Page 48 of Little Bits of Daddy (Montana Daddies)

“Will we see a bear?”

She nearly bounced up and down at the thought. Then she remembered she was on a horse. Probably not a good idea. Although Meg was an amazingly good horse. She just plodded along behind Beast. Gigi really didn’t have to do anything except sit there.

“No, baby,” Macca replied. “Most of the bears live further up in the mountains. They’re not real keen on coming down where people are.”

“Okay. What about a beaver?”

“Uhh. I doubt it. Plus, beavers are mostly nocturnal.”

“Hmm. A bald eagle?”

He turned around to grin at her. “Have you got a bucket list of animals you want to see, sweet pea?”

“Maybe. It’s just all so exciting. I’d never even left Queensland before. Now I’m in a different country.”

“Tell you what, we’ll plan a trip away to Glacier National Park. Then we might be able to hit a few things off your bucket list. How does that sound?”

“So much fun, Daddy!”

They rode for a few more minutes, until he pulled up around a bend in the creek. There was a tall tree dipping out over the water and a grassy area that looked absolutely perfect for a picnic. Swinging off, Macca secured Beast and Meg before coming over and lifting her down.

“This is so beautiful!”

She swung around in a circle, her arms out.

Macca laughed. “Glad you like it, sweet pea. But just stay here please, I want to go over the rules.”

She let her lip drop out. “Rules? I don’t think you should have rules on a picnic.”

“Well, you would be wrong, little one. First of all, no wandering away. If you need to pee, tell me. But you don’t leave my eyesight, understand?”

“Yes, Daddy. Can I put my feet in the water?”

“Baby, that water is freezing. I want you to be careful and not get too close to the creek unless I’m with you. All right?”

She pouted but nodded.

“I’m going to get the picnic set up.”

“I’ll help you, Daddy.”

They laid down a red and black checked blanket and then Macca pulled out some sandwiches, a container filled with potato salad and another with cut-up fruit in it.

“Yum!”

“Sit down and eat some lunch, sweet pea. You can take off your gloves and hat while you eat. If you’re a good girl and eat plenty, I even have a treat for you after.”

She clapped her hands as she sat on the blanket. He even had a small picnic set with plastic plates, forks and knives.

He handed over a bottle of water to her. “Drink that up, sweet pea.”

“No thanks, Daddy. I’m not thirsty.”

She drew off her gloves so she could pick up her sandwich. Yes. Ham and cheese.

“Gigi, drink your water, please,” he said in a low, stern voice.

She sighed. “Daddy, I don’t want to drink it.”

---