Page 24 of Daddy's Little Cowgirl

Ridge drank the rest of his coffee before he stood and held out his hand. “Let’s check and see what Maggie has for you today. I want you to go easy.”

She nodded and followed him.

“Thank you for breakfast,” Ridge said to the cook.

“You’re welcome.”

“Thank you, Maggie,” she said.

Maggie smiled. “You’re welcome, Child.”

“Do you have any light work for her to do today?” Ridge asked.

“There’s nothing I can think of that’s urgent enough. You could go and rest.”

Ellie shook her head. “No, ma’am. I like to keep busy.”

She caught the look between the other two again and waited.

“How about helping me in the garden for a bit?”

Ellie grinned. “Yes. I’d like that.”

“Good.” Maggie turned to Ridge. “You can head out. I’ve got everything under control.”

Ellie saw the worry on his face and squeezed his hand. “I’m okay. I promise.”

“You’ll call out to the barn if you need me. Maggie will show you how,” he said.

“We will,” Maggie said. “Will you be in for lunch?”

He hesitated and looked down at her.

“Don’t come to lunch for me. I know you have a lot to do. Maggie and I can eat together, can’t we?”

The older woman smiled and nodded. “Of course.”

Ellie turned back to him. “See.”

Ridge relaxed. “Okay. You know where I am.”

Both women nodded. He bent and pressed a kiss to the top of her head.

“I’ll see you later, Sweetheart.”

Ellie waved as he walked out the back door. Only Maggie’s snort got her attention.

“I see you feel the same about him as he does you.”

“Oh. I’m not sure what you mean,” Ellie said.

“You have feelings for Ridge?”

Ellie hesitated and then nodded. “Yes, but I know it would be stupid to think someone like him could want me.”

Maggie grunted. “That’s hogwash, but I’ll let him deal with it.”

Ellie relaxed.

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