Page 20 of Big Daddy Mountain Man

“What do you do? Like for a living?”

He kept working his fingers delicately, getting the thread all the way around the bear’s neck and working his magic on the plush doll as he replied, “Little bit of this and that. Mainly I run a tree farm right here on my property. Started out as a lumberjack, working for others, but that never really suited me. I do best when I’m my own boss. I take on clients during hunting season, as a guide. Besides all that, I just sort of… live off the land.”

“Do you sell Christmas trees?” she asked.

He chuckled. “Sure do. Chop ‘em down, load ‘em up, and sell ‘em in town right after Thanksgiving every year.”

“May I see them sometime, Sir? I’ve always wanted a Christmas tree!”

Once again, Sawyer’s heart was in agony. Had she never had a Christmas tree her whole damn life? It was over half a year until the holidays, but one thing was for certain: he’d make sure Amber had a hell of a Christmas this year.

“Of course,” he said. “But right now, you and Honey…” he held up the fixed bear, “need to get to sleep.”

“Honey!” Amber cheered, sitting up quickly and reaching out for the bear.

Now, Sawyer’s heart was full as he watched her squeeze the stuffie tightly against her chest.

“I told you. Good as new. Maybe even better. I made sure she’s patched up nice and strong. Now, Little Miss Cute Stuff…” He said the name before he’d even realized it, instantly hoping he hadn’t gone too far. “You best get some shut-eye. You have a big day tomorrow.”

“Yes, Sir!” she said, still clearly excited about the new and improved shape of her stuffie. “And thank you! For everything, Sir.”

“You’re very welcome. You let me know if you need anything. Sleep tight.”

“You too, Sir. Goodnight.”

“Goodnight.”

He paused at the door, cast one last look over his shoulder, and smiled. Up until that point, he’d thought those mountain sunrises and summer sunsets were the prettiest thing God ever created.

But the sight of Amber snuggling with her stuffie was just maybe the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen.

Damn.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

The following morning, Amber was up by seven.

She tried to get ready as quietly as possible, not wanting to be rude and awaken her host, but evidently, he’d gotten up before her, because she smelled freshly brewed coffee coming from the kitchen.

She went in there to see he was wide awake, dressed, and seemingly ready for the day.

“You’re sure full of energy,” Sawyer said as he took a sip of his coffee. He backed up and leaned against the counter, and it wasn’t lost on Amber that his eyes were trained steadily on her in clear approval.

“I love mornings,” she told him. “Each day is a new chance and clean start, full of potential. The morning holds the opportunity for something great to happen!”

She’d recited that to herself a million times over the course of her life, it seemed. It had become her mantra.

Sawyer was still looking at her the same way, but his grin was even wider now.

Did he think she was cute? Sure looked that way.

He doesn’t want to be your Daddy. A guy like Sawyer is way too hot for you. Don’t forget, you’re the poor girl. A street urchin. He wants the hot girl. And you’re definitely not her!

She told herself to stop thinking negative thoughts. They didn’t accomplish anything except getting her down. Why linger there?

“I respect that.” He gave her a quick nod. “I don’t have much to eat in here. Why don’t we head to town and get a stack of pancakes at the diner? Figured you could talk to Marsha about that job some more, while we’re there. Then I’ll take you on down to Joe’s store. Get whatever you need for the cabin.” He drained his coffee, pushed off the counter, and said, “Speaking of, we might as well stop by there on our way so you can see what all you need before we hit up the store.”

“Thank you, Sir!” Amber said, giggling with excitement.

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