Page 42 of Little Bits of Daddy (Montana Daddies)

“No way,” she said quickly. That was just the same as letting him open an account for her with his money.

“Yeah, I didn’t think you’d go for that one,” he replied dryly. “Think about it, all right?”

The idea did have some merit. Then he’d own part of Penny’s house. And he could be certain that she wouldn’t sell it. Not that she would. But it would give him some security. She didn’t want to take his money, though.

“Could I decide the price?” She could make it something ridiculously low.

“No,” he replied sternly. “It will be a fair market price and you will take what the market decides.”

She chewed at her lip. “But you’ll let me start paying for half the bills.”

“Baby, there’s barely any expenses living here. The cabin is provided as part of my job. All I pay for is a bit of food and cable.”

“But you’ll let me pay my share? If I sell you half the house?”

He sighed. “Gigi, you moved half-way around the world for me. I like taking care of you. You can’t work, and to be honest I’d be worried about you if you were working off the ranch. Especially when I wasn’t around to make certain you don’t get overtired or stressed. I know it sounds selfish, but when I’mworking, I like knowing you’ll be safe here with people watching over you.”

He didn’t need to be worrying about her while he was away working. She got it.

“I don’t want you to worry. And I’m not really in any hurry to leave the ranch, particularly if I have to drive.” She grimaced.

“We do need to teach you to drive. You might eventually want to go places. Although there’s usually someone coming and going who can take you. I’d rather you focus on adapting to life here and on your health and on me than worry about money. Let me take care of you and keep your money for yourself.”

She sighed.

“I’m sure if the roles were reversed, you’d look after me.”

That was true. She also figured she could get in the occasional grocery shop when he was away. And she’d use her own money to pay for her clothes and things.

“All right,” she told him.

“All right you’ll stop worrying about money and paying your half?”

“Yes, but if I want to buy the groceries or pay for something for the cabin you won’t protest.”

His gaze narrowed. “You drive a hard bargain. But all right. And I’ll buy half the house for a fair market price.”

“Twenty percent below fair market price.”

“No deal,” he said firmly. “Fair market price. My cousin lives there for free.”

“She pays insurance, rates and upkeep. I wouldn’t say that’s for free.”

“Fair market price.”

“Fine,” she huffed out. “You’re a stubborn man.”

“Yes, I am. But I’m your stubborn man. Now, can I show you your present?”

“Ooh, I forgot about that.”

He held out his hand to her. She slipped her smaller hand into his. He tugged and she fell against him. Hugging her tight, he kissed the top of her head. “I love you, baby girl. Thank you for coming to live with me.”

“You don’t ever have to thank me for that.” She closed her eyes tight, pushing back the tears. They weren’t sad tears; no, these were tears of happiness. Still, she didn’t want him to see them and misinterpret their meaning.

He led her to her playroom. Opening the door, he stepped inside, drawing her with him.

She loved this room. Before they’d even arrived in Montana, he’d hired someone to come in and redecorate so it was all ready for when they got here. A large mural had been painted on one wall. It was of a big gum tree with a pair of koalas in it, one sleeping, another munching on eucalyptus leaves. Underneath the tree, a kookaburra sat on the back of a really fat wombat with the cutest face. She loved wombats.

---