Page 23 of Daddy's Little Cowgirl

She caught the look of doubt on his face and tried to smile.

“I see.” He stood and held a hand out to her. “Let’s get some breakfast.”

“Okay.” She was glad he had a hold of her because she was afraid she’d lose her footing and roll down the steps.

He led her into the kitchen, where Maggie had already had breakfast ready for him.

“Good morning,” he said.

Maggie turned with a smile, but it quickly dimmed when she looked at her. Ellie tried to smile, but it took too much effort.

She caught Ridge shaking his head in her peripheral vision and ignored it.

Maggie smiled. “Are you hungry, Honey?”

Ellie started to shake her head but knew she’d have to eat to have energy to make it through the day. “Yes. Can I help?”

“No, Child. Go on and sit down. I’ll bring in some juice.”

“Okay.”

Ridge pulled her into the dining room and sat her in the seat she’d been in the night before.

Maggie came through the door with a tray. She set it down on the other side of Ridge and handed out large glasses of juice and some toast on a plate.

“Thank you,” she said.

“How about some eggs?” Maggie asked.

“Oh, I could only eat one.”

They both looked at her.

“I’ve never been able to eat two. I’m a little person,” she exclaimed.

They both relaxed, and Maggie handed Ridge a newspaper. Ellie watched him turn the pages to something and start to read.

Ellie nibbled on her toast and drank half of her juice. Maggie came back in and set a small plate in front of her with one egg. Ellie’s eyes widened when it looked like the housekeeper set a platter in front of Ridge. She couldn’t count how many eggs were there, along with a thick cut of ham, hash browns, a bowl of oatmeal, and more toast.

Ridge caught her expression and laughed. “I work hard every day. If I didn’t take in enough calories, I wouldn’t be able to get the work I need done.”

She nodded but kept quiet.

“Are you sure that’s all you want?” Maggie asked.

“Yes. I’m positive. Thank you.”

Chapter Fourteen

Maggie left, and the room stayed quiet except for the sound of chewing, and forks hitting the plates.

Ellie finished, sat quietly, and waited.

“I think you should go up and take a nap,” he said.

Ellie shook her head. “No, thank you. I’m not tired.”

She heard him sigh.

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