Page 39 of Cherishing Little Charlee

TWO WEEKS LATER

CHARLEE

My splint had been removed and we were driving out to a very special place, armed with flowers and a few tiny teddy bear statues. Pierce had brought us to visit Abigail’s headstone. It was a gorgeous spring day with just the right amount of sunshine. It glistened off the lake as if reminding me that even when I was in a dark place, the sun still shone. We sat underneath a large tree on a picnic blanket while I filled Abigail in on all the things going on. The silly initiation that I’d planned for Pierce and how I accidentally covered Master Derek in feathers and confetti instead! I told her about Haven’s princess room and how much fun she would have had in it. Babbling about my friends Sadie and Heaven Leigh had me giggling too. I talked about all the stories I’d been keeping inside, hoping somehow my words touched my Daddy and didn’t make him sad. My heart beamed each time Pierce smiled.

We sat there for hours, simply basking there in the warm sunshine and enjoying each other’s company.

I placed the teddy bears on her headstone at last, tracing her name that was engraved there. “Did Abigail ever go by a nickname?”

“Yes, starlet. She liked to be called Abby,” he said, clearing his throat.

“I know I’ll never replace Abby in your heart, and I wouldn’t want to try, but I can be Little for you. If you’ll have me officially.”

Pierce wiped his eyes as if holding back tears. “Aw, Charlee. You can be whatever you want to be, babygirl. Whether or not I call you that, you are mine.”

“Really?”

“Yes, really. I’d be over the moon if you’ll become my Little girl,” he said softly.

“Thank you. I’d really like that a whole bunch. In case you didn’t know? It’s okay for even big strong Daddies to cry.”

Those words seemed to move something deep inside of him. Watching his face change, it looked like Pierce gave himself permission to cry. It was easier to keep his emotions stuffed down and away from others as he’d said so many times. But here in the stillness of the cemetery, the tears flowed openly. I opened my arms, lying flat on the picnic blanket. He laid on top of me, his face buried in my chest. I rubbed his head, his neck, along his shoulders as he sobbed. It seemed like his tears would never end, no doubt he was releasing a ton of pent up sadness. I gave him time to calm down without saying much. Hoping he had a handkerchief tucked in his pocket, I reached into his flannel and carefully dried his eyes. Pierce glanced up at me, his gorgeous brown eyes red rimmed. Though I could easily cry myself from the raw pain etched into his features, I kissed his forehead. All the things he did to help me, I mirrored for him.

“I haven’t cried like that in a long time, starlet. Thank you for reminding me that it’s okay to let yourself feel and release stored emotions. You’re the sweetest girl.”

“You’re not so bad yourself,” I said, breaking the intensity of the moment. “I’m falling for you. Pretty hard if I’m being honest.”

“You fell for me. Remember? There was a ladder.” He waggled his eyebrows as he spoke.

“Laugh it up, Sir. I fell for you that night, but I was already moving toward you. I was unfortunately too chickenshit to say anything. I should have declared my crush on you the night we first met.”

“Well, I was crushing on you too. I also kept my feelings to myself, but I’ve made a promise not to do that anymore.”

“You had a crush on me? Oh, wow. I had no idea,” I muttered. Though I’d felt the chemistry and the sexual tension between us, I’d never imagined we would actually get into a relationship.

“I’m not happy you were injured,” he clarified. “We’ve talked about this before. But I am happy we were able to connect. Though I really can’t recommend landing on your crush as a way to get his attention.”

“Is that what you thought I did!?” I pretended to be shocked.

“Clearly,” he said, shifting around on the blanket and getting up.

“You’re so mean.” I let him help me to my feet while I scowled but I wasn’t mad at all. “Mean, mean, mean,” I said, sticking my tongue out.

“Careful, starlet. It worked. So I don’t care if you planned it or not.” But his eyes showed amusement.

“I didn’t throw myself off a ladder for funsies. I’m notthatdramatic.”

“Yes, you are. Daddy’s Little drama queen. You said it yourself!”

“Okay, okay! Being dramatic is in my blood,” I answered trying to be indignant but he lifted me off my feet and twirled me around. I couldn’t possibly be annoyed when I felt so loved.

“But, back to your statement, starlet. I’m so glad you’re falling for me because I feel it too. There’s no rush. No timeline, Charlee. If it happens fast, then we’ll figure out the next step.”

“Something crazy like moving in together?”

He cocked an eyebrow. “Have you considered moving in with me?”

“I can’t say it’s the first time I’ve thought about it. Maybe we can have more sleepovers and see what happens.”

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