Page 34 of Deciding for Little Dallas
“I’m so sorry I knocked over Dallas and that I hurt her. We, the other Little boys and I, like to run fast and we’re always getting in trouble for it, but we never hurt anyone before today. I’m so sorry, I promise not to run anymore,” he said with big tears rolling down his face.
Even in Pike’s anger he did feel empathy for the boy. “Thank you for apologizing, Billy. I do understand that it was an accident and I’m glad you’re promising to stop running inside.”
“Is Dallas hurt really bad?”
“No, she cut her face when she fell, but Dr. Nelson used some special skin glue, and she has to rest for a bit. Her eye is going to be black for a few days though because her toy hit her in the face when she landed.”
Billy nodded. “Master Derek said she might be resting and that I could apologize when she comes back to the nursery.”
“Yes, I’m going to keep her with me tomorrow, but I will pass on your apology until she goes back to the Caterpillars.”
“Thank you, Sir.”
“I assure you, Billy’s bottom won’t allow him to run after we’re done in my office, right, Billy?”
“Yes, Master Derek.”
Pike almost felt bad for the young man.
Reaching into his pocket, Billy pulled out a folded piece of paper. “I made Dallas a card to tell her how sorry I am until I can apologize in person.”
Pike took the card from him. “Thank you, Billy. I will make sure Dallas gets this. I want you to understand that neither one of us are mad at you. You made a mistake, but you’ve owned it honorably. I’m sure when Dallas is done resting, she’ll tell you the same.”
For the first time, Billy looked hopeful and not miserable. “Thank you, Master Pike.”
Master Derek, Billy, and Pike talked for a few more minutes before Master Derek excused them to go take care of Billy’s punishment. Pike picked up a menu and looked over what he could order himself and his Little girl for dinner. Deciding on a dairy-free pizza for them to share, he placed the order with room service. He was tired and knew it would be an early night forboth of them. He was glad he’d picked up the spooky Halloween goodies from the Ranch store. Pike hoped it would be a fun surprise to lift Dallas’ spirits.
Someone knocked on the door and he stood, answering it again.
“Hello, Mr. Miller. We heard about Dallas’ accident and we wanted to bring her a gift basket,” Nanny J said, holding out a black basket of goodies.
Pike took the basket from her. “Thank you so much, that was so kind of you.”
“We were glad to do it. We love Dallas so much. Do you think she will be in the nursery tomorrow? Some of the students are planning on making her cards.”
“I don’t think so. I think I’m going to keep her with me for a bit. We’re both a bit shaken up,” he admitted.
Nanny J smiled knowingly at him. “I understand that. Maybe she would enjoy going to the barn and meeting the animals. I bet she would enjoy the petting zoo.”
Pike nodded. “I remember seeing something about a petting zoo on the website. She would love that, thank you for the suggestions.” Pike felt a huge weight lift off of him knowing he had something fun Bitty could do without it being too much stimulation. He also realized how grateful he was, once again, for the community Rawhide Ranch provided.
CHAPTER 14
Dallas sat on Daddy’s knee as he read a Halloween book to her. She was completely engrossed in the rhyming story about green glowing eyes and floating ghosties. The theme of the book went perfectly with her new glow-in-the-dark skeleton jammies.
Dallas clapped when the book ended. “Again, Daddy!”
Pike laughed. “Well, I can read it again, but I think I have something much more exciting for us to do.”
“You do?” Dallas asked, turning on his lap to face him.
“Daddy learned something new today.”
“In your class?” Dallas was so happy for Daddy. He was already so very smart, but he still loved learning new things.
“Yes. Some of the grown-ups were talking after our class was over and I learned about The Ghost Host!”
“The Ghost Host?”
