Page 29 of Koa's Little Girl
“Can I come sit on your lap?”
“I would love that, Flame.”
“Koa, I trust you. If anything got out about me being little at the fire station, I’d lose my position. No one would follow my directions.”
“My team would jump on a grenade to save you, Giana. They’re never going to out you. But you get to decide to act as you wish. Why not see what feels right?”
“You’ll support me either way?”
“Without question. You’re my little girl whether you are in little mode or a kickass fire captain. I love you, Giana.”
“I can’t believe I feel this strongly after such a short time.”
Koa pushed his seat back and plucked her out of her spot. Settling her on his lap, he kissed her until they both breathed heavily. “Maybe we should go back home.”
A knock on the window made Giana jump. They turned to see Pippa standing beside the truck.
Koa laughed and opened the door.
“You’re letting the ice cream melt,” Pippa teased.
“Oh! The ice cream! We have to get it inside.” Giana panicked and scooted toward the opening. Her hand landed dangerously close to her daddy’s privates.
“Whoa! Let me help you.”
Koa wrapped an arm around Giana’s waist and swung her down to stand next to a giggling Pippa who seemed to know exactly what had happened. Pippa hugged her tightly and stepped back to take her hand.
“Come on, Giana. Aspen is in timeout. I’ve been so bored for three whole minutes. Come play with me!” Pippa pleaded.
“I’ll bring in the ice cream. You go with Pippa.”
“Thanks…” Giana hesitated for a minute before adding, “Daddy.”
“Come on, Giana. I brought my stuffie to show you.”
Giana looked over her shoulder as she allowed Pippa to tug her toward the house. Koa mouthed, “Good girl,” to her. He recognized how brave she had chosen to be.
CHAPTER 10
Giana, Pippa, Aspen, and the latter’s faithful dog, Rexy, sat in the blanket fort Jerico had created for them over four lawn chairs. He’d even equipped it with a small rotating fan to circulate a breeze in the summer evening heat. The three women sat eating their concocted ice cream cookiewiches.
Rexy as usual didn’t beg for food. Aspen had explained earlier about the abuse the sweet canine had suffered from his first owner. He simply lay on the blanket close to his rescuer getting frequent pets from all three little girls.
“I love Rexy,” Giana said and took another bite of her treat.
“He’s a sweetheart. I love this dessert, Giana,” Aspen congratulated her.
“It is yummy!” Pippa agreed.
“Mmm.” Giana nodded in agreement with her mouth full.
“How are things with your daddy?” Pippa asked.
Giana held up a finger to ask for a second and finished chewing her bite. It gave her a few seconds to think as well. She swallowed and smiled. “I’m so happy.”
The others beamed back at her. “That’s awesome,” Aspen said.
“I didn’t know what having a daddy full-time would be like. I mean it’s only been a few days, but I love how much he cares about me.”
