father–daughter outing not a family dinner. “Holly, can you please go and grab my handbag for me?”

“Sure.” Holly slid off the bed and left the room.

“Thank you. You were amazing.” Harry’s heartfelt appreciation filled the room. “I hope it wasn’t too hard for you, given what you’re going through …”