Total pages in book: 46
Estimated words: 47381 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 237(@200wpm)___ 190(@250wpm)___ 158(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 47381 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 237(@200wpm)___ 190(@250wpm)___ 158(@300wpm)
Which she really didn’t want to do.
So yesterday, they’d played with the toys that had been in the basket and she’d rested lots. Then Brand had washed her hair again for her before attempting to braid it.
That had been a bit of a disaster too.
“I have to tell you straight away if I don’t feel well,” she said as he washed his hands and grabbed her sunhat. It didn’t really sit properly on her head with her pigtails, so he had to push one pigtail down.
Not exactly comfortable.
But she wasn’t complaining or being demanding.
Nope. She was a good girl.
Brand was not going to regret giving her a chance.
“What else?”
“I have to stay in your eyesight at all times. And I have to listen to you and do what you say.”
“Good girl. Right, let’s get your jacket.”
A jacket? Was he crazy?
“Um, Daddy, it’s quite warm outside. I don’t think I needs a jacket.”
“You’ve been sick. We need to keep you warm.” He looked out the window. “But you might be right. Let’s just get you a cardigan instead.”
Gross. All the sunscreen was getting on the material of the cardigan, and it made her feel yucky.
But she accepted it with a sigh.
They headed outside through the small courtyard.
“Where would you like to go?” he asked her as he held her hand. Sure, she was a bit warm, but she could handle it.
“Horsies! Playground! Arcade!”
“Well, let’s see how we get on. First, we’ll go see the horses.”
“Yay!”
She tried to run, tugging at his hand, but he drew her back. “No running, Bumblebee.”
“But, Daddy, there’s so much to see.”
“And we don’t have to see it all today. We’ll go visit the horses and then see how you’re feeling. After lunch, you need a nap and I have to go see where the set-up is for tomorrow.”
“I can help, Daddy.”
“We’ll see. I want you to have a good nap so you’re rested for the concert tomorrow.”
She sighed. “I feel so much better. I’m not even coughing anymore.”
“You still look pale to me. And you’re tired. You need to listen to Daddy.”
Shoot. She was doing it again. She wasn’t supposed to give him any trouble.
“Sorry, Daddy. I’ll be a good girl.”
Brand eyed his girl suspiciously as they watched the horses.
There was something going on with her and he couldn’t work out what it was.
“Hello!”
Turning, he saw Derek approaching. He held out his hand to the other man. “Hey, man, how is it going?”
“Good. Hello, darlin’, you’re looking a lot better.”
Jolie smiled shyly, pressing herself against Brand.
And he couldn’t say he hated it.
At all.
Leaning down, he kissed the top of her head.
“I’m glad I found you both, I wanted to see if you could meet with my people who’re organising everything tomorrow to make sure you have everything you need?” he asked Brand.
“Yeah, I was going to put Jolie down for a nap after lunch, but perhaps it would be better to come now.”
“That would be great. Jolie is welcome to go spend time with the other Littles if she wants. I believe there’s some finger painting going on this morning,” Derek offered.
She tightened her hold on him, and Brand knew she was feeling too shy to join in.
“Actually, I could use her input. Thanks for the offer, though.”
Derek gave him a knowing look and smiled at Jolie. “Of course. My Sadie was a bit jealous when she heard how many dolls your Daddy bought you.”
“Oh,” Jolie said. “I have some left, would she like some?”
“Well, those are yours, though, darlin’.”
“But I don’t need them all. I can share them.” Then she glanced up at Brand worriedly. “Oh no, maybe not. They’re Brand’s. I forgot.”
He frowned. “They’re not mine, Bumblebee. I bought them for you.”
She nodded, biting her lip. She looked like she wanted to say something but was holding back.
Brand rubbed his hand up and down her back. How was he going to get her to tell him what was going on?
His worries got pushed out of his mind as he met with several people on the Ranch about tomorrow. Festivities were starting early afternoon. There were going to be crafting stations, some carnival games, and a friendly baseball game.
By the end of the meeting, he had a headache, and he was getting worried about his girl. She’d been quiet through most of the meeting, and by the end she looked a bit tired and hot.
“Right, if that’s all, I need to feed Jolie and get her down for a nap.”
She blushed and hid her face in his bicep where she sat next to him. They’d had the meeting outside where everything was happening tomorrow.
They all said goodbye, and he picked her up, carrying her back to their room.
“I can walk, Daddy,” she mumbled.
“Of course you can. But I like to carry you. Makes me feel needed.”