daddy's girl essay

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I Will Always Be A Daddy’s Girl

I really don’t have enough words to say how wonderful my Dad is. He is the only man in this whole world who has never let me down, disappointed me and loved me with his whole and entire heart.

Through his actions, I am reminded that there are GOOD men in this world. Men have been getting a bad wrap lately. I’m here to remind you all that GOOD MEN DO EXIST and my Dad is one of them.

If I found a man half as decent as my father, I would be lucky, but the truth is- there’s no one quite like MY Dad and never will be.

I can remember those afternoons coming home from grade school anxiously waiting for him to walk in through the back door. The minute I would hear the door knob jiggle, I’d dash to the back door and bombard him with the biggest hug (even though he was often stinky and sweaty-sorry dad but it’s the truth:)

My dad has always been an incredibly hard worker. He is the most generous person I have ever met. I can’t tell you the amount of times this man has given to help others in need. The amount of times he has told me, “Jess, we are put on this Earth to give and give until we can’t give any more.” Whether it be time or money, I’ve watched my Dad, time and time again, lend a helping hand to those in need.

One thing about my Dad that is unique is that he is truly the happiest guy on Earth. His blinders are constantly up blocking out negativity. Don’t we all wish we could live this way? He lives life on the bright side and sees the good in everyone and everything.

I pray every day to be more like him.He has taught me how a husband and father should be.

He has sacrificed weekend hunting and golf trips to spend time with me. He has sat through countless dance recitals, dance competitions and cheer competitions to show his love and support for me. For many of you who know him or have seen him in action- he is clearly my biggest fan!

He has sacrificed his happiness for mine time and time again and i continue to ask myself what I did to deserve this?

All these years he may not have realized I was paying attention each time he received a phone call turning down fun “guy time” for me. He may not realize all these years how significant his presence has impacted my life. He may not realize just how far he set the bar. Truth is, no one will ever be quite like my Dad.

Reflecting on my childhood, I can say we have laughed our way through much heartache and our household was always a happy and fun place because of my father. Countless times we have traded in tears for laughter and bandaged broken hearts with a simple hug.

About 5 and a half years ago, I realized just how special my Dad was. I remember the day we sat in the waiting room while my mom was getting examined the day after my mom found her lump. My dad’s fun-loving demeaner was replaced with heartbreak. I had never seen him like this, ever.

His heartache was more obvious than the countless freckles on his face. I remember turning to him and saying, “Dad…what are we going to do if this is cancer? He laid his head in his hands and wept. For once, my optimistic, fun-loving Dad was at a loss for words.

This was the moment I saw my father through a new lens. We often see our parents, especially fathers, as a pillar of strength. For once, the phrase, “Call dad! He knows what to do” did not apply to me. To see my Dad at his most vulnerable shows me how genuinely he loves my mom and how lost he would be without her.

Through every word and action he shows my mom and I how much he loves his girls. What he does not realize is how much this makes us love him even more.

Dad, you’re one in a million. Your love for life is contagious and your compassion for others is to be admired. You will never, never know just how much I love you.

All my love, always.

Circa 1998 (Dad has more hair, less candles on his cake and I, well I’m still cute, right)😜

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2 thoughts on “ i will always be a daddy’s girl ”.

Precious, just precious. Jess, I just love your heart. You are one of those kids who gets it. Honoring your parents, open and freely, without restriction. They aren’t perfect, none of us are, but you see your parents with no blemish, like God sees us.

You are so sweet Donna! Trust me when I say we have our ups and downs. I’m just grateful that I got a second chance to right my wrongs and truly appreciate them!

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Father Daughter Relationships: What Is A Daddy’s Girl?

A “Daddy’s Girl” is a term that affectionately describes a special and close relationship between a daughter and her father. This bond typically signifies a strong emotional connection, where the daughter looks up to her father as a source of love, guidance, and protection.

While the term may evoke images of a young girl seeking her father’s approval and attention, it extends beyond childhood into adulthood, signifying an enduring and cherished father-daughter connection that is a source of love, support, and a sense of security throughout a woman’s life.

In this guide, we will delve into the various aspects and dynamics that define the concept of a “Daddy’s Girl” and the significance of this relationship in the lives of those who share this unique bond.

It isn’t always an easy relationship to navigate, but it’s one of the most special in the world.

Characteristics Of A Daddy’s Girl

A “Daddy’s Girl” relationship is built on a foundation of trust and affection. Fathers play a pivotal role in fostering a sense of security and love in their daughters. This trust is nurtured from a young age, laying the groundwork for a daughter to confide in her father and turn to him for support throughout her life.

Open and honest communication is a hallmark of the Daddy’s Girl dynamic. Daughters feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, fears, and dreams with their fathers. This open dialogue helps strengthen the emotional bond between them, fostering a deeper understanding and a sense of connection.

Fathers and daughters also bond through shared interests and activities . Whether it’s playing sports, sharing hobbies, or engaging in meaningful pastimes, these shared experiences create lasting memories and strengthen the emotional connection that defines the “Daddy’s Girl” relationship.

The Father’s Role In His Daughter’s Life

A father’s role in the life of a little girl is influential in shaping her personal development. The guidance, values, and principles help daddy’s girls form a strong moral compass and sense of identity. A father often imparts life lessons and acts as a positive role model that can profoundly affect a daughter’s growth.

Fathers have a significant impact on their daughter’s self-esteem and confidence too. Their words and actions can either boost or deflate a daughter’s self-worth. A supportive and encouraging father contributes to a daughter’s self-confidence and her ability to navigate the challenges of life.

