Total pages in book: 23
Estimated words: 21620 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 108(@200wpm)___ 86(@250wpm)___ 72(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 21620 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 108(@200wpm)___ 86(@250wpm)___ 72(@300wpm)
“Because boys are icky and gross and they’re not getting near my princess,” Walker says.
Fiona’s expression crumples as if she understands what her father just said, and I scowl at him. “She needs friends.”
“She can have all the friends she wants. As long as they’re girls.” He moves around the studio, turning off the lights and locking up the doors.
I roll my eyes at my husband. He’s such a caveman. But I love the way he’s determined to protect her. He’s already decided that her heart will never be broken and that means keeping her from all romantic relationships. I just shake my head when he says things like that. I love this man and how fiercely he loves me and our daughter.
“Don’t you worry,” I whisper to our girl. “Daddy doesn’t mean it. He loves you with his whole heart.”
Her expression changes back to one of contentment. Unlike me, Fiona is growing up with the knowledge that she’s loved and wanted and accepted.
Seeing the way Walker is such a loving, compassionate father has healed wounds in my heart. He’s so fierce in the way he loves and so fearless in the way he leads. He makes my heart feel safe.
“Come on, it’s time for dinner,” Walker says as he ushers me to the front door. He’s already finished locking up.
He’s been supportive of the studio since the beginning. Even before this building became available, he encouraged me to keep dreaming and keep believing that it would happen one day.
As we’re leaving the studio, I pause on the sidewalk to wave at River and Mallory. They’re leaving Sew Cute and Lily is clutching at River’s hand as she takes halting steps down the sidewalk.
Pretty soon, Fiona will be doing the same. She’s already best friends with Lily, and they spend a lot of time together since Mallory and I are always having coffee dates to gossip about our hunky husbands.
On the drive home, Walker and I talk. This is one of my favorite things to do each day, just chat with my cowboy as he drives our family home.
We cross over the new bridge and it makes me smile the way it always does. Because the old one washed away, I was stranded with Walker for the night and we fell in love. I’m so glad for that. It changed the course of my life.
Dad’s truck is in the driveway when we get home. The first thing he does when he sees me is give me a big hug. We’ve been working on our relationship for two years and each day, it gets a little easier.
Now he’s spontaneously affectionate with me and a few months ago, he even started telling me he loves me. There are moments when it’s hard for me to believe that. But since he’s been working through his grief, he’s reconnecting with his emotions. I think after my mom died, he stopped trying to feel anything at all and that’s what led him to the alcoholism.
“Sam.” Walker nods in greeting as he carries Fiona over to him. They’ve actually started to warm to each other. I doubt they’ll ever be best friends, but Walker is trying to give him space to grow into a different person.
“There’s my favorite girl,” Dad holds out his arms for Fiona and she reaches for him. She loves her Pop-Pop and has even spent the night with him a couple of times.
“Are you here for dinner?” I ask my dad. He drops by at least once a week for it. He usually calls first, but I don’t mind if he just shows up.
Walker wraps an arm around my shoulder. “Pop-Pop is taking Fi for the night so we can have a date.”
I forgot we had that on the calendar for this week. Everything’s been so busy and hectic with the studio. I’d forget to even eat if it isn’t for Walker. But he always looks out for me and makes sure I take care of my body. “Let me just pack her bag.”
“Already got it.” Dad pats the side of his truck. “You kids have fun. Make me another one of these cuties.”
“We’ll get on that.” Walker winks at him as my cheeks heat. I could definitely go for some sexy time with my husband. He makes my pleasure a priority almost every day, no matter how busy or chaotic our lives are.
I kiss Fiona goodbye and tell Dad to video call me later so I can tell her goodnight. I know she’s getting older and he’s an amazing grandfather. He’ll guard her with his life. Walker trusts him with the most precious piece of our hearts, so I know she’s in great hands.
“She’ll be fine,” he promises as we walk into the house. It’s immaculate, and I smile. When I left this morning, it looked like a tornado had hit it. But Walker tidied up because he knows it’s important to me.