Total pages in book: 98
Estimated words: 95756 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 479(@200wpm)___ 383(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95756 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 479(@200wpm)___ 383(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
“It was.”
“I bet she would be happy the two of you ended up together, though,” Eden told her.
“We’re so glad that Macca met you,” Abby told her. “I’ve never seen him smile so much since you came back here with him. I can’t imagine moving so far away and knowing no one, if you need anything let us know. Especially when Macca goes away for work.”
Warmth filled her at those words.
“Thank you. You’re all so nice. I was a little worried when I moved here that no one would like me. I’ve never really had friends.”
“I think most of us can relate to that,” Abby told her.
“That’s part of what makes this place so special,” Daisy said. “We can all be ourselves without worrying about anyone thinking we’re weird. Or that our relationships with our men, our daddies, are wrong. This is a special place. I’ve never felt this safe or accepted.”
Gigi nodded. That’s just how she felt too.
“How’s the boomerang practice going, Daisy?” Gigi asked her. They’d brought gifts with them for each of the Littles living on the ranch. Eden got a toy wombat. Abby, a koala. For Charlie, they’d gotten a kangaroo and for Ellie, a kookaburra. But Daisy had wanted a boomerang.
Daisy’s lower lip poked out in a pout. “Crocodile Dundee made it look so easy. I couldn’t get it to come back at all. And then the other day I was practicing and I nearly hit Jed in the head so he said I’m only allowed to practice when there’s no one else around.”
“Don’t feel bad,” Gigi told her. “It’s pretty difficult to get a boomerang to return to you. I’m sure you’ll get the hang of it eventually.”
At a knock on the door, they all looked up. A huge, dark-skinned man stood on the other side of the door.
“Bain!” Abby said, jumping up to open the door. He leaned down and picked up an open box sitting at his feet. He stepped inside and Abby shut the door behind him.
“Abby,” he said in a low, deep voice.
“Hi, everything okay? Kent said you were headed to New York?”
“Yeah. Unfortunately.”
She’d met Bain once before. He didn’t seem to say much, but he was a little intimidating, although judging from Abby’s warm greeting, she didn’t feel the same.
“You don’t like New York?” Abby asked.
“Not New York I’ve got a problem with.” He paused, frowning. “Although yeah, not too fond of it. Too many people, and the traffic.” He shuddered. “Came to ask a favor.”
“What have you got there? Oh my gosh, kittens?” Abby reached into the box as Bain set it down on the coffee table. Inside were three gorgeous little kittens. One was completely black. Another was black with a white face and three white paws. The last one was gray and black stripped.
“Kittens?” Eden asked. “Where did you get those from?”
“Found them out back of my cabin,” he said gruffly. “Don’t know where the mother went. Looked around for her. Took them to the vet a few days ago. They’re healthy, around eight weeks old. Been drinking some special milk. Need someone to take care of them while I’m gone.”
She stared at the big man in surprise. She’d never have guessed he was the type of guy to find some abandoned kittens and look after them.
“I can totally do that,” Abby told them. “Come on, cute kitties. You’re so gorgeous.”
“What are you going to do with them?” Daisy asked.
“Wait until they’re a little older and find them some homes.”
“Ooh, can I keep one?” Abby asked. She picked up the black kitten with white paws and face.
“Sure,” Bain told her.
“I’m going to call her Midnight.”
“How do you know it’s a girl?” Gigi asked.
“A mama just knows,” Abby told her solemnly.
“I love this fella here,” Daisy said. “May I have him?” She looked over at Bain as she picked up the completely black kitten.
“Of course.”
Daisy smiled. “I’m going to call him Poe.”
Bain grunted. “He’s a she.”
“Hmm. Oh well.” Daisy grinned. “Poe still works.”
“Zeke’s more of a dog man,” Eden said. “He’s been talking about getting a puppy for a while.”
Bain then turned to look at her. He picked up the last unclaimed kitten. He was gray and black with a small white patch on his belly and was pretty much the cutest thing she’d ever seen.
“I have to ask Macca,” she told him even though she absolutely wanted that kitten. So damn much. But she couldn’t just lay claim to a kitten without asking Macca first. Pets cost money and she didn’t have any. She already felt guilty that she wasn’t contributing anything to their finances, she couldn’t go asking him to pay for her kitten too.
Bain just lowered the kitten into her lap. “Girl, that man will do anything for you. Take the kitten.”
She opened her mouth to protest but the kitten looked up at her sleepily and her heart just melted.