A father’s unwavering support and unconditional love are invaluable to a daughter. Knowing that her father is there for her, regardless of circumstances, offers a sense of security and a deep emotional anchor. This support system plays a crucial role in a daughter’s emotional well-being and resilience.

Nurturing The Father-Daughter Relationship

Quality time between a father and daughter often involves bonding through shared hobbies and interests. Whether it’s playing a musical instrument, gardening, or exploring the outdoors, these shared activities create a unique and enduring bond that strengthens their relationship.

Quality time also encompasses creating special moments and memories. These cherished father-daughter experiences, like a first dance or a heartfelt conversation, are significant in building a deeper connection and providing lasting, positive memories.

Fathers often play a pivotal role in celebrating their daughters’ life milestones as well. Whether it’s graduations, birthdays, or big achievements, these shared moments of joy and pride further reinforce the quality of the time spent together, creating lasting memories and a sense of appreciation for their special bond.

Challenges And How To Overcome Them

Balancing work and family life can be a challenge for fathers striving to be there for their daughters. Effective time management, communication, and setting clear priorities can help overcome this challenge and ensure that quality time with their daughters remains a priority.

The teenage years can be especially challenging time for both fathers and daughters. Open communication, active listening, and understanding are essential to navigate this phase successfully. Fathers should strive to maintain a supportive and non-judgmental approach to help their daughters navigate the changes and challenges of adolescence.

Coping with separation, whether due to distance, divorce, or other circumstances, is a another significant challenge that many face. Fathers can overcome this by maintaining regular communication, being emotionally available, and creating opportunities for meaningful visits or quality time together when possible. It’s essential to reassure daughters of their love and support, regardless of physical separation.

The Impact Of Being A Daddy’s Girl

Despite sometimes having negative connotations, being a Daddy’s Girl can set a child up for a great life.

Fathers play a crucial role in helping their daughters build a positive self-image. Through encouragement, praise, and support, fathers can instil a sense of self-worth and confidence, helping their daughters develop a healthy self-identity.

Fatherly affection is a powerful factor in shaping this self-identity. Expressing love, care, and providing emotional support fosters a strong foundation of self-worth and emotional well-being, enhancing a daughter’s self-identity.

Fathers also contribute to their daughter’s confidence and independence by providing guidance, offering opportunities for learning and growth, and empowering them to make decisions. This support helps daughters develop a sense of self and the confidence to navigate life independently.

How The Relationship Evolves

The father-daughter bond evolves over the years, adapting to changing life stages. It begins with nurturing and guidance in childhood, transitions to support in adolescence, and later transforms into a source of wisdom, friendship, and mutual respect when the daughter is a grown woman.

A father’s role remains vital in adulthood, though it shifts from a protector and provider to an advisor and confidant. Fathers continue to offer support, guidance, and love as their daughters navigate the complexities of adult life.

Maintaining the father-daughter connection in adulthood requires effort from both parties. Regular communication, shared experiences, and a commitment to making time for one another help preserve this valuable bond throughout a daughter’s life, and into the realms of grandparenthood too.

The Daddy’s Girl Connection Is Forever

In conclusion, being a “Daddy’s Girl” represents an endearing and enduring bond between a father and his daughter, one that transcends time and stages of life.

This unique relationship is characterised by trust, love, and shared experiences, offering invaluable support in shaping a daughter’s self-identity and self-worth.

As the daughter grows, her father’s role evolves, but the connection remains constant, serving as a source of strength and guidance in adulthood.

This adorable bond is a testament to the profound impact a loving and supportive father can have on his daughter’s life, and it is a precious connection that both cherish throughout their lives.

The heart-warming connection between a dad and his daughter exemplifies the beauty of strong, loving, and enduring relationships.

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Home — Application Essay — Liberal Arts Schools — Daddy’s Little Girl: College Admission Essay Sample

Daddy’s Little Girl: College Admission Essay Sample

• University: Stanford University

About this sample

Words: 950 |

Published: Jul 18, 2018

Words: 950 | Pages: 2 | 5 min read

I used to be "Daddy's little girl." Because I dropped into the world in between my genius, future-Nobel-prize-winner sister and my attention-needy baby brother, my mom never had enough time in between attending math competitions on the weekends and juggling baby bottles at four in the morning. Thus, every morning, my dad was the one who stirred up Campbell's chicken noodle soup for breakfast and nudged me awake to watch Mr. Roger's Neighborhood.

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I always begged my mom to let me tag along with my dad, and he loved taking me along with him on his errands. Sometimes I helped him pick out watermelons - he rapped the sides of each melon and we decided together if the sound was "just right." On lazy Saturday afternoons, I sat in the passenger seat, rubbing the dark crimson velvet with both hands, as we drove off to wash the car or check out a stack of books from the library.

My dad competed every year in the high jump competition at De Anza College. The night before, I always stayed up to decorate posters which screamed, "Go Daddy, go!" One year, he brought home the gold medal, which I fingered lovingly. When he noticed my awestruck eyes, he leaned down and pressed the medal into my palms. "Take care of this for me, okay?" he grinned.

On my first day of kindergarten, my dad fumbled my hair into a messy ponytail before we drove to school. When my new teacher pushed open the door, my dad tried to say good-bye, but I refused to let go of his hand. "Stay with me, Daddy, please?" I begged. He smiled and shook his head as my teacher coaxed me into the bright classroom. From the door, I watched my dad linger at the curb before he drove off, a cloud of smoke trailing behind his old red Chrysler. Hot tears welled up in my eyes, and my soft sniffles flooded into grief-stricken sobs. Even though Mrs. Belong tried to reassure me, the tears kept coming - I hadn't realized that I had to go to school without my dad.

