Page 52 of Treat Her Right

“No, just an intelligent woman who climbs a rickety ladder to the roof before the sun is even all the way up.”

“If Dad hadn’t snuck up on me…”

“Now don’t go blaming me again, darling! Your young man is right. You had no business being on that ladder in the first place.” He said all that without looking up, too busy working on Dani’s hair.

Zack opened his mouth, then closed it. He shook his head. “Wynn, promise me you’ll go get an X-ray.”

“But…”

“It’s likely just a broken toe and they’ll tape it, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Being a physical therapist, you should know this.”

She did know it. “Oh, all right.”

As if making a decision, Zack said, “I’ll check on you tonight. In the meantime, Mrs. Lane, why don’t you get her some ice to soak her foot for the swelling? And Mr. Lane, you could maybe get her a phone so she can make the call to the doctor?”

Her parents looked pleased with the direction. Artemus quickly finished fooling with Dani’s hair and rushed off. Chastity followed him.

The second they were out of the room, Zack bent over Wynn. “I wish I had more time, but if I don’t get going now, I’ll be late.”

“I understand. Really, I’m fine.”

“When I get home I expect to find you taking it easy.”

“Me and my large feet will make a leisurely day of it.”

He touched her cheek. “Large feet for a large, beautiful woman.”

Now her brain and her bones were mush. She managed a lopsided silly smile.

Zack straightened. “I’ll see you tonight.”

“I thought you had plans.”

“I do.” He didn’t explain beyond that.

Wynn wanted to ask him what his plans were, but she was afraid he’d be out with another woman. And because she had no exclusive rights to him, she couldn’t complain, so she was better off not knowing.

Dani kissed her cheek. “I’ll see ya tonight, too. I’ll even draw you a picture.”

It was then that Wynn noticed Dani’s fine, fair hair had been plaited into an intricate braid and tied with a tiny yellow ribbon. She shook her head in wonder. Did her father carry ribbons in his pockets?

She wouldn’t be at all surprised.

Zack noticed his daughter’s hair, too. He did a quick double take, then said, “Well I’ll be.”

Dani smiled and kept reaching back to feel it. She looked very pleased with the results. “It’s pretty.”

Wynn said, “Very pretty!” and meant it.

Chastity hustled back in with a big bowl filled with ice and several dishcloths over her arm. She dropped onto the foot of the couch, making Wynn groan. To Dani, she asked, “You’re the artist who created that masterpiece on the refrigerator?”

Wynn managed a smile to help cover the discomfort of her mother’s rough movements. “That’s right. Isn’t she talented?”

“Very much so.” As Chastity wrapped ice in a towel, she said, “You’d love finger paints. Have you ever tried them?”

Both Wynn and Zack winced. “Mom, they’re awfully messy.”

“So?” She flapped a dismissive hand at Wynn. “You and your cleanliness quirks. She’s a child! You can’t stifle her creative spirit just because she might get a little paint under her nails.” Chastity was gentle as she applied the ice to Wynn’s foot.

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