“What did he say?”she asked.
“I want him to tell you, but I will tell you that you have nothing to fear from the man.He hasn’t come to take you from me, and he never could if he tried.”
She thought about it for a moment and nodded.She wanted to beg him to tell her what the man said, but she knew her daddy wouldn’t tell her anything, no matter how much she bugged him.In fact, she would usually find herself facedown over his lap a few times and feel the sting of his palm on her bare ass for pushing him.
Angel studied her daddy and caught the shadows of guilt and pain in his eyes.“I’m so sorry, Daddy.”She tightened her arms around his neck and wept against his shoulder.
Her bout of tears seemed to last forever, and he held her the whole time, talking softly to her about his feelings and their future.
When she finally calmed down, he wiped her face with his shirt.She relaxed against him and sighed.She felt drained and just wanted to go to sleep, but first she needed to reassure Thomas.
“I love you, Daddy.”
He pressed a kiss to her forehead.“I love you, too, baby.So much I feel like I’ll burst sometimes.”
Her eyes widened.“Me, too.”
“Good.Now, let’s get some sleep, and we’ll head home in the morning.”
“We can’t go now?”she asked.
“No, Sweetheart.It’s too dark out.”
She nodded, tucked her head under his chin, and sighed before falling asleep.It only felt like an hour had passed before she was awoken.The bed moving jostled her.She glanced at the window to see the dawn begin to lighten the forest, then at Thomas.
“Where are you going?”she asked.
“I’m going to saddle the horse, and then we’re going home.I need to get you bathed and fed, and then we’re going to nap for a bit.”
She nodded and watched him stride out the door.She rolled out of bed and gathered her things before folding the blanket.
“Are you ready, Sweetheart?”he called from outside.
“Yes, Daddy.”She closed the cabin door behind her, walked to him, and handed him her things.She watched him tie them to the back of the saddle before lifting her onto the horse.
She gripped the saddle horn and gasped when he got on.
“Easy, baby.I’ve got you.I won’t let you fall.”He adjusted her until she was pressed back against him, and his arms were around her waist as he led the horse away from the cabin.
It didn’t take nearly as long to get home as it did the day before.They rode into the yard, and she waved at a few of the guys who smiled their way.
Thomas slid from the saddle, reached up for her, and set her on her feet before untying her bag.He grabbed her hand and led her into the house.
Daisy threw the towel down on the counter and came to her, pulling her into her arms.Angel held on tightly to the older woman with whom she had become close over the last several months.
“Don’t you ever scare us like that again,” Daisy said.
“I won’t.I promise.I’m sorry I worried you.”
“You should be.I think I’ve got a dozen new gray hairs today.”
Angel giggled, knowing Daisy was kidding.
“We’re going up to our room,” Thomas said.“After I get her in the bathtub, I’ll come down for some food.”
“I’ll have a tray made up for you,” Daisy said.“Get some rest, you two.I’ll keep everyone away unless it’s an emergency.”
Thomas smiled.“Good.We’re both wiped out.”