Yet something changed as I started to grow up. In elementary school, I never understood why I was so different from everyone else. When I was invited to birthday parties or to explore the creek, my dad never allowed me to go. I could never invite my best friends to our house and I was forced to wear knee-high socks, even in June. Consequently, I stopped understanding what my dad had to say; instead, I informed him curtly that he was wrong. I blamed all my problems on the one person that seemed furthest from being a friend: my father.

As the years ticked by, he stopped asking if I wanted him to tie my hair into a ponytail. We talked less and less, and I never wanted to go anywhere with him. Instead, I chatted incessantly on the phone with my friends, started wearing bell-bottoms, and experimented with black eyeliner. He hated that I was changing; I hated that he didn't understand me. I felt like I could never live up to his expectations and nothing I accomplished would ever be good enough. At first, I responded to his criticism with an indignant comeback. As time passed, I found it easier to just not respond at all. Eventually, communication dwindled down to the bare minimum. I justified his aloof personality by brushing him off as nothing more than an irascible man.

In the past few years, we have both changed for the better and our views have finally aligned. I have realized that all along, my dad was not trying to criticize who I was becoming. Instead, he just missed his little girl. He is now grayer and wiser, and I am more independent and intuitive than I used to be. Nevertheless, things have not changed all that much. I still tag along with him, except now we spend Saturday afternoons at Starbucks Coffee, where I peruse biology outlines and where he leafs through a Chinese newspaper. In many ways, I am still his little girl. I am the girl who he helps with the hardest set of calculus problems and who always needs rides to the bookstore. Because he is a man of few words, I am his friend who understands the significance of what he does not say, rather than just what he does say. I am his daughter who loves him and respects his decisions, not because I need to, but because I want to do so.

I see parts of myself reflected in my father. He has passed to me not just his blood type and his cheekbones, but also the belief that I can get anywhere and do anything as long as I work hard and believe in my success. Only in the past few years have I started to understand that he has always been proud of who I am. He has taught me that I need to move on in life, no matter what may be holding me back. Most importantly, I have learned to accept the imperfections in him, as well as other people, because he embraces and cherishes the imperfections in me.

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I never realized how old he was until he hurt himself competing in the high jump competition last year. By this time next year, he will be fifty-four years old. After that, I don't know how much longer we will have with each other. All I know is that my dad will continue to be who he has always been: my father, my hero, and my best friend.

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25 amazing things about being a daddy’s girl.

Dads are pretty awesome, but let’s face it, when you’re a daddy’s girl they’re literally the best! Few things in life are as powerful for a man than the daughter who adores him most. If you’re a favored daughter or the father of a little girl, you get it. This bond you’ve fused is stronger than the bond even the craziest of cat ladies shares with her first-adopted cat. That comparison really trumps any other argument I could possibly make, but I’ll continue on to prove my point anyway. So here you go, the 25 most amazing things about being a daddy’s girl:

1. You do no wrong

Okay, maybe you’ll take a little blame sometimes, but the odds are typically stacked in your favor. Why? Because your big doe eyes are impossible to stay angry at. Any dispute between you and your siblings will obviously result in you bringing home the win. You may have stolen your sister’s $30 Dior eyeliner and used it as a replacement for your black crayon, but she really shouldn’t have left it lying around with the rest of her belongings in the first place. How else were you supposed to complete your special edition Sleeping Beauty coloring book? You couldn’t just skip over Maleficent!

2. You’re never without a bestie

Sure, you’ve got friends and siblings, but are they really listening when you vent? Probably not. Dad is though. He may not always want to hear your most recent gripe about your current boyfriend. He might also roll his eyes when you whine about your boss’s seriously ridiculous request that you clean the bathroom, but he’s there to listen. He’s your best friend. You may not realize it at first, but as you grow older, it becomes clearer and clearer that this man was the OG bestie all along.

3. You learn to recognise good people

A solid example of a good man is an important thing in a girl’s life. This is why daddy’s girls don’t settle. We know how a girl should be treated and mutual respect is a requirement for any romantic relationship. Other good things daddy’s girls learn include typical dude things like changing windshield wiper fluid, going with the flow when things get tough, establishing dominance in the workplace, and making an awesome seasoning out of random household condiments.

4. You’ve got an honest opinion

He may not always want to tell you what you want to hear, but sometimes you need a little honesty. While your mom and your friends feed you the compliments you need to stay motivated in refining your skills and talents, your dad dishes up the constructive criticism you need to take things to another level. The trick here is not totally freaking out at his attempt to provide feedback. Ultimately, it’s this honesty that helps you grow to be the amazing person he always knew you could be.

5. Car trouble is no trouble

Most people look at their Check Engine light and see dollar signs. You see another reason to give your dad a call. No matter the problem, he’s there to help you find the best solution. Need a ride back from the shop? He’s there. Looking for a car while yours is out of commission? He’s got your back.

6. Your favorite meal is just a phone call away

As a daddy’s girl, you’ve grown to love the same food your dad loves. This means you’ve always got a dinner date ready to go when you’re craving a few rolls from your favorite sushi joint.

7. You get the BEST advice

Great advice comes from those who know you best. Daddy’s girls get it. This is why we always go to dad for advice. He offers the honest truth and solutions that align with our best interest. While friends lead you astray from time to time, dad’s advice never misses a beat.

8. You’ve always got an honest second opinion

Your friends told you not to worry about the horizontal striped bodysuit. What happened when you saw yourself in pictures? You’re worried. Dad could’ve told you that. No sugar-coated opinions here, just the cold, hard truth you need to avoid bad outfits and bad boyfriends.

