He sighed.“Sweetheart.We both have a lot to learn, but one thing I need you to understand is you’ll be part of the family, and you belong in the house with us.”
“But...”
He shook his head.He hated the look of fear on her face.“Everything will be okay.”
“But...”she tried again.
He cupped her cheek.“I need you to trust me.Trust that I will take care of you and not let anything happen to you.”
She stared up at him for a moment and then looked down, but she didn’t say anything further.
He let it go for the moment and took her hand again.He led her over to the fence in the small arena where they put new horses.It gave them a chance to meet some of the others over the fence until they got used to each other.It prevented the horses from fighting most of the time.
Ranger caught sight of the woman and pranced over with a happy whinny.Angel climbed the fence and wrapped her arms around the horse’s head.He could tell they both loved each other very much.He listened as she talked to Ranger for a bit, and then watched as she stepped down from the fence and faced him.
“He’s happy,” she said and smiled.
“I hope so, Angel.We’ll do our very best to make this a home for all of you.”
A faint blush covered her face.“Can’t you call me Scrappy?”
“No, I can’t, because you’re not garbage.”
He caught the tears she blinked away and held out a hand to her.“Come on, Sweetheart.I want you to meet Daisy.She’s anxious to meet you.”
Angel took his hand.“Really?”
He smiled.“Yes.She’s the only woman in the place, so having you around will make her life not only easier but less lonely.”
He watched the small woman think about his words as she skipped next to him.They paused by the door to grab her things.
They stepped through the front door.He closed it before turning to her.“Can we take the hat off now?”
Her hands flew to her head, and he could see panic start to build.
He grasped her shoulder.“Why are you afraid?”
“Because my hair is sinful,” she whispered.
His brows snapped together.“Who the hell told you that?”
“Sister Mary.She was in charge of me most of the time.She wanted to chop it off when it got long, but Mother Teresa forbade it.”
Jesus.What the fuck had this little woman been through?
“Well, it will never be called sinful here.Nothing about you is bad.It might take a while for you to believe me, but I will continue to correct you if you put yourself down,” Thomas said.
Angel reluctantly reached up and pulled off her cap.Her hair was dark brown, and he couldn’t tell how long it was because she still had her braid down the back of her shirt.He stopped himself from going further because he could tell how uncomfortable she was.
“Let’s go meet Daisy, and then I’ll show you your room.”
Her eyes widened.“I get a room?”
“Yes, Sweetheart.And your own bathroom.”
Before she could say anything, he started to pull her toward the kitchen.He was more determined than ever to make sure this woman got everything she deserved and more.
