Page 24 of Guiding Little Gabi

Raleigh turned her back to sit on his lap. “I don’t like to hear you putting yourself down. Lies are still lies, babygirl, even if the only one you lie to is yourself. Actually, especially if you lie to yourself. We are going to get you changed for the hot tub, and then you are spending some time in the corner. But, first things first, let Daddy help you into your swimsuit.”

The authority in his deep voice had her feet moving, and soon she held out her favorite swimsuit to him.

“That’s my good girl,” he said, taking the suit and placing it on the couch beside him. “Now let’s get these clothes off and get you ready to go.”

After helping her into her swimsuit, Gabi modeled it for her Daddy. She’d gotten a new one just for her trip. She loved the dark pink flamingo with its petal ruffles for feathers and how the long neck formed the halter top of the suit.

Raleigh loved it too, if the look in his eyes was any indication. “Okay, naughty girl. Let’s get you into the corner. Ten minutes of thinking of better things to say to yourself than calling yourself stupid.”

She stood with her nose in the corner and her bottom sticking out, trying to think of the things she liked about herself. She decided to reflect on all the nice things others had said about her and work on believing they were true.

Three eons later, a knock echoed at the door.

CHAPTER 8

Gabi bit her lip, waiting for her Daddy’s permission to leave the corner. She jumped when he spoke because he was standing right behind her.

“You may turn around, babygirl,” Raleigh said.

Spinning to face him, she stepped into his open arms. “I’m sorry for talking bad about myself, Daddy. Thank you for helping me today. I can’t wait for them to see what we did.”

“I’m sure they’ll love them, teacup. You’re as cute as a button. But those shoes—how did you even find high-heeled flip flops? Your feet are going to get wet, and you’re going to slip and hurt yourself.”

“I’ll be fine, Daddy. And if I do, you can be the first to say I told you so.”

“Yes, because that would make me feel so much better.”

She feigned a gasp. “Daddy! That was sarcasm. Using sarcasm is against the rules.”

“It’s only sarcasm if I don’t mean it. So, you’re right. That was sarcasm. I apologize.”

She blew him an air kiss. “I forgive you! Now I have a free pass.”

“Uh, no, ma’am, you do not.”

The knocking came again. “What was that, Daddy? I couldn’t hear you over the knocking. I'd better let my friends in.” She skipped to the door. Taking a deep breath, she put on her best imitation of a confident smile and opened the door. Her breath escaped in a sigh of relief when everyone stood wearing the same type of swimsuit she had chosen, each one adorned with ruffles, bows, or polka dots.

Sadie squealed, hopping and clapping her hands. “OMG! I love your flamingo!”

Gabi smiled, this time it was no imitation smile either. “Thanks! Come on in. Do you have a second? I want to introduce you to my Daddy. Then I have something for everyone. So, Daddy, this is Sadie, Hayleigh, Wren, and Pippi. They’re my new friends.”

Each girl waved as Gabi called their names. “Girls, this is Raleigh Stevens. He’s my Daddy and my boss.”

“Your Daddy got here? That’s great! It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Stevens.” Pippi glanced at the bags on the table. “How could you have gotten us something? You didn’t have the time to go shopping,” she asked, eagerness shining in her eyes.

“Girl, there’s always time for shopping,” Wren said with a grin. “Although you didn’t have to get us anything. And hi, Gabi’s Daddy.”

Sadie stepped up and shook Raleigh’s hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Gabi’s Daddy. Welcome to Rawhide Ranch. We love Gabi. She’s our best friend for life. I know you’re super glad to have her in your firm as your premier lawyer.” Turning back to Gabi, Sadie winked. “I thought I’d put in a good word for you. And Wren’s right. Even though we do love presents, you didn’t have to get us anything.”

Gabi shrugged. “I wanted to. You’ve all been so nice, I wanted to show my appreciation.” Shock froze her in place when Sadienearly tackled her with a hug. Should she hug back? Tentatively, she wrapped her arms around her new friend.

Warmth enveloped her. When was the last time someone hugged her? She’d shut herself off from everyone after the kidnapping, convincing herself that she preferred safety over connection. She’d been mistaken. She owed all her friends in Darling hugs when she returned home.

She didn’t have to think about that right now. Now, she could concentrate on having fun with new friends. Friends who, hopefully, weren’t expecting fancy, expensive gifts.

Raleigh snapped his fingers. “Gabi, we forgot to apply sun protection. Where’s your sunscreen?”

Gabi deserved a medal for resisting the urge to roll her eyes. Her friends would think she was a baby. “I don’t need any of that. I don’t think I have any anyway.”

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