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)
There were two sets of swings off to one side. One with baby seats where you could slot your legs into holes and one that held normal swings. Both had bigger seats than you might see in a child’s playground.
There was even a sandpit, although it didn’t look quite finished.
It all looked amazing.
“There’s some more things coming like a see-saw and some twirling thing that I’m sure is gonna make everyone sick. And the sandpit needs to be finished off. We didn’t have time for that.”
She looked up at Clint. “You did this? When? Why?”
“Well, I didn’t really do it. I organized it. With some help from the others.” He waved his hand and she saw their friends walking towards them. Bear held Ellie’s hand as she skipped along, talking excitedly.
Jed had his arm around Daisy. Abby and Kent were talking to them. Abby was smiling at something Daisy was telling her. Caley walked between her two Docs, grinning up at Archer. Doc was frowning, probably grumbling about the potential of broken bones and scrapped knees. Caley said something back to him and Archer burst into laughter. Doc waggled his finger at her then leaned in and kissed the top of her head. Macca and Gigi were slower. He was pointing something out to her and she was nodding.
Last were Ari and Bain. Ari was on Bain’s back and smiling widely. Charlie felt herself smiling as well. “You had this built for us?”
“Same guy that made the rocking horse for Gigi, makes playgrounds for Littles. He had the main structure already built. We just needed to make an area and put down the rubber tiles. He did most of the rest.”
“It…it’s amazing, Clint.”
“We wanted an area for you all to play. Maybe not in winter so much. But come summer time, we thought it would be a fun place for you all to play. It’s set back here so if there’s any visitors to the ranch, which doesn’t happen often, it will be out of their sight. We’ll put up some picnic tables. Maybe set up an outdoor kitchen. What do you think?”
She turned to him, threw her arms around his neck and kissed him. “I think it’s amazing. I think you’re amazing.”
To her shock, a hint of red entered his cheeks. “Just want you to be happy, little darling.”
“I am.”
There was a squeal and she turned to see Ellie going down the slide. Abby and Gigi were hanging back slightly, but Ari and Caley were being pushed on the swings by Bain and Archer. Doc was standing and watching everyone closely, that scowl still on his face. Daisy was moving up the climbing wall with Jed hovering close by, his arms out as though to catch her if she fell.
“Come on, Charlie! Come play!” Ellie called.
“I’m getting a pathway put in so Zeke can wheel Eden out. She’s not quite sure about it, though.”
She nodded. She didn’t want Eden to miss out. But she was often more reserved about showing her Little side than the others.
“Charlie!” Daisy called from the top of one of the cubby houses. “Gigi! Abby! Come play!”
“Do I have time, Daddy?” she asked, bouncing up and down with excitement.
He smiled down at her, kissing her forehead. “You do. I’ll give you a ten-minute warning before we have to head to the house and get ready.”
He turned her, slapping her ass. “Go. Have fun with your friends. Don’t forget to come back when Daddy calls, though. Remember, that paddle is coming on our honeymoon with us.”
She groaned but ran off with a laugh, her soul light. She was happy. Safe. Loved.
A LITTLE ENGAGEMENT
1
Sunny wrapped her arm over Hatter as they settled in to watch their Saturday morning cartoons. Duke had left about an hour ago to head into work. He’d been working so hard in preparation for their trip.
They were going to England. Duke had surprised her with tickets for Christmas. Their flights to London and hotels were all booked. They’d spent hours deciding on what they wanted to do while they were there.
And she was so excited.
And also, a bit scared. A strange country. A long flight. Having to leave Hatter here. Sure, Sav would take care of him but still . . .
She was going to miss him.
These last few nights, she hadn’t been able to sleep much. She’d lain awake in bed, not wanting to wake up Duke. He had enough going on without worrying about her.
Although he’d be upset with her if he ever found out she was keeping this from him and her butt would likely pay the price. But right now, she wasn’t going to worry about that. There was still a week until they left. That was enough time to get over her concerns.
There was no way that she was going to lose Duke in a crowd or get mugged on the underground, or get sucked through the airplane toilet.