Page 38 of Blame It On Midnight

“I got plans, but I promise I’ll see you later.”

“Promise?”

Ryland glanced at Benton. His daughter had pretty much everyone wrapped around her little fingers.

“Promise, kiddo.”

Benton grabbed the picnic basket off the table and checked his phone while Nora hopped into the truck and buckled in. He’d sent Collins a text earlier and told her he’d be by within the hour.

Can’t wait, followed by a winking face emoji.

He stared at the reply. “Guess I’m doing this.”

“You’re talking to yourself again, Daddy.”

He glanced over his shoulder at the little girl who was his whole life and grinned. “I’m getting old.”

“You’re not old,” she replied with that cheeky grin he loved. “You only have one white hair and it’s in your nose.”

He laughed and backed out of his spot, then drove down the lane. He cranked the tunes like he always did when it was the two of them, and his heart damn near doubled in size when she began to sing along to an old Patsy Cline song. It had been one of his mother’s favorites.

By the time they reached Big Bend, his girl was nearly sung out. He pulled up to Duffer’s Place and decided if he was doing this, he’d be doing it right. He told Nora to unbuckle and swung her out of the truck, then set her down in front of him.

“Does your friend live here?” she asked, staring up at the wide porch.

“She’s staying here while she’s in town.”

“I like the swing.” She pointed to the big oak and the swing that moved gently in the breeze. “Can I ride it?”

“Maybe some other time.” He led his daughter up the stairs and they walked inside. Wilhemenia Duffer sat at the front desk, a word puzzle book open, a pen in her hand. She smiled when she spied them.

“Hello,” she said warmly. “Nice to see you, Bent.”

“You too, ma’am.”

“Shush now. Call me Willie.” She moved out from behind the desk, eyes on Nora. “Good Lord, but you’ve grown since the last time I saw you. What is your daddy feeding you?”

“Well, I like to eat carrots a lot. I feed them to my pony, but we don’t like broccoli.” She made a face. “Or peas.” She looked up at Benton. “But I like liver even though no one else does. Rosie makes it special just for me.”

“I like liver too.” Willie stood back. “She’s precious, Benton.” Then she glanced toward the stairs. “You’re here for Collins?”

He shuffled his feet a bit. “I am.”

“Isn’t that nice. She told me she was going to the church picnic with a handsome cowboy, but she neglected to tell me his name.”

Just then, a squeak on the stairs got his attention, and Benton looked up. Collins was halfway down. Looking at her was like a punch to his gut. She wore a simple pink dress, halter style. It fell to just above her knees. On her feet were white flats. Her hair was loose, her skin smooth, her eyes huge, and her mouth glistened. His eyes ate her up in a way that wasn’t decent but, dammit, he couldn’t get enough.

“Hey, I know you.” Nora yanked out of his grip and ran to the edge of the stairs. “What’s your name again?”

“Collins.” She joined his daughter and smiled. “And you’re right. I was at your home last Christmas, and you showed me your bunny.”

Nora nodded, then glanced down and pointed. “My daddy has a tattoo, but not a unicorn.” She lowered her voice into a whisper, though he and Willie had no problem hearing her. “It’s a snake. Yours is pretty.”

Collins looked his way, a bemused expression on her face. “Thank you.”

“I like your dress. Do you like my boots?” Nora twirled in a circle.

“They’re the prettiest boots I’ve ever seen.”

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