Page 4 of Hearing Little Hadley

Her furrowed brow told him she wanted more of an explanation.

“I’m sorry Noelle hurt you with her unkind words. I want you to understand what she said isn’t true.”

Tears filled her eyes, but she nodded.

“You’re going to make lots of friends at Rawhide.”

Okay.

Finn smiled as he watched her match her facial expression to her card.Okaycould mean a number of things, but she used her body language to match the word. He was always amazed, watching her communicate even when she wasn’t actually speaking.

“Are you excited for tomorrow?”

She nodded.

You.

“Yes, I am very excited. I think you’re going to have so much fun in the Caterpillars Room and I’m going to learn so much at my classes. Maybe I’ll even learn how to take care of a Little properly,” he teased.

She shot him a look that was so adorably ferocious, he couldn’t help but laugh.

He pretended he didn’t take care of her—that they were just friends who lived together. But it was bullshit. He did a lot for her—Big and Little—because he loved her and not in just a platonic sense. He was madly, deeply in love with her, but he’d made a vow years ago that he would never let her know his feelings. She’d been through so much and he was the only stable person in her life, the only one she considered family and he wasn’t selfish enough to take that from her. He knew that meant accepting she might find her forever Daddy at Rawhide during their two-week stay and even though the thought of her being with anyone else felt like a physical blow to his stomach, he knew he’d smile and pretend to be happy for her because that’s what a good caregiver really did, put the needs of their Little one first.

Chapter Three

Leaning forward in her seat, Hadley gasped as she took in the famous Rawhide Ranch gate. The big shiny double Rs stood out against the wrought iron gate so proudly. The falling snow made the scene even more magical.

She smiled sheepishly when Finn chuckled at her enthusiasm. He gently chucked her under the chin. She knew he didn’t mind her excitement. She’d wanted to visit forever.

After talking to security, and showing their IDs, he pulled through the gate.

Hadley was amazed as they drove down the long gravel driveway. There were so many trees and even though the sky was gloomy because of the cold weather, it still looked picture-perfect to her. Clapping when a large barn came into view, she earned another chuckle from Finn. She squirmed and flushed and looked down at her feet.

“I understand, Peeps, it’s so exciting!” Finn encouraged.

Once he parked, he came around and took her hand, helping her stand. The snow crunched under her boots. She liked the sound, so she stomped a little more.

“Careful, Hadley. It can get slick,” Finn warned.

Stopping, she indulged in a full-body stretch after the long drive. He’d told Hadley someone would move their car once they were checked in.

“Are you ready for the best adventure ever?”

She nodded, making her curls fly around her.

He helped her slide her backpack on and grabbed his own, plus their two suitcases.

They climbed the six steps to the main entrance and Finn held the door open for Hadley. They made sure to shake the snow from their shoes before entering.

“Oh, wow, this is magnificent,” Finn said. They’d seen the pictures online but seeing the beautiful area in person was astonishing. Tall, vaulted ceilings, wood paneling, and a double-sided stone fireplace made the spacious area feel cozy. The smell of sugar cinnamon tickled Hadley’s nose and she took everything in.

“We need to find the reception area, Peeps. Oh, I bet it’s the large area right there that says Reception,” Finn said, chuckling. He took her hand and they walked over to the desk.

“Welcome! My name is Erika. Checking in?” a petite woman with short brown hair and sparkling brown eyes, said.

Hadley squeezed Finn’s hand hard. She was so nervous that her tummy hurt.

“Yes, the reservation is under Finn Williams,” he answered.

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