Page 226 of Cowboy Daddies

“I . . . I want you to take charge,” she whispered. “Please. Until I’m on the ground.”

“Good girl. You’re being so brave. I’m going to help you and then you’ll feel nice and safe. Have you ever had a Daddy?” he asked.

“No. I’ve never had a proper boyfriend. Just a fiancé.”

Um.

If she’d been engaged to a guy hadn’t he been her boyfriend prior to the engagement?

He didn’t really have time for those questions, though.

“Come here, little girl. Turn around to face Daddy.”

“What happens if I fall?” she asked.

“Then I’ll catch you,” he replied.

“But you’re up here with me.”

“I’ll manage it.”

She nodded and slowly turned around.

And then he had a koala clinging to him. But that didn’t worry him. Better that she held on tight so he could be certain that she wouldn’t slip.

“Go Papa! You got this!” Wyatt said as he returned.

“Did you find the lollipops?” Jeb asked.

“Yep, I’ve got five.”

“I think one will suffice,” Jeb replied dryly.

“Don’t be too sure,” she said, letting out a small squeak as he nearly slipped. But he caught himself easily. Then he patted her back.

“Oh, I know what else to get that will help,” Wyatt said. “I’ll be back.”

Wyatt disappeared again as Jeb reached the last branch.

“Right, little girl, you’ve done so well. You’ve done exactly as I’ve said. I’m so proud of you.”

“Thanks, Daddy. I mean, Jeb.”

“It’s all right, you can call me Daddy. At least for the next few minutes. I’m going to lower you to the ground now. All right? We’re not that far up anymore.”

“All right, Daddy.” She glanced down.

“No, keep your gaze up. On me. I don’t want you looking down.”

“All right.” Those blue eyes stared up at him trustingly.

Fuck.

He felt a thousand feet tall right now. As though he could do anything because she believed in him.

Moving her around so she no longer straddled him, he grasped hold of her under her arms and lowered her down. “There’s only about a foot left, are you ready for me to let go?”

“Do it,” she said in a tight voice.