Page 11 of To Hold and Protect

Harper put her hand over Skylar’s mouth. “I am not dropping to a knee.”

“But he’d love that.”

Everly took Willow’s hand and pulled her to the dining room, which was also a mess. “They do that all the time, Miss Willow. You want to see my present?”

Willow glanced back at the two women and they both grinned at her. Ah, they were letting Everly have the stage. She kneeled, lowering herself to eye level with the girl. “I sure do want to see.”

Everly’s smile was beautiful. “I painted it for you.”

She turned the painting around, and Willow was floored at seeing it. “You painted this?” No way a five-year-old painted this.

“You don’t like it?”

“Oh, sweetie, I love it. It’s amazing.” She held the canvas out. In it, she was sitting on the steps of her porch wearing the clothes Everly had first seen her in—her floppy hat, flowery dress, and cowboy boots—and was that what her smile looked like, as if she was having the best day of her life?

“You painted this?” she stupidly said again. She was having trouble believing it. It wasn’t the work of a mature artist, but it really was incredible, considering Everly’s age.

“Hard to believe, isn’t it?” Skylar said as she and Harper joined them.

Willow nodded. “It’s beautiful, Everly. I love it so much.”

“I’ll paint you another one. What’s your favorite thing in the whole world?”

“Cookies, but you don’t have to paint me another one.”

Harper chuckled. “If she wants to paint you something, you won’t be able to stop her. She’s like her dad that way. Just go with it.”

“My daddy likes you,” Everly said.

That sounded more hopeful than true, but the only thing she could think to say was, “I like your daddy, too.”

Everly’s eyes brightened, and Willow wished she could take back the words. She already knew the girl wanted a mommy and she was afraid that she was being considered as a possible contender.

“Now you’ve gone and done it,” Skylar said, laughter in her voice.

Willow stood. “I didn’t mean to.”

“Everly, honey, why don’t you go find the perfect wall for the painting, and if it’s okay with Miss Willow, we’ll hang it up.”

“I’ll find the best place, Aunt Skylar.”

“I think someone’s playing matchmaker,” Harper said after Everly was out of the room.

“Not going to happen.” But she hadn’t discouraged the girl, had she?

The two women laughed.

“I mean, she was telling me that she was going to be a flower girl when the two of you got married, and if her daddy was dating someone, they could get married, too.”

“Well, look out,” Harper said. “When she gets an idea in her head, there’s no talking her out of it.”

“I’m afraid she’s going to be disappointed if she’s set her sights on me. Parker doesn’t even like me, so I’m the last woman he’d want to date. Not that I want to date him.” Even if he was the sexiest man she’d ever seen.

“Well, that’s interesting.” Skylar glanced at Harper. “Don’t you think so?”

Harper nodded. “Very interesting.”

“What, that I don’t want to date him?”

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