Page 15 of Big Daddy Bull Riders

They ordered their drinks so Amber could get back to work. It didn’t take them long before all three had Mason jars of sweet tea before them. They placed their orders, everyone getting the chicken-fried steak platter.

“That’s a local favorite,” Slater explained.

“Oh, we have it in Texas, too,” Mina said.

“Yeah, but it ain’t as good as ours,” Slater told her with a grin. “Everything in Oklahoma is better.”

Mina laughed. “We’ll see about that.” She looked around and then said, “But I must admit, Oklahoma is off to a good start. A town like this? It’s a dream come true.”

Jackson took a drink of tea before saying, “Now, I normally don’t like to give Texas any credit. But they do have Mountainville down there in the Davis Mountains. It’s on my list of places to visit.”

“I’ve always wanted to go there, too,” Mina said. “But Big Cedar might be just as good.”

“We’re sure glad you’re here,” Jackson said. “How did you hear about the job?”

“It was posted on a Littles’ forum online,” Mina explained. “They wanted someone familiar with the lifestyle to revive the paper.” She sat up a little straighter as her chest swelled with pride. “I majored in journalism at North Texas and then worked for a small paper in Dallas. Did odd jobs on the side and ghostwriting to make an actual living. The paper I was with was tiny. Sort of internet journalism, but we did have a print edition.

“Anyway, I’ve always dreamed of being with other Littles—and finding a Daddy—so I thought what better place to do that than a whole town dedicated to ‘em?”

A wave of embarrassment swept over her. She didn’t know why she felt that way, but for some reason, admitting she was looking for a Daddy made her blush.

Or perhaps she was looking forDaddies…

“Hey, you’re in luck,” Slater said. “There are single Daddies around here.”

She chuckled. “There are?”

“I know of two.”

It took her a moment to realize what he was saying. Once it hit her, she giggled. Thankfully, Marsha and Amber dropped by to deliver their dinners, and their focus shifted toward the hot food.

“Well, you’re an absolute doll,” Marsha said to Mina. “Just as cute as can be, like Amber and all the other Littles that scamper around this town.”

Mina giggled. “Thank you, ma’am.”

“Hey, do you like Little outfits and stuff?” Amber asked Mina. “We have a store here that has the coolest stuff in the back room!”

“Yep! I’m going to get some soon,” Mina told her excitedly.

“Sooner than you realize,” Jackson said.

“Huh?”

“We have a surprise for you.”

Mina was puzzled when Marsha said, “We’ll let you all eat. Come along, Amber.”

They left, and Mina decided to turn the conversation back to journalism rather than her desire to find a Daddy. It was way less embarrassing!

“You know, even though the town is paying me to revitalize the newspaper, it’s set up as a nonprofit that’s completely separate,” she said. “That way, I can remain neutral and independent.”

“That makes sense,” Jackson said. “Those are important qualities for a journalist, huh?”

“The most important!” she said. She was about to elaborate when the atmosphere in the restaurant shifted.

It was so noticeable, in fact, that Mina was surprised the jukebox didn’t fall silent, like in the movies. But Conway Twitty was still singing softly in the background.

Still, lots of patrons’ eyes were on the man who’d just entered.

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