Page 68 of Tied to Hope
“I figured since I drove down here specifically to see you, I might as well stop by,” he joked.
Sir gave him an amused smirk. “I’m certainly glad you did.”
He slapped Sir on the back. “It’s been a while, buddy.”
“Too long.”
Hope started crying, having been woken from her nap by their banter. Brie hurried to get her, excited to show off how much their little girl had grown.
When she returned, she asked Master Anderson, “Isn’t she the cutest?”
“Honestly? She just looks like a baby to me,” he answered, chuckling.
Already knowing his answer, she asked teasingly, “Would you like to hold her?”
He looked down at Hope and shook his head. “I’d rather not, no offense.”
Brie giggled. “She doesn’t bite, Master Anderson.”
“No, seriously. I’m happy not holding the baby.”
He may have thought he was off the hook, but Sir spoke up, “Nonsense.” Taking Hope from Brie’s arm, he forced his friend to hold her.
Brie smiled to herself, seeing just how uncomfortable Master Anderson looked holding their little girl, his arms stiff and at awkward angles. He was obviously not a natural when it came to babies, and when Hope moved in his arms, he got a terrified look on his face and tried to hand her back.
Sir shook his head, clearly amused by Master Anderson’s discomfort. Taking pity on him, he did show Master Anderson how to hold her, placing Hope against his chest and positioning his hands to give her adequate support.
The broad-chested cowboy looked adorable holding their little girl. Hope was fascinated by him, her mouth open in a perfect “O” as she stared up at the black cowboy hat on his head.
For his part, Master Anderson looked totally out of his element, which made it even more precious to Brie.
That’s when Shadow sauntered into the room, heading straight for Anderson.
Master Anderson followed the cat with his eyes, looking at him distrustfully. “What is that cat doing?”
“He’s Hope’s guard cat,” Brie informed him.
Master Anderson tried to shoo him away with his foot, but Shadow would not be deterred.
The cat surprised all of them when he suddenly tackled Master Anderson’s leg. Grabbing it with both front paws, Shadow started sniffing his pants, twitching his tail excitedly.
“What the hell?” Master Anderson complained, balancing on one leg as he shook the other, trying to get the large cat off, while still holding Hope.
It was the funniest thing Brie had ever seen and she covered her mouth, trying not to laugh.
“Don’t drop the baby,” Sir warned.
Master Anderson stopped struggling and stood still with Hope in his arms and a cat glued to his leg, looking at Sir with a chagrined expression. “What did I ever do to deserve this?”
Brie cooed. “I think Shadow must smell Cayenne and the babies.”
“That’s just great,” Master Anderson huffed. Handing Hope back to Sir, he said, “Take your baby back while I get this damn beast off my leg.”
Brie watched with amusement as he wrestled unsuccessfully with Shadow to get him off. But, the cat just extended his claws and dug in deeper, determined to stay.
Wanting to help Master Anderson, she said, “Why don’t you give me your shirt?”
He looked at her strangely, but not a man to miss an opportunity to bare his chest, Master Anderson whipped it up and over his head, handing it to her.
