Total pages in book: 98
Estimated words: 95756 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 479(@200wpm)___ 383(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95756 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 479(@200wpm)___ 383(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
That was true. She also figured she could get in the occasional grocery shop when he was away. And she’d use her own money to pay for her clothes and things.
“All right,” she told him.
“All right you’ll stop worrying about money and paying your half?”
“Yes, but if I want to buy the groceries or pay for something for the cabin you won’t protest.”
His gaze narrowed. “You drive a hard bargain. But all right. And I’ll buy half the house for a fair market price.”
“Twenty percent below fair market price.”
“No deal,” he said firmly. “Fair market price. My cousin lives there for free.”
“She pays insurance, rates and upkeep. I wouldn’t say that’s for free.”
“Fair market price.”
“Fine,” she huffed out. “You’re a stubborn man.”
“Yes, I am. But I’m your stubborn man. Now, can I show you your present?”
“Ooh, I forgot about that.”
He held out his hand to her. She slipped her smaller hand into his. He tugged and she fell against him. Hugging her tight, he kissed the top of her head. “I love you, baby girl. Thank you for coming to live with me.”
“You don’t ever have to thank me for that.” She closed her eyes tight, pushing back the tears. They weren’t sad tears; no, these were tears of happiness. Still, she didn’t want him to see them and misinterpret their meaning.
He led her to her playroom. Opening the door, he stepped inside, drawing her with him.
She loved this room. Before they’d even arrived in Montana, he’d hired someone to come in and redecorate so it was all ready for when they got here. A large mural had been painted on one wall. It was of a big gum tree with a pair of koalas in it, one sleeping, another munching on eucalyptus leaves. Underneath the tree, a kookaburra sat on the back of a really fat wombat with the cutest face. She loved wombats.
Across the other side of the room there was a desk that was set up with crayons and a pile of coloring books. Then in the corner there was an oversized, dark-blue bean bag. Next to it was a white bookshelf filled with children’s books. In the opposite corner there was a large round rug on the floor and a chest filled with toys.
It was perfect. Even though Macca kept telling her they needed more toys to fill it. She turned her head, and spotted something sitting to her left against the wall where the mural was painted. Something quite large and hidden under a blue sheet.
“Is that it, Daddy?” she asked, yanking at his hand excitedly. If the present was in here, then it was obviously for her Little.
“Yep.”
He led her over and let go of her hand. He grabbed hold of the sheet. “You ready, baby girl?”
She bounced up and down onto the balls of her feet. “I’m ready! I’m ready!”
He whipped off the sheet and she could scarcely believe her eyes.
“Well? What do you think? Do you like it?”
“Like it? Like it? I love it!” She raced forward and ran her hand over the wooden rocking horse. It was gorgeous. Light brown with a darker mane. It had reins, a black saddle, complete with stirrups for your feet. The saddle was padded and smooth.
“Daddy, I don’t think I’ve ever seen something more beautiful.”
“I know how much you like watching the horses, so I thought I would get you one of your own. Well, a wooden one.”
“Where did you even find it?” It was bigger than a normal rocking horse. So tall that she’d almost struggle to climb onto it. So definitely not a rocking horse made for a child.
“I know someone who makes furniture for Littles and I asked him if he could make you one. Surprisingly, he already had this one made. Apparently, he’s had a few enquiries about rocking horses for Littles.”
“Oh, I love it.”
“Want to hop on?”
“Yes, please, Daddy.”
He lifted her on, and helped her fit her feet into the stirrups. She picked up the reins.
“How do I look, Daddy?”
“Hmm, do you know what? I think you’re missing something.” He moved over to the chest and opened it.
Her mouth dropped when she saw what he pulled out. She squealed. “You didn’t!”
He laughed. “I didn’t? I didn’t what?”
“You didn’t get me sparkly cowgirl boots.”
“Hmm, well if I didn’t buy them for you, then I wonder who I bought them for,” he teased. “Don’t think they’re quite my size.”
“Daddy, stop teasing.”
He grinned and walked closer, holding them out to her. She grabbed hold, clasping them to her chest. “I loves them. I’m gonna wear them everywhere.”
“I’m glad you like them, sweet pea. Let’s put them on, yeah? Every cowgirl needs cowgirl boots.”
“Sparkly cowgirl boots.” The sparkly part was important. They were tan-colored with white, blue and yellow rhinestones stuck along the sides in a pattern of interlocking circles. They were absolutely gorgeous. He helped her put them on then stood back as she beamed at him.