For a minute, Beau forgot how to breathe. Her whispered admission turned him into a gooey pile of Daddy Dom.
“I missed you too, pretty baby. My morning wasn’t the same without seeing your sweet face.”
“I wish I didn’t have to go to class today. I want t-to spend time with you.”
Her shoulders stiffened as soon as she spoke the words and Beau imagined it was because she was bracing for rejection. Beau admired her bravery. He knew how hard it had been for her to admit her feelings.
“Well, I have good news for you, babygirl. You’re not going to class today. We are going to have a special day today!”
“A special day?”
“Yes, ma’am. It’s going to be just me and you all day! I have so many fun plans for us.”
Palmer lit up, almost glowing with excitement and he knew he would do anything to keep that sweet smile on her face.
Palmer sat on the couch in Beau’s living room, wringing her hands together.
“Pretty baby, I promise I’m not going to feed you to the horses. You don’t need to look so frightened,” Beau said, peeking at her from the bedroom.
Palmer lifted her head and gave the teeniest tiniest look of sass. “What about Stella the Cow? Are you gonna feed me to her?”
Chuckling, Beau shook his head. “I promise not to feed you to the cow either.”
“What about Alfie?” Palmer tapped her chin as she waited for his answer.
Fucking adorable.
“I promise not to feed you to the alpaca either.”
Her shoulders shook with soft laughter. “He thinks he’s a horsie. I haven’t met him yet, but I really want to.”
Beau finished unpacking the last item he’d purchased and set it on the bed for her. “You haven’t met Alfie yet?” The alpaca who thought he was a horse seemed to be very popular with the Littles. He was surprised to hear Palmer hadn’t been to the stables yet.
“No, Sir, I was kinda scared. I haven’t visited the petting zoo either, but I want to hold the baby goats so badly.”
Beau crossed the space between them and held out his hand. She rose, taking it. “How about we go visit this week?”
Palmer’s eyes widened and sparkled. “You’d take me?”
“Of course I will, silly girl!” Beau booped her on the nose. “I’d take you anywhere!”
Beau led her into his bedroom, his heart fluttering in excitement.
“Oh no. You made a mess,” she whispered in horror.
Beau laughed a big belly laugh. He supposed hehadmade a mess when he was unpacking all the bags and boxes. “I did, but it was for a good reason.”
Scanning the mess comically, she shook her head. “I don’t think there’s a good enough reason for this mess.”
Oh, she was a little neat freak. He’d have to make sure he remembered to pick up after himself. Immediately and not as an afterthought. “I was excited to unpack all your gifts, pretty baby. I think that’s a good reason.”
“Gifts?”
The surprise in her voice killed him. It was absolutely unfathomable to her that someone would want to buy her gifts.
“Yes, gifts for you.”
“T-that’s really nice. Thank you.”