9. You experienced an awesome childhood

If dad went, you went. From outdoor adventures to Broadway productions, our dads never let us miss a moment of the fun. Sure there was an age limit, but he didn’t care. Your 2-year-old self had a Phantom of the Opera ticket in hand as you strutted (ok, maybe wobbled) your way down the streets of NYC.

10. You have cool nicknames no one else can call you

It’s just weird when someone else calls you this name. It’s a dad/daughter thing. Any attempt of others to pick it up fails miserably and you wouldn’t have it any other way. That’s what makes it so special.

11. You’ve always got a friend who knows how to cheer you up

Others may try, but sometimes they fail. Dad? He never fails. He knows all of your favorite things and spares no effort in offering them to you in his quest for turning your frown upside down. Maybe one day someone will get close to this 100% success rate, but no one will ever get it quite like Dad. He’s been your best friend your entire life.

12. Someone will always love your Christmas presents

You get him and he gets you. This makes gift-giving fun. Friends and family won’t always love the “from-the-heart” gifts you give them, but dad will. Anything from his little girl might as well be a golden remote that grants access to unlimited football, all year round.

13. And you’ll always get a present you love

Sometimes you get gifts that you’re not so stoked on. Your friend or family member chose something they thought was awesome, but you? Not so much. Obviously you put on your best act to show your appreciation and gratitude for the caution orange sweater with your first initial engraved, but they missed the mark a bit. The good news is that dad is there to make up for it. His gifts are always on point. He knows what you like and carefully chooses unique gifts to fit.

14. “No” is foreign to your best friend

What is a “no”? I’m still not completely sure, but it sounds terrible. Daddy’s girls simply don’t hear “no”. Even if negotiation is required to settle in some instances, you always come out a winner in the end. This goes back to the big doe eyes thing. He can ‘t say no to his favorite person on the planet.

15. You’ll never be without a guardian

Life can get scary and things can get hard. The good news is that as a daddy’s girl, you’ve always got an amazing friend on your side. You’ll never enter a battle on your own. Even better, your companion will be smart, strong, and dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for you.

16. You’ve got the biggest fan section at every event

Everyone is cheering, but you can always hear your dad’s voice above the crowd. He’s so proud of you and your accomplishments that bursting the ear drums of the audience members next to him is a non-issue.

17. Support for a big decision is never an issue

As a human being, you’ll be forced to make a major life decision at least once a year. Things get a whole heck of a lot easier with your dad on your side. He’s there to help you weigh the pros and cons, then make the best possible decision for your current and future happiness. The best part is, he’s there to support you and the decision you’ve made no matter the struggles that lie ahead.

18. A good example is never out of site

Looking for an example of someone who’s made it far in life? Look no further than your dad. He’s been there and done that. After all, he’s raised a daughter who absolutely adores him so he must have done something right.

19. Your secrets are always safe with someone

Secrets tend to leak when you tell them to a friend. Dad on the other hand, he never tells. This means you always have someone to talk to when things get hard and you need a trusted friend to help you through.

20. You always had someone in your corner at parent teacher conferences

Ok, maybe you should’ve paid attention in math. Maybe texting your friends about how insanely bored you were wasn’t the best idea. That’s beside the point now. You’re at parent teacher conference and it’s time to face the consequences…or maybe not. Dad’s in your corner no matter what. He realizes that you’re struggling and does his best to defend his daughter. After he’s spent 30 minutes explaining to the teacher that you are battling a serious case of TAD (text addiction disorder), he takes your teacher’s advice and helps you figure out the whole math thing everyone is so obsessed with.

21. There’s an AMEX gold card with your name on it

It may only be for emergencies, but it’s there if you need it. This makes life a whole lot easier when you find yourself in a bind. Maybe you should’ve changed your oil before taking your car on a girls’ trip to Vegas. The engine blew, but that doesn’t matter now. Your trusty AMEX has your back thanks to dad’s linked account.

22. Having a man is a plus, not a must

Arguably, one of the best things about daddy’s girls is that we already have an awesome guy in our lives. Any additional guys are really just a plus. This means you can take your time to find the one you can’t live without, not dive right into a relationship with the one you seem to get along OK with.

23. You’ve always got a great shopping buddy

He’ll pretend he doesn’t like it, but secretly your dad loves the shopping sprees you take together. You grow to like the stores that have sections for both men and women because this means you can shop for your favorite stuff at the same time. You get honest opinions (as mentioned in point 4) so you never have to worry that your shopping buddy is secretly sabotaging your attempt at achieving the perfect look for this year’s spring fling.

24. A good friend isn’t hard to find

Real friends are a rare thing. However, when you’re a daddy’s girl, you’ve had one since you made your first fabulous appearance on Earth. He’s there for you through thick and thin. He’ll always accept your apologies and will always make time for you no matter how hectic his schedule gets. Why? Because you two are best friends and that’s just what you do.

25. Your bond is unbreakable

When they said nothing lasts forever, they were wrong. As a daddy’s girl, your bond with your main man will never be lost. Even as you dive into your career, get married, or have children of your own, you’ll always have a special connection with your dad. Anytime you’re lost in love, life, or the crazy mess you call apartment living, he’ll be your go-to problem solver.

Featured photo credit: Dad and Daughter via shutterstock.com

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How Dads Shape Daughters’ Relationships

Dad can create a daughter's conscious and unconscious relationship expectations..

Posted July 1, 2013 | Reviewed by Lybi Ma

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Many years ago, I sat with my family in the lobby of a restaurant waiting to be seated. Out of nowhere, a very little girl toddled around the corner and walked straight up to my 6’5”, 325 pound dad and laughed and babbled at him. It was a scene straight from the movie Monsters, Inc.

