Joy covered her mouth to stifle a laugh. “Chance will be super stern at first. He’ll try to lecture me with that serious voice, but he’ll be fighting back a smile. But the joke’s on him. The more he lectures me about the frogs, the more frogs he’ll set off. This is going to be a blast.”
Kenzie leaned against the counter, her cheeks pink with excitement. “Maybe they’ll think they’re real frogs. That would be a hoot. Prepare yourself for full-blown Daddy-mode, ladies.”
Junie just listened. Who would’ve thought she’d be so happy after this morning’s events? She loved the easy teasing and the shared mischief. For so long, she had stood in self-imposed isolation, watching other people belong while she waited for the moment someone would realize she didn’t. But here, with these girls, Tanner’s words finally clicked into place.
She really did belong. She always had.
The girls still chattered about their Daddies’ reactions to their prank, but Junie didn’t have to guess. She knew exactly what he’d do. He’d pretend to be stern at first, scolding her in that deep, disappointed Daddy voice that always made her tummy flip.
But that would just be an act. That spark of amusement in his eyes would give him away. He loved her playful side, even when it got her in trouble… maybe even especially when it got her in trouble.
Her heart lifted at the thought. She could be Little with him. She could let herself be silly and carefree, twirling and giggling without a single worry. She’d been happier the past month than she could ever remember.
“I can’t wait to see Tanner’s reaction,” she admitted,cheeks flushing. “He’s going to toss me over his shoulder and carry me off to deal with me. But… I think he’ll secretly love it.”
The girls all dissolved into laughter again, pulling her into another group hug. For the first time in forever, Junie felt completely, wonderfully part of something bigger than herself.
They were still chatting about it when a loud snort came from outside. Tildi’s face lit up like Christmas morning. “Oh, that’s Bullwinkle. That means he’s ready to play.”
Junie had heard stories about Tildi’s pet bison, but she had never actually seen them together. They all followed Tildi outside, where she grabbed a giant kickball from the pole barn in the holding pen.
Bullwinkle was waiting at the fence, the biggest bison Junie had ever seen. “Are you sure he won’t come charging through that fence? With his size, the fence might as well be made from bubbles.”
“Of course not, he’s a sweet bison. Watch this,” Tildi said with a proud grin. She tossed the ball toward Bullwinkle, and he butted it neatly back to her with his massive head.
“Did you teach him to do that?” Junie asked, laughing in delight. “Can I try?”
“Sure!”
Junie threw the ball, and Bullwinkle sent it sailing back to her. They played for a long time, each girl taking a turn. The big bison was surprisingly gentle and playful. It was the craziest thing Junie had ever seen.
They were still laughing and playing when Boone, Chance, and Trace came riding up on horseback. Boone jumped down first, eyes narrowing at the scene.
“Bluebell, how many times do I have to tell you to stay away from that bull? He’s not a freaking circus act. Bison are wild, dangerous animals.”
Tildi’s back snapped straight, indignant. “He is not dangerous! Don’t you let him say mean things about you, Bullwinkle.” She reached through the fence and scratched the big bison on the nose. Bullwinkle gave a contented snort.
The men herded their Littles back inside just as Tanner’s truck pulled up. Junie waited for him on the porch, eager to hear about the meeting, the frogs that awaited him a distant memory.
Tanner pulled her into his arms the second he reached her. “You okay, Cupcake?”
She nodded against his chest. “I’m okay. What happened at the meeting?”
Tanner pulled her closer on the porch, one big hand cupping the back of her neck as he looked down at her with those steady, protective eyes.
“You don’t need to worry, babygirl,” he said, voice low and sure. “We’ve got it all worked out. One of us will be at the bakery with you at all times until Preston is dealt with.”
The words were bittersweet. Part of her wanted to melt into him, to let that safety wrap around her completely. But another part, the stubborn, independent part that had helped her take care of herself for so long, pushed back hard.
“I don’t want a full-time bodyguard,” she protested, her voice coming out smaller than she wanted. Her fingers twisted in the front of his shirt. “I can handle the bakery. I’ve been doing it for years. I don’t want to be… a burden.”
Tanner gave her that firm Daddy look. The one that gave her a roller-coaster stomach and made her knees feel weak all at once. His jaw tightened just a fraction, and his hand slid from her neck to cup her cheek, thumb brushing across her skin in a way that was both gentle and commanding.
“You’re not a burden,” he said, voice dropping into that deep, no-argument tone that always made her insides quiver. “You’re mine. And keeping you safe isn’t optional, little girl. It’s what I do. So yes, one of the guys will be with you at the bakery. That’s final.”
Junie’s breath caught. Heat rushed up her neck and flooded her cheeks. She wanted to argue, but the stubborn, protective way he looked at her made it clear it wouldn’t do any good. She dropped her gaze to his chest, fingers still clutching his shirt as a mix ofrelief, embarrassment, and that familiar warm submission swirled through her.
“Yes, Daddy,” she whispered, the words slipping out before she could stop them.
