Page 42 of Big Daddy Mountain Man

“I think I’ve spotted you in town more times over the past couple of days than I have all year,” Quinn said.

Sawyer was looking around Joe’s General Store, picking out things for his sweet Little, when he looked up to see the sheriff smiling at him.

Quinn’s mind thought back over the past few days. He’d been at the café the night Amber arrived. Then he’d taken her to the store the next day for supplies. He’d even gone back to the store to buy her a new stuffie and some outfits. And now there he was, shopping once again.

“You know, Sheriff, I think you’re right,” Sawyer said with a grin.

“Well, it’s good to see you, brother.” Quinn smiled. “I guess Amber is spending the night over at Joe’s tonight.”

From behind the counter, Joe spoke up. “I’m going to have a houseful! And I’m worried those cuties will give me a run for my money!”

The men laughed.

“Well, you know how it is with my Little Alyssa,” Quinn answered back. “You can call me anytime if she acts up. Or justbust her cute bottom yourself. That would nip any misbehavior right in the bud.”

“I’ll keep both of those options in mind,” Joe said. “How about you, Sawyer? What do you want me to do if your Amber gets out of line?”

“My Amber?” he asked, cocking his head to one side and shooting a glance across the store at Joe. “I just met the woman earlier this week.”

It was Quinn who answered. “You’re not fooling anyone. We saw you holding her hand when you dropped her off at Marsha’s earlier.”

“That big kiss you gave her sort of told us, too,” Joe chimed in.

“Does no one in this town mind their own damn business?” Sawyer asked, wearing a good-natured grin.

“Well, you were the one doing it out on the sidewalk in front of us, God, and everyone,” Joe responded.

The men all laughed.

“I reckon so. And I’m not trying to hide it,” Sawyer said. “I guess you could say my Little just sort of found me. Or I found her.”

“It was meant to be,” Quinn said. “I’m happy for you.” He clasped his friend’s shoulder.

Joe nodded. “I’m happy for you, too. Hey, you should come over tonight. I’m going to grill while the girls play. I’d love to have someone to talk to. Got plenty of beer already cold and ready.”

Sawyer thought it over for a moment. He was so used to being alone that it felt strange to accept the invitation. But it felt nice to be invited, too. And the thought of company was appealing. He could use some guy time. It had been a while since he’d hung out like that.

Plus, it would give him more time around his sweet Little girl. What he really wanted wasalone timewith her. They had some unfinished business to attend to. That would just have to wait, though. Amber had mentioned the sleepover, but evidently, she’d forgotten it was tonight.

No worries. They had time to… see to their business.

They had forever.

“I’ll be there,” he said. “And I appreciate the invitation.”

What he didn’t voice to the other men was how shocked he was. His life had taken a very drastic and unexpected turn in just a matter of a couple of short days.

And he was happier than he’d ever been.

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

Amber smiled when she saw Sawyer sitting in one of the booths at the café.

The dining room was empty beside him and the place was set to close in thirty minutes.

“Daddy!” she yelled as she hurried giddily toward him.

“Don’t run, little girl. You might trip and hurt yourself.”

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