Page 72 of Little Bits of Daddy (Montana Daddies)

“Archer.”

“Archer?” She thought about that for a moment. “Actually, that’s probably the best choice. I have a dress fitting tomorrow. Please, can I go?”

He frowned. “No. You’re grounded and you’re supposed to be in bed.” He looked at her pointedly. “Have you washed your hands?”

She shook her head. He turned on the faucet and stood behind her, reaching around to pump some soap on his hands. His arms were around her, his front pressed up against her back as he gently massaged her hands, washing them clean.

She stared at him in the mirror. Her big, gruff cowboy with a huge protective streak that stretched to everyone living on Sanctuary Ranch.

“I’m so lucky to have you,” she whispered.

He glanced up at her, meeting her gaze in the mirror. “You got that the wrong way around, baby. It’s me who is lucky to have you. I know I don’t always get everything right, Charlotte. Not even close. But can you trust me to give you what you need?”

Of course. He always made sure she had what she needed.

“Yes.”

“Then let me worry about all of this. I’ll arrange the dress fitting. Your bridal shower. You just concentrate on obeying Doc’s orders. Can you do that?”

A weight lifted from her shoulders. She didn’t have to do all this on her own. He was always there to help her. She should have asked for help earlier, but she struggled with that. With feeling like she was a burden, the way her aunt had always treated her.

“I can.”

The smile he gave her was everything. She’d have promised him the world for that smile. So things might not be exactly right. At the end of the day she was getting everything she’d ever wanted.

Him.

He dried her hands then picked her up, carrying her back to the bedroom and putting her into bed.

“Little Charlie hasn’t had much playtime lately. Maybe she’d like to do some coloring? Or watch a cartoon?”

Actually, she would love that. “Coloring please, Daddy.”

He smiled. “Good.” Then he clicked his fingers. “Wait, I forgot. Doc left the vitamin suppositories and some sort of shake for you to take. I’ll make it for you and bring it all up.”

She groaned. Great. More butt stuff.

Charlie bither lower lip as she concentrated on her coloring. She could hear Clint on the phone out in the hallway. He’d moved out there to make some calls. A cartoon was playing on the T.V., but she wasn’t paying much attention.

At least the phone call had postponed having to get her vitamin. She reached over for her smoothie cup. It was a big, plastic cup with a straw in it that she used in summer for iced drinks.

She took a big sip of the nutritional shake. It was chocolate flavored and while it had a slightly strange texture it was actually quite good. A bit like a milkshake. It felt soothing on her throat. She yawned. Truthfully, even though she’d just woken up she could probably lie down right now and have a sleep.

But she wasn’t telling Clint that.

Clint walked back in. “That was the seamstress; she’s going to come here for your final fitting once you’re feeling a bit better.”

Her eyes went wide. “She is?”

“Yep. Told you I’d handle it. How’s the drink?”

“It’s actually good.”

“I’ll talk to Doc about getting you some more. Along with the vitamins, that will help build your system back up.” He glanced down at her picture. “What are you drawing, little darling?”

“Can’t you tell, Daddy?”

She loved teasing him by making him guess.

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