He cupped her cheek, then slid his hand to the back of her neck and pulled her to him. Wrapping his arms around her, he did his best to reassure her. “I know there’s more going on than you’re telling me. That’s okay, for now. When you’re ready, you can tell me anything, and I’ll help you with whatever it is. You have my word. Understand.”
She nodded against his chest. “Thank you, Dadd—I mean Trace. I loved you being my Daddy yesterday. It was one of the best days of my life. And you’re right, you do need to know one thing about me. I’m a rolling stone. I never stay in one place long, and I’ve almost used up all my time here. I won’t be here long enough to start a relationship with you. Which is good for you because I’m not a good bet when it comes to relationships anyway. Trust me when I say you can find someone better.”
She was killing him. He’d been trying to break through that tough outer shell for six months. At times, he thought he’d made a crack in it, only to be disappointed. “We’re going to have to disagree about that, little fox. I think we’d be good together. Just remember what I said. I’m always here if you need me. And I’m not giving up.”
Her embrace tightened for just a moment. Stepping back, he pressed a kiss on her forehead and went back to his booth. He needed some time to think and figure out what was really happening, as well as keep an eye on the man who frightened his Little girl.
Walking back into the dining area, he knew his study of the stranger would have to wait. His oldest brother, Boone, and Boone’s little girl, Tildi, sat at his booth. He’d never been happier than when Boone had brought Tildi to the ranch, unless it was when Chance had brought Joy. Two years ago, he’d had one little sister, Kenzie. Now he had three, and they’d brought their own special brand of Little magic to Wild River Ranch.
Sliding into his seat, his ass had barely creased the cushionbefore Tildi wiggled the fingers of her left hand in his face. As he leaned back, he grabbed her hand and placed it on the table. “You’re gonna make my eyes cross, Little girl.”
“But Uncle Trace! Don’t you want to see my ring?”
Boone pinched the bridge of his nose and shook his head. “Bluebell, you’ve shown it to him about a hundred times in the month since we got engaged. I’m not sure what else there is to see.”
Tildi threw her Daddy a scandalized look. “He’s never seen it in the saloon before.”
Boone’s eyes narrowed. “Yes, babygirl, he has.”
Tildi’s brows scrunched. “Oh. Well, he’s never seen it in a saloon booth before.”
Trace had. “That’s all right. Show me that beautiful ring, Tildi. I don’t think I’ve ever seen it on a Sunday morning in a saloon booth before.”
“Ha!” Tildi cried in triumph. “See, Daddy. He wants to see it. Look, Uncle Trace. See how it sparkles?”
She placed her hand in his, and he gently rocked it back and forth. The facets of the blue diamond shimmered like the Wild River sparkling in the sunlight. “It’s beautiful, little one. Almost as pretty as you.”
Tildi beamed. Turning back to Boone, she said, “Told you he wanted to see it.” Then she stuck out her tongue at her Daddy.
Boone scowled. “I know you did not just stick your tongue out at me.”
“No, Daddy,” Tildi said with pure innocence. Eyes wide, she added, “I was just licking my lips ‘cause I’m hungry for pancakes.”
Boone’s scowl didn’t fade. “If you aren’t careful, you’re gonna be eating them standing up.” She snuggled into him, and his brother folded like a bad hand of poker.
Trace had never wanted to laugh so hard in his life. His Little sister was a handful, but she was perfect for Boone. He had gone years without laughter. Who would have ever thought a year ago,when his brother and his team left on a mission of revenge, he would return home with the love of his life?
Trace wanted that kind of relationship, and he wanted it with a sexy, sassy, beautiful woman who loved with all she had, despite herself. A Little girl with fiery red hair and a smile that could make the angels sing. He wanted Kip.
Boone interrupted his thoughts. “I saw the way you were grinnin’ when you left the kitchen. Something you’d like to share with the class?”
That only made Trace grin wider. “Not yet, but soon if I get my way.”
Boone nodded. “I’ll bet she runs rings around you.”
“Probably,” Trace agreed.
The clunk of a plate on the table interrupted them. Kip waited, hand on her hip, as if she expected him to complain. Before she caught on to his intention, he pulled her hand from its resting place on that perfect hip and pressed the back of her fingers to his lips. “Thank you, babygirl. It looks delicious.”
He watched as a blush stole over her cheeks again. Even though she snatched her hand away, pleasure warmed her eyes. “You can’t do that here. I’m working.”
She glanced over her shoulder, stiffening when she saw the stranger still sitting across the room. “I need to go take care of my other customers. I’ll warm up your coffee when I’m done.”
“That’d be nice, darlin'." Trace watched the sway of her hips as she walked away.
After she checked on Silas, she moved to the stranger’s table. He could tell from the stiff way she held herself that the man made her uncomfortable. Without taking his eyes off her, he said, “See the guy Kip’s talking to now?”
Boone glanced across the room and nodded. “I noticed him when I walked in. I don’t recognize him. What the hell is he wearin’?”
