Page 38 of Shattered Secrets

Matt laughed. “Well, that’s really nice of your mom.”

“Mr. Matty, can you put it on your figyator?”

For a moment, he held Daisy’s gaze. A look that Scarlet could only describe as wonder flashed over his face. “It would be my honor, Otter Pop.” He bopped her on the nose as he stood, taking the picture and placing it front and center on his refrigerator. “What do you say you draw your mama a picture while I make us some pancakes and bacon?”

Daisy got busy with a fresh piece of paper.

“Can I help?” Scarlet asked.

“Any food allergies for you or Daisy?”

She shook her head.

“Then how about you hang out and keep me company?”

Was this guy for real? “Surely there’s something I can help with.”

“You can measure out how many chocolate chips you think would be best. I mean, you’re probably right that a sugar coma isn’t the wisest decision for a Saturday morning.”

They spent the next half hour making pancakes and frying bacon and the following half hour gobbling it all up. Matt kept the conversation flowing and light—which Scarlet appreciated. And what she appreciated even more was that he involved Daisy. When he asked Scarlet what shows she was watching, he asked the same of her daughter. He spoke to the little girl like a regular person, never talking down to her or outright ignoring her.

As they finished brunch, Daisy’s eyelids were drooping.

Scarlet wiped her mouth and set her napkin down. “Hey, baby girl. How about a nap?”

“No, Mama,” Daisy said with a pout.

Scarlet arched an eyebrow, causing her little girl to still. “Excuse me? Try again, miss.”

“I’m not sleepy,” Daisy grumbled.

She leaned back in her seat and crossed her arms, pinning her daughter with a sharp look. “If you don’t take a nap, then you don’t get to go with Mr. Matt to visit the cats.”

Daisy’s lower lip wobbled, and her gaze flew to Matt. “Mr. Mattyyy,” she wailed.

“I’m sorry, Otter Pop.” The poor guy looked heartbroken. “Your mom’s the boss on this.”

“What’ll it be, Daisy?” she asked. “Take a nap and visit the cats? Or no nap and no cats?”

“But, Mama, I’m not sleep—” Her words died on a giant yawn.

Done with the back-and-forth—because god knew it could go on forever—Scarlet stood. “Let’s go wash your hands. But first, please tell Mr. Matt thank you for breakfast.”

Daisy looked over at Matt, her blue eyes as big as saucers. “Thank you, Mr. Matty.”

He gave her a soft smile. “You’re welcome, sweet girl. Have a good nap, okay?”

“Okay.” Daisy climbed down from her chair and paused next to him. “Will you be here when I wake up? Will you take me with you to see the kitty cats?”

He twisted in his seat to face her, placing his elbows on his knees so they were eye to eye. “I’ll be here when you wake up, and I won’t go see the cats today without you.”

“Do you promise?”

He nodded and held out his fist. “I promise, Otter Pop.”

Giggling, Daisy bumped her fist against his. Then she launched herself at him, wrapping her arms tight around his neck. She pulled away, placed her small hands on either side of his face, and gave him a giant grin. “Thank you, Mr. Matty.”

Scarlet’s jaw hit the floor. Mostly because of how much her daughter adored Matt, and partially because of the syrupy handprints she’d left on the guy. The guy who had that look of wonder on his face again.

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