Page 12 of Little Bits of Daddy (Montana Daddies)

“Yep, I’m working out of your study today. Come find me when you’re ready.”

Clint nodded at him.

She settled her head against his chest. “I’m so glad you’re home, Clint. I missed you.”

“I missed you too, baby girl,” he told her as he started climbing the stairs, still holding her. She should probably tell him to put her down, he had to be tired, but she didn’t want to let him go. He strode into their bedroom and sat on the bed with her on his lap, straddling his legs. “I’m so glad to be home with you.”

“Me too.” She bit her lip, knowing she should apologize again. “And I really am sorry for everything. It won’t happen again. I promise.”

“Oh, I’m sure it won’t, especially after you get your punishment.” He waggled his eyebrows.

“I still don’t think getting punished twice is fair!”

“Fair has nothing to do with it. You broke the rules.”

Her breath hitched and she looked away from him. He grabbed her chin and turned her back to face him. “It occurred to me while I was away that we haven’t had much time daddy-little girl time lately.”

“It’s okay,” she said quickly.

He raised an eyebrow. “No, it’s not. I miss spending time with your Little.”

Her eyes widened. “You do?”

“Yep. And I’m going to remedy that.”

“Clint, I’m all right. I don’t want to be?—”

“Do not say you don’t want to be a bother. If I hear you say that, I’m going to find a gag and you won’t be allowed to speak until I’m certain that will never come from your mouth again.”

She tapped at his hand until he removed it. “I wasn’t. I was trying to say that I don’t want to interfere with your work. I know you’re really busy and I can wait until you have more time?—”

“Darling, stop.” His voice was patient. Kind. “The thing with ranching is that there is always something that needs doing.”

She nodded. Of course, there was. She’d seen how hard he worked. She just needed to accept that he had other responsibilities. Just because he had to spend a lot of time away from her, didn’t mean she was any less important to him.

“But the ranch and my other responsibilities are not more important than you.”

“Crap. Was I speaking out loud?”

His gaze narrowed. “No, you weren’t. But that just clued me in on what you were thinking.”

She ran her hand over her face. “I’m sorry I’m such a needy mess, Clint. I know you’re busy. You work so hard. You don’t need me adding to your workload.”

“Jesus, baby, you still don’t get it, do you?”

Get what?

“You are not work. You fulfill me. You make me whole.” He groaned. “Damn it, you know I’m not good at this mushy stuff.”

Tears filled her eyes. “I think you’re doing fine.”

“I’m giving Linc a promotion.”

“Okay. That’s nice. Linc’s a great guy.” Although she wasn’t sure why he was telling her this now.

“He’s going to be the ranch manager. I’ll still do most of the paperwork,” he grimaced, “and I’ll oversee. But he’ll do more of the day-to-day stuff that takes me away for long hours.”

She shook her head. “Nope. I can’t ask you to do that.”

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