Page 32 of More Than a Helping Hand

She nods.

The good thing about Parker being somewhat in the loop is that I can get insider information. My snacks were not random choices from the grocery store shelves, but rather a carefully selected array of Primrose’s favorites.

We shift the booster seat to my truck, and I open the box before we leave the ranch.

Bailey puts on the headphones and looks around. “I don’t know if they work.”

I turn up the radio, then reach back and barely lift one side.

Her eyes widen. “These make things so quiet!”

“Good.”

She goes back to her quiet, and I head toward the park.

“Thanks for letting me do this. I’ve spent days trying to think of a way she can join in and not be scared.”

Primrose swallows and glances into the back seat. “Thank you. It’s very sweet, and I’m not sure what to say.”

“I was afraid of lots of stuff as a kid. So I get how she feels.”

She blinks, then shakes her head. “I can’t even picture you afraid of anything.”

“I grew out of a lot of my fears. Like the dark. But there are a few things I still avoid.”

“Like?”

“Disclosing my weaknesses before the third date.” Chuckling, I turn out of the ranch. “Heights. Technically, I’m not afraid of heights. I’m afraid of falling. Valid fear in my opinion. What are you afraid of?”

“I think you know the answer to that one.”

“The answer isn’t me, is it? That would break my heart.”

She crosses her arms. “I’m afraid of someone breaking my heart. Again.”

“I’d never do that on purpose.” I peek in the rearview mirror to make sure Bailey is still wearing those headphones.

“All guys say that, Anderson. And we shouldn’t be talking about this with her here.”

“Okay. But I’m not all guys. I’m me. And all I’m asking for is a chance.”

She tugs on her seatbelt and shifts so that she’s facing me. “This is me giving you a chance. The edge of my comfort zone was somewhere near the pool. And we’ve blown way past it.”

I want to squeeze her hand, but that would not go unnoticed. So I smile at her. People talk about winning smiles. Right now, the only thing I want to win is her heart. Fingers crossed that this smile gets me closer to that goal.

At the park, there is a spot open right next to Parker and Bluebonnet, so I back in there. I hop out and run around to the other side of the truck and pull open both doors at the same time. Bailey giggles, and Primrose smiles.

So far, things are going well.

Primrose clasps Bailey’s hand and pulls the headphones off one ear. “There are lots of people here. And some are not watching for little kids, so you need to stay right here. You can say hello to Uncle Parker and Aunt Bluebonnet, but do not wander off.”

“Okay, Mom.” Bailey runs to Parker’s truck.

“There are snacks in the cooler. Help yourself.” I drop the tailgate and spread out the blankets. “I’m confident there is something in there you’ll like.”

“You sound so sure of yourself.” She lifts the lid, then swats my arm. “You cheated.”

I laugh. “I’m bombarding your walls from every angle, darlin’.”

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