Page 86 of Wilderness Daddy

Kari hovers over a bed in the back.

“Baby, you okay?”

Her head shoots up at the sound of my voice and she smiles, wide and sure, rushing to me. Tears flood her eyes as I pull her into my arms. I hold her so tight she squeaks.

“You’re gonna break me.” She laughs when I loosen my grip. I kiss her face all over instead.

“You did so well, baby girl, so well. I’m so God-damned proud of you!”

“You weren’t so bad yourself, Daddy,” she says, looping her arms around my waist.

“And I see your Sasquatch found you.” I glance at the man and smirk when I look back at Kari. She frowns at me, blushing. I tuck her into my side, her arms still around me, and tug her hair teasingly.

“Daddy!”

“I’m sure he understands your mistake.” I bend and peck a kiss to the top of her head. “Thank you for taking care of my Kari.” I didn’t miss the fact that Kari called me Daddy in public for the first time or the fact that our new friend didn’t bat an eye at it.

“No problem. It’s Anders by the way.” He winks at Kari. “If I remember my Sasquatch lore, they’re associated with a terrible stink.” He sniffs himself. “Maybe just stick to my birth-given name and tell me to wash up if I start to seem Sasquatch-ish.” He chuckles as he shucks off his furs, clearly as amused by her embarrassment as I am.

Anders wears a worn black Henley and khaki cargo pants. He’s just as huge without the furs, but now he looks less like Bigfoot and more like a man. A big one, but still just a man.

“There’s some venison steak over there and water.” He points to a stone hearth, a fire burning strong in it. There’s a basic table and stools made from tree trunks on one side of the room and a seating area on the other with piles of knit and woven blankets and pelts set around for comfort.

The fire and a few candles are the only other light in the cabin besides the windows. It’s cozy and comfortable, but even as much as I thrive in the wilderness, I can’t see myself living like this. Not this far out of society, not this secluded. It makes me wonder what Anders is running from.

I glance at the weavings hanging on the walls. They look to be First Nations but the beautiful wood carvings, mostly animals but some flowers too, are his. I know because I see half-complete carvings sitting on the hearth. Rugs on the floor are either made from pelts or other woven materials and there are books everywhere. Most of the titles are nonfiction, either on wilderness or animals and a few are popular paperback fiction titles from years ago.

Lucy lies on a large bed in the back windowless part of the cabin. It’s slightly raised like a platform bed, but longer than standard, which makes sense since Anders is huge.

“How’s she doing?” I ask, walking to her.

“Fever is back but it’s not as high as it was.”

I nod at Kari’s words, and note the worry etched on Anders’ face.

“She still needs medical attention,” Akari adds, worrying her lip between her teeth.

“Agreed,” I reply, feeling Lucy’s forehead. “Just as soon as it’s safe to get out of here.”

Lucy’s eyes open and she smiles weakly. It’s barely wide enough to constitute one, but it brightens her pale face enough to be recognized for what it is.

“You’re okay,” she croaks and I smile back at her.

“Yes. I hear you got us help. Thank you.”

She turns her head toward Anders and I see something in her eyes that tells me she and Anders might be more than just rescuer/rescuee.

“You get some more rest. I’m sure we’ll have help here in no time.”

Her eyes are fluttering closed before I even finish speaking.

Akari takes me to the seating area and hands me a plate of food. The plate is handmade of wood like mostly everything else.

“Have you eaten?” I ask, looking at her with concern. She looks exhausted, a little banged up with bruises from the hits she took and branch scratches on her face and arms, but otherwise well. Shoving the tree stump seat back, I sit and pull her onto my lap.

“Yes, I’ve had food and water, Daddy.” She instantly curls into me, tucking her head beneath my chin. I smile, kissing her head again quickly before grabbing a piece of venison.

Anders pulls another blanket over Lucy before he goes to check the window. It’s easy to see that he cares for her and not like he just met her either. I’m intrigued but don’t ask.

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