Total pages in book: 35
Estimated words: 32426 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 162(@200wpm)___ 130(@250wpm)___ 108(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 32426 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 162(@200wpm)___ 130(@250wpm)___ 108(@300wpm)
Danny was dressed in a good coat, something to insulate him from the chill. If I had to make a guess, there were only enough dollars to keep one of them warm. No surprise who went without. That’s a mama for you. They go hungry and cold for their babies, smiling through it all.
I’ll make sure she eats again when we get to the Naughty List before I go back to Courage County. The thought of returning to my hometown doesn’t fill me with nearly as much excitement as it should.
I don’t like the idea of leaving her or the baby alone. I know the people of Silver Bell Hollow will look out for her, as will Mary and Christopher. She will have no better protectors or advocates than those two.
But that’s not enough, I realize with a twisting in my gut. I need to know I’m the one taking care of them, that I’m their provider and protector.
I don’t understand this primal urge, how strong and sudden it is. All I know is the moment I looked at her, the gnawing sense of loneliness finally went away. Seeing her felt like Christmas morning. I couldn’t have asked for a more precious gift.
I pull the truck to a stop in the parking garage. Rudy lifts his head as if he’s asking me if we’re there yet. He’s flown cargo before, so I know he can do it. It’s not my favorite thing for him, but he’s resilient and has always handled it well. Plus, this is one of the better airlines when it comes to pet safety.
“It’s going to be OK,” I reassure him quietly.
I nudge Callie’s shoulder until she’s blinking up at me. With her cheeks flushed from sleep, she looks even more like an angel who misplaced her halo on her way to visit earth.
“Sorry, I must have drifted there,” she murmurs then sees the time on the dash and sits up straight. “I slept for three hours.”
“You and the little one must have needed it.” I nod and point out to the rectangle of daylight that can be seen through the truck’s windshield. “We’re at the airport. You don’t have to worry about a two-day car ride.”
She sends me a panicked look and glances in the backseat. “I’ve never flown before, and he hasn’t either.”
“Don’t worry about it. I’m going to be by your side the whole flight,” I reassure her. When I stopped at the gas station to refill the tank, they were both sleeping so soundly.
I did some quick research and may have freaked out about lap babies. It’s customary for parents to hold babies during flights, but well, every once in a while, that doesn’t end well. So, I purchased a third ticket and stopped at a department store for a child safety carrier rated specifically for airplanes. They slept through all of it.
“I don’t expect you to fly with us,” she murmurs quietly even though she definitely looks relieved at the thought of having someone with her. “You must have a wife and kids to get back to for the holidays.”
“Nope, this cowboy is solo. So, it looks like you’re stuck with me,” I give her a grin to soften the words. I could tell her that I don’t like the idea of a single mom and her baby flying alone on an airplane for the first time. But it’s more than that. I’m not ready to say goodbye to Callie. Not yet.
Chapter 4
Callie
Getting on the plane wasn’t nearly as stressful as I thought it would be. That’s because I had Nate with me, guiding me through every step. He knew exactly which gate to go to and how to handle airport security. He never got flustered or frustrated with me and Danny.
He got Rudy squared away in cargo, somehow producing all the documentation they would need. I never seen anyone as capable as Nate. He leads with quiet confidence that makes me feel safe.
I take the seat by the window with Danny in my arms, relieved that we fit. I’m proud of my curves, but I’d hate for the airline to ask me to buy an extra seat in front of Nate.
I tug his big, brown work coat tighter around my shoulders. When I woke up in the truck, he’d put it over me. I tried to give it back, but he insisted that he runs hot and can’t stand to wear it longer than five minutes. I think he’s lying, but I love the way it smells like him.
From the row across the aisle, I hear faint murmurs. I look up to see two elderly women with an older man. They’re all three glaring in the direction of Danny as if bringing a baby on an airplane is somehow a heinous crime.