Within seconds, a young man equal in size and stature to my dad rounded the corner and in a very deep, kind voice said to the toddler, “Rachel, where did you go?” Rachel laughed and her dad picked her up high in the air, nodded an acknowledgment to my dad and walked out of the restaurant.

Even my dad was a little surprised at the little girl’s courage, but it didn’t take a Ph.D. to deduce that not only was tiny little Rachel not afraid of my big, huge dad, she was actually attracted to him. When I say “attracted” I don’t mean in a creepy, inappropriate way. I mean that in a group of people of different heights and sizes, she was drawn to the one who most resembled her own dad.

It makes sense, doesn’t it? As infants, we take in a complete sensory experience of our everyday surroundings and this shapes our perception of normalcy. If, like Rachel and me, everyday experiences included a giant, deep-voiced, lumberjack man, then that is what we imprinted as normal. Not only does this influence ring true, but many, many studies (including this one from the Journal of Genetic Psychology ) have shown the influence of fathers on their daughters’ relationships.

If there was a dad or other male caregiver in your early life, he probably set the first model of how a relationship with a man would be. And for better or for worse, regardless of circumstances, most children love their parents/caregivers unconditionally and accept the attachment and love that is (or is not!) given in return as normal. Our first attachment patterns shape our expectations for future attachments. Overtly and also unintentionally, our parents teach us how to approach our lives and relationships—they teach us how to express and receive love, how to handle disagreements, how to process feelings, etc. Our parents shape and color the lens through which we see and organize meaning about other human interactions.

So a woman’s early relationship with dad, who is usually the first male object of her love, shapes her conscious and unconscious perceptions of what she can expect and what is acceptable in a romantic partner (for heterosexual women).

In my years of psychology practice, I’ve met very few women who did not unconsciously or consciously pick a romantic partner based on the characteristics of her father. I don’t mean only physical characteristics, although that can also be present—I mean relational pattern characteristics. Even the women that state they chose partners who were opposite of their dad are basing their decisions on the relationship (or non-relationship) with dad—a choice to go opposite is still a choice based on dad.

So, does this mean that today Rachel is married to a lumberjack who chases her around in restaurants? I have no idea, but chances are whatever relationship she’s in is influenced by her early relationship with her father. What does this mean for all us? A lot. And in upcoming posts I’ll address exactly what. Topics will explore how different, early attachment patterns (including no attachment) can affect our current relationship choices and how we respond in relationships. Please stay tuned and join in the conversation!

Follow Jen Kromberg on Twitter @JenKrombergPsyD

Jennifer Kromberg, PsyD , is a licensed clinical psychologist in California.

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Daddy’s Girl

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Read the first chapter, listen to the first chapter, discussion guide, inspiration.

Available for the first time in paperback in January 2008, is Lisa’s #3 New York Times hardcover bestseller, Daddy’s Girl . In Daddy’s Girl , Natalie Greco’s quiet and idyllic, if not predictable, life turns chaotic when a violent riot breaks out while she is teaching a course at the local prison. Nat rushes to give CPR to a grievously injured prison guard. Before he dies, he asks her to deliver a cryptic message with his last words: “Tell my wife, it’s under the floor.” The dying declaration plunges Nat into a nightmare. Suddenly, the girl who has always followed the rules finds herself suspected of a brutal murder. She encounters threats to her life around every curve, from ruthless killers desperate to keep her from exposing their secret. In the meantime, she gets dangerously close to Angus, a fellow colleague, whose warmth, strength, and ponytail shake her dedication to her boyfriend. With her love life in jeopardy, her career in the balance, and her life on the line, Nat is thrown back on her resources, her intelligence, and her courage. Forced into hiding to stay alive, she sets out to save herself by deciphering the puzzle behind one man’s last words. And learns the secret behind the greatest puzzle of all — herself.

By Lisa Scottoline

Once inside the prison, Nat and Angus produced ID, left her coat in a locker, and were ushered through three sets of locked, barred doors, called sally ports. Bulletproof glass covered the bars, which were painted the same cherry red as the entrance. They checked in at the command center and were funneled together through a metal detector and cattle chute to a final set of locked doors, which a female C.O. unlocked and pulled open, greeting Angus with an attitudinal smirk.

“Yo, Holt. Nice suit.” The C.O. an African American, had large brown eyes and looked fit and trim in her navy blue uniform. A strand of dark hair curled like a shiny fishhook in front of her ears. “News flash. Jerry Garcia’s dead.”

“That never gets old.” Angus grinned. “Tanisa Shields, meet my colleague, Natalie Greco.”

“Hiya.” Tanisa shook Nat’s hand, but her gaze didn’t leave Angus. “Take a lesson, Holt. This girl knows how to dress.”

“But I’m wearing my lucky sweater,” Angus said.

Tanisa snorted. “Yeah. Lucky I don’t set it on fire.”

Nat stayed happily out of the fray. She’d changed her clothes five times this morning, mentally going from nun’s habit to pup tent to down comforter. She’d finally settled on a brown tweed pantsuit, white tailored shirt, and a Herm¶s scarf in granny pastels. Hank would have approved of the outfit, but he’d left for work early and never got to see it, or to hear that she’d be at a prison today. That, he might not have approved.

“You gotta lose that beard, too.” Tanisa clucked. “Looks like you got a damn dog stuck to your chin.” She slammed the bars shut behind the three of them with a ringing clang, then locked the door with a large, crude key.

“I love a woman in uniform,” Angus said, but Nat wasn’t laughing.

I’m locked inside.

