Page 16 of Daddy's Heart

She walked away with two more books.

“I’ll carry these, your hands are full.” She laughed as he readjusted his grip on the stack of books in his arms.

“Water. Now. Your face is getting red. Did you bring the sunblock?” He piled the books into the crook of his left arm and pressed his right hand to her back, nudging her in the direction of the sidewalk—away from the tents.

“No. I put on enough. I’ll be fine,” she said, stuffing the two books into her bag. “I am a little thirsty.”

He pressed his lips together but didn’t comment.

“And hungry. Let me take you to lunch.” She grabbed his arm and tugged him toward a restaurant with outside seating. “It’s so pretty out, I want to sit outside.”

“Samantha, wait.” He tugged her back. “This place is packed. There’s a deli on the corner. Let’s do that.”

She scrunched up her lips.

“It has a patio,” he said.

Sold.

“Okay.” She nodded with a wide grin and skipped ahead of him.

Skipped.

He watched the Little come out of her with a warm heart.

The streets were blocked off for the festival, so he didn’t chastise her about not looking for traffic before heading through the crowds. But he would mention not leaving him behind while they were together.

When he caught up to her, she waved at him. “We can get a seat out there. There’s even shade so you don’t have to worry so much about the sun.”

He nodded toward the waitress who grabbed two menus and led them to the patio seats. Ryder piled the books on an empty chair at the table and sat across from Samantha. She was already scouring the menu.

“I want a BLT and a pop…root beer…yes, they have it.” She put the menu down and smiled.

“Sounds good. I think I’ll have the same.” He didn’t care what he ate, so long as her smile stayed so sweet.

The waitress popped over and took their orders, leaving them in silence.

“There’s a lecture this afternoon I wanted to go to, so if you want to head home, I can meet you there later.” Samantha swiped through the screen on her phone.

“Is that the festival schedule?” he asked, pointing to her cell.

“No.” She shook her head but didn’t look up.

“Then I’d appreciate it if you put it away.”

Her finger stilled over the screen, and her gaze dragged up to meet his. “I was just checking emails.”

He leaned forward, his forearms pressed against the edge of the table. “You can do that later.”

Her eyes narrowed, and he readied himself for a snarky retort.

“You’re right. I’m sorry. That was rude.” She grabbed her bag from the back of her chair and tossed her phone inside.

“What’s the lecture about?” he asked, taking a sip of his drink.

“It’s on storytelling. There are three authors presenting,” she said, then launched into the background of the authors. Ryder listened as she went through all three and their books, ticking off which she liked the most. Passion burned in her expression as she continued talking, not even pausing when their lunch was brought to the table.

She took a long breath. “I’m sorry. I’m rambling.” She picked up her sandwich and took a large bite.

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