Page 86 of More Than a Helping Hand

“Yep.” I kiss the top of her head. “Then we’ll start dinner.”

As she washes her hands and gets the homework out of her bag, I text Brooke.

Me:I need to go shopping for a ring. Will you help me?

Brooke:YES!!!!!!

Knowing she’s so excited makes this all even better.

* * *

I pokemy head into Bailey’s room, and she’s sound asleep. Finally.

When I sit down next to Primrose on the sofa, she snuggles up beside me. “Thank you for making dinner.”

“No problem.” I wrap an arm around her. “Now that Munchkin is sleeping, I can talk to you about something.”

She hesitates a second before saying, “Okay.”

“Bailey has been wanting to ride a horse. But she’s still kind of little, and the idea of her on a horse makes me nervous. But then I had a thought. And I wanted your permission before I bought her this gift.” I’ve been thinking long and hard about the perfect present for Bailey. And I’m hoping Primrose is open to the idea.

“Gifts that need permission scare me. We can’t have pets in this apartment. And drums are completely out of the question.”

I pull Primrose closer. “You wouldn’t have to keep the gift here, and I would do everything needed to take care of it.”

“Just tell me, Anderson.”

“I want to get her a pony.”

Primrose’s jaw drops open, but then she smiles. “You’re serious?”

“Completely. I already talked to Beau about keeping it in the barn. We have room. I think she’d love it. And I’d get one that she could ride for several years. Shoot you could even ride it.”

She blinks. “You want to buy my daughter a real-life pony?”

“Shh. Yes, but I don’t want her to hear us.” Staring at her, I raise my eyebrows. “So can I?”

“A pony isn’t a little gift.”

“You’re right. It’s a big gift, and it would give her the idea that I plan to be around for a while. Because I do.”

“You can get her a pony.” Primrose stretches up and kisses me. “I can’t believe I just said that. You have no idea what it means to me that you love my daughter.”

“It’s easy to see where she gets her awesomeness.” I lean in close and let my breath tickle her ear as I whisper, “I had no idea traits like that could pass from an uncle.”

She gives me an eye roll. “You’re so funny. And that’s one of the things I love about you.”

I shift her into my lap. “And I love you too.”

* * *

One week before Christmas,I park outside a coffee shop that’s not near where Primrose works and not near her apartment or her parents’ house. When I walk inside, Mr. Fields waves from a table on the far side of the room.

I extend my hand as I approach. “Thanks for meeting me, Mr. Fields.”

“Drew is fine. And if the reason for this meeting is what I think it is, I’m very happy to be here.”

Relief washes over me. “I’m glad to hear you say that. Can I buy you a coffee?”

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