Page 72 of Cowboy’s Christmas Baker

“Hey,” Harrison said a moment later, his deep voice sending a happy little tingle across her skin.

“Hi, Harrison,” Mal said. “This is my friend, Amanda. Amanda, this is Harrison and his daughter, Katie.”

“Great to meet you both,” Amanda said with a smile. “Mallory here is the absolute best. You’re a lucky man.”

She gave Mal a quick wave and a wink before heading across the street.

“Can we go on a carriage ride?” Katie asked.

“Of course,” Mal said. “If it’s okay with your dad.”

“Sure,” Harrison said.

“My Great-uncle Joe does the carriage rides,” Katie said. “He’ll be surprised to see us.”

Mal was pretty sure Joe Cassidy wouldn’t be a bit surprised to see Katie and her dad at the biggest holiday event in town. But she just smiled at the little girl’s enthusiasm.

It was amazing to see Katie letting her guard down and looking relaxed and engaged with her surroundings, especially when there was so much going on and so many people around.

“Howdy there,” Joe called out as they approached. “First in line.”

“Hi,” Katie said. “It’s us.”

“My word, if it isn’t my great-niece and my nephew and the prettiest girl in town,” Joe said, with a twinkle in his eyes.

“Hi,” she said, laughing. Mal knew she was far from the prettiest girl in town, but Joe Cassidy had always been a charmer.

“Let me help you up,” Joe offered.

“We’re just fine,” Harrison said, offering Mal his hand.

She took it, trying not to notice the electricity that seemed to dance between them every time they touched.

Once she settled into her seat, Katie climbed in after her.

Harrison hopped up next, settling on the other side of Katie.

“This’ll keep you all warm,” Joe said as he laid a thick blanket over their laps.

“Thanks,” Harrison said.

“I’ve never been on a carriage ride before,” Katie said to Mal. “Have you?”

“Not since I was about your age,” Mal admitted.

“Let’s go, Peanut Butter,” Joe said, then clucked to the horse, and the carriage jostled as they began to move.

“Whoa,” Katie said softly.

“It’ll be smoother than that,” Mal told her. “We’re just getting started.”

Katie nodded, her eyes on the street around them as Peanut Butter the horse pulled them cheerfully down Park Avenue, past the shops and tables and people, past Carla’s Place, and into the neighborhood.

Katie looked so happy that it made Mal smile just watching her. It had been so long since Mal really thought about the simple childhood pleasures she had left behind so long ago. But seeing Katie enjoy this day had Mal feeling like a child again herself.

“Okay,” Joe said. “We’re out of the way of all the people now. Should we pick up some speed?”

“What do you think, Katie?” Mal asked.