“We’ll let you figure that one out on your own,” Pam said.
“Don’t worry, big brother, I don’t think she’s going anywhere. But that’s just my opinion.”
Tanner shook his head and followed them into the kitchen, sure there wasn’t anything in the world that could wipe the huge smile off his face now.
***
“Can we have French toast every day?” Violet asked as she dipped another piece into the syrup and stuffed it into her mouth. She’d taken the news about Tanner being her dad extremely well. In fact, the little girl seemed overjoyed by the idea of having a “real daddy,” as she’d called Tanner from the moment April told her this morning.
April laughed as she helped herself to some cut up fruit. “Don’t you think you’d want to try other things, too?”
Violet thought about it for a second. “Maybe, but I love French toast.”
Tanner smiled and April didn’t miss how he hadn’t taken his eyes off his daughter all morning, except for the quick family meeting to tell his parents and sister about Violet.
From the moment Violet woke up and April had gotten her cleaned up and dressed for the day, he’d been at her side, showing her around the property, playing in the playroom with her, helping her cut up her French toast, and even showing her how he made his coffee, simply because she’d asked.
His parents watched Violet with eyes full of love and affection, and Sienna cheered when Tanner first came into thekitchen and told her that Violet was her cousin, then proceeded to explain what a cousin was.
“Uncle Tanner, can we ride horses today?” Sienna asked, pushing her empty plate aside.
“I don’t see why not.” He turned to Violet. “Do you know how to ride a horse?”
Violet looked up at him and shook her head. “I’ve always wanted to. Can you teach me?”
Tanner beamed as he looked down at her. “It would be my honor. In fact, I think there’s a horse out there with your name on it.”
“My name?” She asked.
“That just means it would be the perfect horse for you to ride,” April explained. “Are you done with your breakfast?”
“Yes, I’m done.” Violet looked over at Pam who was on her second cup of coffee. “Thank you for making us French toast.”
Pam set her mug down and put both hands over her chest. “Awe, Sweetheart, you’re very welcome. Peter is already out there, so if you girls want to head out to the barn, I’m sure he’ll see you. Maybe you two can help give the horses a special treat.”
“Yay! Come on, Violet,” Sienna called, already halfway out the door. “Peepaw is waiting for us.”
Violet slipped out of her chair and rushed after Sienna, but stopped short in the doorway and turned back to look at April. “Are you coming, Aunt April?”
April stood and went over to Violet. Kneeling to be eye level with her, she admired the two French braids she’d put in her hair this morning, and hoped they would hold while she played outside. “I was going to stay here with Tanner, and meet Caden when he comes over. Do you think you can have fun for a little while with Sienna and your grandpa?” April and Tanner had explained to Violet earlier that Pam and Peter were her grandparents. Without really understanding what that meant,she’d just accepted it as fact. April couldn’t wait for Violet to build a real relationship with them.
Violet thought about her question for a long moment, then turned to Tanner. “You won’t let Ned come and take her away, right?”
Tanner stood from the table and crossed to Violet. “You have my word, no one is taking April away from you.” He extended his hand to her. “Should we shake on it?”
Violet smiled and took his hand.
Sienna had patiently waited for her new best friend, but by the way she was doing her little dance, April could tell the little girl’s patience was waning. “Violet, let’s go.”
“I’m coming.” Violet hugged April tight, then turned to Sienna. “Wait, before we go, I want to give you something.”
“What?” Sienna asked, curious and excited in equal measure.
Violet slipped off the pink friendship bracelet and handed it to Sienna. “I want you to have this. You’re my new best friend and my cousin. You should have this friendship bracelet.”
Sienna’s eyes widened and she held out her hand to Violet. “I get to keep it?”
Violet nodded as she slipped it on. “Yep. Forever and ever. I was going to give it to Aunt April, but she has a lot of them. Right Aunt April,” Violet asked, turning to her.