Tanisa turned on the rubber heel of her patent work shoe and led them into a wide hallway that appeared to run the length of the building, presumably the body of the T. A black male C.O. stood against the wall, and he acknowledged Angus with a nod. The lower half of the wall was mint green cinderblock, and the top half bulletproof glass, which exposed the inside of the rooms that lined the hallway. A floor of polished concrete shone dully, and the air felt hot and dry, overheated.

“Stop right there.” Tanisa stiffened her arm, holding them back, and Nat felt herself tense. A line of red light bulbs protruding from the ceiling and had all flashed on suddenly.

“What’s going on?” Nat asked.

Angus turned. “At the end of the hall are the residential pods, and whenever the C.O.s move the inmates across the hallway, the red lights go on. Wait a sec.”

“Okay.” Nat exchanged looks with the male C.O., who gave her a reassuring wink. In the next minute, inmates in white T-shirts and loose blue pants shuffled as a group from one side of the hall to the other, talking and laughing. Even though they were far away, a few spotted Angus and waved to him, and he waved back.

“My kids,” he said softly.

Tanisa chuckled. “Then you need a new family.”

Angus said to Nat, “It’s only in the movies that a prison eats and exercises together. Inmates live, eat, and exercise in the same pod, which is corrections-speak for cellblock. That’s why they’re remodeling this facility, to build new pods.”

Nat nodded. The inmates kept crossing the hall, the red warning lights flashing.

Angus continued. “They keep movement between pods to an absolute minimum and break up gang members among the pods. Here it’s mostly Hispanic gangs, then Aryans and African Americans.”

“I didn’t know there were that many Hispanics in Chester County.” Nat had always thought it was whiter than white out here, but she could see from the moving stream of inmates that her demographics had been wrong.

“They come up from Mexico to work on the mushroom farms and fancy horse farms. Some are gangbangers. It’s East L.A. come to Chester County.” Angus patted her shoulder. “Don’t worry. The gangbangers live in RHU, the rehabilitation unit farther down the hall, far from our classroom.”

“That’s the processing room, where they handle intake and paperwork for the inmates.” Angus pointed to the left, near them. “Here’s our classroom, next to it is the infirmary, and behind that extra pods, temporarily converted to infirmary space. They’re short some beds.”

“This gonna be on the test?” Tanisa asked, and Angus smiled.

“How’s your son, by the way?”

“Better, thanks.” Tanisa turned away, lowering her arm as the stream of inmates ceased and the bars were locked behind them. The red lights blinked off. “Okay, time to make the doughnuts.”

“This way, Natalie,” Angus said, and they walked a few steps and entered an empty room off the hallway, its bottom half cinderblock painted white and its top the bulletproof glass. Bucket chairs in white plastic sat scattered around a white Formica table, and on the wall hung a greaseboard. On the board, ACTIONS was scribbled in black Sharpie, with an arrow leading to CONSEQUENCES. It seemed so clichéd that if Nat hadn’t seen it, she never would have believed it.

“I’ll go get ’em.” Tanisa turned, leaving the door open. “Be right back.”

“The heat’s good, at least,” Nat said after the C.O. was gone, just for something to say. The air in the room was hotter than the hallway, bringing up the smell of institutional disinfectant and body odor. She understood now why the inmates wore only undershirts and she instantly regretted her wool suit. Tweed was so supermax.

“It’s because of the construction. Excuse me a sec.” Angus took off his fisherman’s sweater, yanking it over his head until his ponytail popped free. He tossed the sweater, inside out, onto the table. “Parts of the building are open, and the cold air gets in, so the thermostat overcompensates. It’s been like this all winter.”

“Tanisa will guard us during class, right?” Nat asked, but just then inmates began to file in through the open door—about fifteen men in T-shirts and blue scrub pants, worn with a variety of nondescript cotton sneakers. All shapes, colors, and sizes were represented; inmates had mustaches, plastic glasses, neck tattoos, and a gold chain or two, but they were all about the same age range, in their thirties.

“Good morning, gentlemen,” Angus said with a smile, stepping to the head of the table. “How you all been?”

“Fine,” answered a thin inmate, taking the first chair. The other inmates answered “good” and “good to see ya” with obvious warmth as they walked around the table and settled into their seats.

“See y’all,” Tanisa said, then left, and no other C.O. came to replace her, which was when Nat got her answer.

Yikes! She and Angus were going to be unguarded, and the inmates weren’t wearing handcuffs. Again, if she weren’t living it, she wouldn’t believe it was done this way. Angus rolled up the sleeves of his workshirt, and Nat held her papers to her chest, sweating through two layers of clothes and one security blanket. She avoided eye contact with the inmates, who seemed to look away from her, too, their heads down and manner subdued, like a class that hasn’t done the reading. Ever, in their whole life.

Angus rubbed his hands together. “Gentlemen, I thought we’d do something different today, because by now you most definitely need a break from the Personal Choices lecture.”

They all chuckled, and Nat braced herself to get started.

“This is Professor Natalie Greco, and she teaches a class called The History of Justice, in which she talks about law and justice. Is that something you gentlemen have any views on?”

“Hell, yes!” called out a heavy inmate, and they all laughed.

“Good. Now, before we get started, I see two new folks in the group.” Angus gestured toward the end of the table, where two inmates sat, one burly and tattooed, and the other, slimmer and wearing glasses held together with Scotch tape. “I’m sorry, do I know you two?”

“Kyle Buford,” answered the burly inmate. Crude blue tattoos blanketed his overdeveloped biceps.

“Pat Donnell,” said the one with the broken glasses.

Angus frowned slightly. “Who admitted you gentlemen to the class? I don’t remember getting your files.”

