Total pages in book: 32
Estimated words: 31777 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 159(@200wpm)___ 127(@250wpm)___ 106(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 31777 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 159(@200wpm)___ 127(@250wpm)___ 106(@300wpm)
“That’s okay,” she said, even though she wanted to ask him what he’d been doing that he hadn’t noticed her message. And why he sounded so tired. “We’re not in Minneapolis anymore, we rented an SUV and we’re driving to Montana. The storm cleared although the sky isn’t looking the best out there. But we’ll drive for a few hours today then stop for the night. And then get to Montana hopefully tomorrow night.”
“On Christmas Eve? Be careful. The roads sound scary out there.”
“They are. But Reuben is with me. He won’t let anything happen to me.”
“Of course not. He’s the best Daddy ever.”
Was it her imagination or did he sound sad? Maybe a bit envious?
Worry for him bit at her stomach.
“Are you all right, Charlie?”
“Me?” he said with fake-brightness. “Of course I am.”
She bit her lip. “You’re sure?”
“Yeah. You don’t need to worry about me. I’ve got Christmas plans with Christopher. We’re actually going ice skating tonight.”
“Ice-skating? Have you ever been ice skating?”
“Uh, yeah, fell on my butt and cracked my tailbone,” he said with an uneasy laugh. “But I’m sure this time will be great. Better go. Bye!”
Faith ended the call as Reuben pulled into a rest area.
“Everything okay?” he asked.
“I’m really not sure,” she replied worriedly. “He just doesn’t sound right, you know? I’m concerned that he’s hiding something from me. But I’m probably being silly, right?”
He frowned. “When we get back home, I’ll take another look at his new Daddy. Maybe we’ll have them over for dinner.”
“So you can intimidate him?” she asked.
“Yes.”
Faith nodded. “Good. I think that’s an excellent idea. Intimidate him so he knows that Charlie isn’t to be messed with.”
Reuben shot her a surprised look, then he grinned. “You still surprise me, Little Blossom.”
“In a good way?”
“Definitely in a good way. Wait there.”
He got out and grabbed his jacket from the backseat, pulling it on before he came around and grabbed her jacket. Then he opened her door and unlocked her seatbelt before extracting her from her stuffies and blanket. He helped her put her jacket on, zipping her up and drawing up the hood.
“Careful. Keep hold on my hand in case the ground is slippery,” he bossed.
Faith nodded. She always loved holding his hand. He led her inside and into a family bathroom so he could go in with her.
“Daddy, you don’t have to come in with me,” she told him as he crouched and pulled down her pants and panties before helping her sit on the toilet.
Reuben shot her a look of disbelief. “Like I’m going to leave you alone in a public bathroom? Who knows what could happen to you.”
He was too much. Shaking her head, she peed and let him clean her up and help her wash her hands.
Then he led her out of the bathroom. Faith spotted an older couple watching them. Both of them had gray hair. The man was huge, he had a bit of a belly, but he looked like he’d worked hard all his life and was still as strong as an ox. The woman was shorter and rounded with a kind face.
They were staring at her. Faith blushed. Did they see them come out of the same toilet? Maybe they thought they’d been having sex in there or something.
“What do you want, Little Blossom?” Reuben asked as he got a coffee.
“I’m all right.”
He shot her a look, then glanced around with a frown. “Something wrong?”
Faith shook her head and stayed with him as he walked over to the counter. Someone moved in close behind her and she turned to see the older couple.
“The two of you are so cute,” the lady said. “You remind me of myself and Nick. He always takes wonderful care of me. Merry Christmas to you both.”
Surprise filled her and she smiled. “Thank you. Merry Christmas.”
Reuben turned to look at the couple, his eyebrows rising high. Then he nodded to them and led her outside.
“Do you think they looked like . . .” she trailed off, unsure if she should say it.
“Like a nice, older couple?” Reuben said. “Yeah, they did.”
Hmm. That wasn’t quite what she’d been thinking. But she’d go with it.
Several hours later, they pulled into a hotel that was just off the highway. For some reason, Faith was wide awake. Probably because she’d had a nap on the way.
Reuben got out and grabbed their luggage before coming around to help her out. She put her smaller toys in her large tote bag and wrapped Colin up in her blanket before heading in with Reuben.
The place was quiet and check-in was quick. They walked into their room and she glanced around. It was a pretty standard hotel room. Clean and sterile. But it would work.
“Time to get ready for bed, Little Blossom,” Reuben said as he checked the door was locked behind them and then went over to pull the drapes.