Page 41 of Lilly's Little Labor Day

Tuesday might bring heartache. Until then, though, they could be in paradise.

“I’m not tired!” Lilly said. She stifled a yawn as the words left her mouth.

“Sure,” he said. “You don’t seem it.”

She clutched Ms. Duckworth tighter. Her eyes were heavy with impending sleep. She looked adorable in a pink onesie Nanny J had given her. The diaper she wore poufed beneath it.

“I’m not sleepy, Uncle Edward.”

“You had a big day,” he said. “The golf cart incident had to take its toll on you.”

She grumbled, closing her eyes in embarrassment.

“No need to rehash it, though,” he said, much to her obvious relief. “I’m just curious where you thought you were going to go. You knew you couldn’t ride in that thing forever.”

He doubted she’d even thought that far. He suspected the reason she’d even pulled the stunt in the first place was to desperately escape an incredibly awkward situation. He was probably the last person she’d expected to see there at the Rawhide Ranch.

“Take a nap, baby, and when you wake up I’ll take you to the playroom.”

“Is it the nursery?” she asked.

“No, honey. It’s a different one. I’ve reserved it for you. Another Daddy is coming with his Little, too. I thought it would be good for you to make friends.”

“Who is this Daddy?” She rubbed her eyes and yawned.

“Just a guy I met in the gift shop earlier. His name is Roman. He has a Little named Halle. She seems sweet.”

Edward thought of saying more but realized there was no use. Little cutie’s blinks had been getting progressively longer. Now, her eyes weren’t opening at all. He watched her for a moment. Her chest rose and fell in a rhythmic motion. She was clutching Ms. Duckworth tightly.

Oh sweetie. You have my heart.

And therein lies the problem, he realized. Perhaps taking Derek up on his suggestion wasn’t so wise after all.

He tore his eyes away from the sleeping angel and fished out his phone. Stepping onto the patio where he wouldn’t disturb Lilly, he called his assistant. Holly answered on the second ring.

“Good morning, sir.”

He laughed. “You only call me that when Lance is around. Remember?”

“That’s right,” she said.

Now he understood.

“Hold on one moment,” she said. She didn’t bother covering the phone’s receiver as she said, “Mr. Ironside is calling. I need to speak with him in private about some important business.”

Edward grinned. He knew exactly what Holly was doing. Getting under Lance’s skin.

This is important company business that you’re not privy to. You’re not high enough up the food chain to hear this.

Lance Collins said something that Edward couldn’t quite make out. A moment later, Holly was back on the line.

“I was surprised when I got your email a few minutes ago,” Edward said. “Shouldn’t you be gone? Don’t work so much. Labor Day weekend has started. Whatever you think is pressing can wait.”

“I’m afraid it can’t,” Holly said. “The issue is Lance.”

Edward clutched his cell tighter and leaned against the hot tub. The water jumped and gurgled as the jets—turned on low—swirled it enough just to prevent stagnation. While it was only early September, come nightfall, the air would have enough chill in it to enjoy the amenity. Thanks, Montana.

He’d get some swim diapers for his babygirl.

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