“I dunno,” Buford answered, and Donnell nodded. “They just told us to come and start today. I guess we were next on the list.”

“I’ll look into that, but welcome. Please, everybody, go around the table and tell Professor Greco your name. We’ll make like summer camp, only it ain’t summer and it sure as hell ain’t camp.”

The inmates laughed again and introduced themselves to Nat one by one, which put her more at ease. Their names, their voices, and their smiles transformed them from anonymous inmates to people, and it perked them up, too. Their aspect seemed collectively to change, eyes brightening and chins up, and they shifted forward in their seats, as if they’d reclaimed their identity. She remembered Angus saying that he treated the inmates as individuals, and she could see the effect of this.

“I almost forgot. Before we start, some old business. Remember we spoke last week about the staph infection issue?” Angus paused, and heads nodded. “I wrote the warden a letter, and he says there will be no transfers because of MSRA.”

“Come on, bro!” an inmate said, scowling, and the other inmates started grumbling. One called out, “You can die from that sh—, thing!”

“Sorry, but that’s the best I can do.” Angus held up an authoritative hand in his loose workshirt, its baggy elbows thinned to a soft, washed blue. “MSRA is a common bacterial infection in prisons. Also in hospitals and schools, by the way. They’re not gonna start transferring your ass outta here. This is the newest prison in the county. None of them is as clean as this one.”

“That’s ’cause they got me cleanin’ it,” a younger inmate called out, a gold crucifix looping his neck. Everybody laughed, even Nat.

Angus continued. “Allegheny County is where those two guys died, and you’re better off here. Wash your hands as much as you can. The warden did agree that anybody with an open cut has an expedited pass to the infirmary. Just let one of the C.O.’s know.”

“How much we owe you, mouthpiece?” the inmate with the crucifix asked, and everybody laughed.

“Nothing, and please, don’t shake my hand.” Angus shoved his hands in his pockets, and they all laughed again, including the skinny inmate in the front, who raised his arm cautiously.

“Can I ask a question, Angus?”

“Sure, what?”

“Isn’t Damian coming today?” The inmate was so thin, the bones of his sternum showed through the V-neck of his undershirt. “I wrote up some facts for my petition. He said he wanted it.”

“No, sorry. Damian’s sick. Give it to me and I’ll make sure he gets it.” Angus picked up the brown folder that the inmate slid across the table, opened it, and skimmed some papers, typed in old-fashioned Courier font. “Looks good, Jim. Great job. You had a public defender at trial, right?”

“He had a pubic defender!” interrupted Buford, the tattooed inmate.

Yuck. Nat stiffened.

Angus looked up with a deep frown. “That’s enough of that, Kyle. We have a guest today.”

“Only jokin,’ man.” Buford looked away, his reddish blue eyes scanning the others for approval.

“We don’t joke like that here,” Angus snapped. “You’re new, but you know better. If you wouldn’t say it in front of a C.O., you don’t say it here. Please apologize to our guest.” “That’s okay,” Nat interjected, wanting it to be over.

“It’s all right.”

“Ready to start then?”

No way. “Sure.” Nat stepped forward as Angus stood aside, setting her accordion file on the table but not feeling brave enough to get her notes. She could teach the lesson by heart, though it would be hard to stay on message with Buford’s eyes boring holes into her underwire.

“Well,” Nat began, “thanks for having me today. Before I start, let me ask you a question. Has anybody read The Merchant of Venice?”

The inmates’ expressions went uniformly slack, which she should have expected. At the end of the table, Buford chuckled and shook his head. Angus folded his arms and glared at him.

An inmate raised his hand. “I think we read it in high school. It’s from Shakespeare, right?”

“Yes.” Nat smiled, then got a better idea. “Let me ask you this instead: How many of you know what a shylock is?”

“You mean a shy?” the heavy inmate asked.

“Like a dude who lends you money?” another chimed in, and every hand shot up around the table, the inmates’ faces quickly reanimating. They wanted to learn, she just had to figure out a way to reach them.

Buford lifted his illustrated arm. “I’m hot for teacher,” he said, then burst into laughter.

“That’s it.” Angus stepped forward, his expression grim. “You’re outta here, and I’m making sure that—”

Suddenly a siren outside the door burst into an earsplitting alarm. Nat jumped at the sound. Angus whirled to look out the door. Eyes flew open around the table. The inmates started leaping out of their chairs, shoving them and each other aside and shouting, “Lockdown!” “Go, go, go!” “It’s the lockdown siren. We gotta go!” Inmates bolted for the door, bottlenecking at the threshold.

The announcement system burst into sound: “We are in lockdown! Repeat, lockdown! All inmates proceed to their pods without delay! All inmates proceed directly to their pods!” The male C.O. who had been standing outside the room took off down the corridor.

“What’s happening?” Nat yelled, beginning to panic.

“Stay with me!” Angus grabbed her hand, yanking her out of harm’s way just as the inmates rounded the table, heading for the door.

“Move, lady!” they shouted.

“Go, go, go!”

“We gotta get outta here!”

“Haul ass!”

Suddenly Nat felt like she’d been hit by a truck. It was Kyle Buford, barreling into her. The impact threw her backward, knocking her wind out. She tried to get out of his way, but he was in her face, so close she could smell his breath. Then she realized that Buford wasn’t trying to get to the door, he was trying to get to her.

Nat screamed as Buford wrapped his arms around her, squeezing her tight and tackling her. She fell backwards and banged her head and tailbone against the concrete floor. Pain arced through her head and back, momentarily immobilizing her as Buford clambered on top of her. Tears of fright sprang to her eyes. She couldn’t catch her breath. His body was a deadweight. She couldn’t believe this was happening. It was chaos. Everything was unfolding too fast to process.

