Page 23 of Discovering Daisy

And Evan sure couldn’t hack it in Wyatt’s world. He wouldn’t survive a week.

Wyatt ignored Evan’s statement and said, “Is everything okay?” He was talking to Daisy.

“Everything’s fine. I was just telling Evan that I’m with you and…I want him to leave me alone.”

Wyatt looked proud of his baby girl. When he faced Evan, his approving smile had faded. Now he was all business. “You heard the lady.”

“There’s no need to get testy here,” Evan said.

“Testy?” Wyatt said.

Evan held up his hands in surrender. “I’m just saying, your little girl is beautiful. She’d turn any Daddy’s head. Congratulations. She’s something special.”

“I agree with you on that,” Wyatt said. “Have a good day.”

“Evan,” Evan said, offering his name.

“Didn’t ask,” Wyatt said. “Have a good day,” he repeated.

Evan nodded and then walked away. Once he was gone, Daisy threw her arms around Wyatt and said, “Thank you, Daddy! Remember when you told me to trust my gut?”

“I sure do,” he said.

“Well, I did it. That guy kinda gives me the creeps.”

“And he’s the reason Captain Reagan asked me to watch over you,” Wyatt pointed out.

“Yep.”

“Well, he’s bothered you for the last time. I’m here now. You’re safe, baby doll.” He smiled. “Now, why were you calling me over here?”

“To show you how far I can swing out over the ball pit.” She giggled.

“That I have to see!” he said, giving her a kiss and patting her bottom. “But be careful on those stairs. No running. Understand?”

“Yes, Daddy,” she said.

She scampered up to the platform. Levi and Ella cheered her on as she took the nylon rope back over the pit and fell into the bright balls. Daddy clapped, too.

His little sweetie was sure adorable.

He helped her from the pit and said, “You swung far! Was it fun?”

“It was a blast!”

“Well, maybe you can do it again in a little while. Right now, though, you’re due a diaper check. Come here, sweetie.”

It was a common sight on the Little Star, but it didn’t make it any less embarrassing as Daddy pulled the back of her nappy away and peered down to inspect her bottom. He then grabbed the swath of cotton and plastic between her legs and found that it was squishy.

“You’re a clean baby girl but a wet one. Come on, cutie. To the changing station you go,” he said, picking her up.

She wrapped her legs around his waist and laid her head on his shoulder, soaking in the embrace as he carried her across the deck.

“Bye, Levi! Bye, Ella! I’ll play later,” she called over Daddy’s shoulder.

Her friends waved back, telling her they couldn’t wait to see her again.

Life was amazing on the Little Star, Daisy thought.

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