"Really," I answered honestly, shivering at the thought of how close we came to actually fucking. Don't ask me why I think this is where I should draw the line on our incestuous behavior but it seemed like an important distinction to make.

"I'm sorry I wasn't ready, Paw-paw," Ellie said quietly, her face still against my chest.

"No, Ellie," I retorted. "Don't ever apologize for protecting your virtue, with me or anyone else. You should not give up your virginity lightly." I took a deep breath and continued more calmly. "Wait until you've met the right guy, maybe it's Joshua, maybe it isn't but..."

"Oh no, Paw-paw!" Ellie interrupted...