Angus grabbed Buford by the shoulders, but the inmate twisted around and elbowed him viciously in the mouth, sending him staggering backward. Nat punched out with her fists. Buford grabbed a clump of her hair and slammed her head into the concrete. Her head exploded in agony. Her hands stopped punching and fell back against the floor. Buford was on her, trying to kiss her, his tongue thrusting into her mouth.

No, please don’t.

Nat flailed out but couldn’t stay conscious. The siren sounded far away. The loudspeaker announcement blared from another place and time. Angus grabbed Buford again, but the inmate threw himself back down on Nat, covering her like a mad dog, clawing her shirt open.

Buford reached her bra and grabbed her breasts. She hit him but then went weak. Her head thundered. She couldn’t stay awake. She couldn’t stop him. The room went dark.

2009© by Lisa Scottoline. All rights reserved.

Daddy’s Girl

Questions for book clubs.

• What was your reaction to the title of Daddy’s Girl . Did it make you feel warm and fuzzy, or did it have a bad connotation for you? Do you think people’s reaction to the title is influenced by their family dynamics or personal relationships with their fathers?
• Nat had a very close relationship with her family. Maybe too close for Nat. Do you think that Nat appreciated what she had? Was she being smothered by her family, or just loved a whole lot? Do you think anyone in her family really appreciated her, or the woman she had become? Is it natural in a family full of boys to overprotect yet disregard the only sister? Do we all take for granted our own family?
• Do you think Hank was truly in love with Nat, or the idea of being part of the Greco family? Can two people be in love, and yet, just not be right together? Do you think this was the case for Nat and Hank? Do you think Nat took the easy way out by dating Hank, who came already Daddy approved?
• Did you like Nat’s mother? Did you feel she was supportive enough of Nat? By marrying Hank, would Nat have been creating the same kind of life as her mother? Would that be a bad thing? Do you think Nat and her mother’s expectations are so different due to their individual personalities, or is it evidence of a generational gap?
• Nat faced a lot in this book and had to rely on her own instincts to survive. Is it just that she grew up, or did she find an inner strength that was being stifled by a family that took care of everything for her? Do you think parents should help their children with whatever they need, or should parents back off and let their kids learn the hard way? Where do you draw the line, and how do you know when it is time to step in or walk away?
• Nat had a real passion for her job, which ultimately helped save her. However, in the beginning of the book, her passion for her class, The History of Justice, was not translating into success as a teacher, and in fact, could have hurt her chances at tenure. How important is it to love what you do for a living? How much would you be willing to risk to have the job of your dreams? Does everyone even actually know what their dream job would be? Are you cheating yourself by taking a job just for the sake of bringing in a paycheck, or are you just living in the real world?
• Besides entertaining with her books, Lisa enjoys writing about things that interest her, and providing, perhaps, a little education as well. Do you enjoy this aspect of her books. Did you learn anything? Do you like the way it tied into the story. Did you find yourself wanting to read more about the topic?
• Did you like the end of the book? Were you surprised? Do you feel cheated by a book if you are not surprised? Did you agree with all of Nat’s decisions? What would you plan next for Nat? Would you like to read more about her?

*SPOILER ALERT! ONLY FOR AFTER YOU HAVE READ THE BOOK!*

What follows is a complete and total spoiler and will reveal a PLOT TWIST, so please don’t read it unless you have read the book because it will ruin the surprise. The idea for Daddy’s Girl came from a long standing fascination Lisa has had with the Underground Railroad, which was very active in Chester County, Pennsylvania, found just over the Mason-Dixon Line. The “central route” or “Eastern Line” of the Underground Railroad began in Maryland and Delaware ran north through Chester County, and traveled farther to Norristown and then Philadelphia. As way of background, the term “Underground Railroad” was supposedly coined by a slavecatcher, who failing to find his prey, said, “There must be an underground railroad somewhere.” The term is misleading because there is no actual railroad under the ground, with rails, train cars, and such. Instead, the Underground Railroad was a series of people willing to hide the fleeing slaves in their homes. Those who hid the slaves were called “station masters” and their homes were “stations” or “stops.” The stations tended to be no more than eight to fifteen miles apart, the length of travel on foot in one terrifying night. There are no reliable estimates of how many slaves escaped freedom, because records were not kept for fear of being used as evidence. Estimates have ranged from 30,000 to 100,000.

Chester County residents helped many former slaves escape northward and was home to a committed and courageous network of free African Americans and abolitionist Quakers. Quakers of the Progressive Meeting in Longwood and the Marlborough Friends Meeting in Pocopson hid the slaves in their homes, at great personal risk. Many of the homes still stand, and interestingly, surround what would later become Chester County Prison.

For those who want to read more about the Underground Railroad, there are several books which informed this novel, and many of them contain original source material, which make for fascinating reading. Do take a look at: William Still, The Underground Railroad (1872) and R.C. Smedley, History of The Underground Railroad in Chester and the Neighboring Counties of Pennsylvania (1883). Both of these works bring history to life, and William Still’s is a wide-ranging must-read. Mr. Still was an African American who was chairman of the Pennsylvania Abolition Society’s Vigilance Committee and he interviewed fugitives whom he helped hide, creating a first-hand account of the life of slaves, including which farms and plantations they worked, who “owned” them, and how they escaped. More recently, you can read Fergus Bordewich, Bound for Cannan (2005); David Blight, ed., Passages to Freedom (2004); William Kashatus, Justice Over the Line: Chester County and the Underground Railroad (2002); and William Switala, Underground Railroad in Pennsylvania (2001).

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