Page 22 of Finding Little Fiera

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen a Mickey Mouse shirt like that before.” Having Mickey’s rear end front and center while the mouse peered out from between his legs was hilarious. It also reminded him of what would happen when they got back to his, no, their cabin after the bonfire. Something told him she wouldn’t think it was funny to assume the same position herself. “Love the ears.”

She adjusted her sequined Mickey Mouse ear headband, keeping her dark brown hair back and her white forelock on display. He was proud of her for not trying to hide who she was. That took guts. She looked… comfortable. Like herself.

“I’m ready if you are, Daddy,” she said, rocking from her heels to her toes. “Sniffles is ready, too.” She spun around to show him her toy skunk strapped to her back.

“All right, we can go. Where is your sweater?”

She gave him the most innocent look he’d ever seen, the little squirt. “What sweater, Daddy?”

He crossed his arms over his chest. “The one I told you to bring in case you get cold.”

“I won’t get cold.”

“Not in your room, you won’t. And that’s where you’ll be staying if you don’t get your sweater.”

She scowled at him but pulled her sweater from the hook behind the door. He held out his hand. “I’ll hold it for you until you need it.”

She grinned before skipping over to him. “Here you go. Thank you, Daddy.”

“You’re welcome, little firefly. I have your letters of apology for Laura and her Daddy. I asked Erika for their room number. We’ll walk together and deliver them before we head to the bonfire.”

Her shoulders slumped. “Can’t we just leave them at the front desk or something? I don’t want to face them.”

“I understand, but a little firefly has to be brave enough to apologize in person when her fire singes someone. Even if it was an accident.”

Doubt darkened her eyes. “Do you think the letters will make it all better?”

“I think so, but if not, we’ll just give them time. I’m sure it will be fine, and I’ll always stand by your side so you don’t have to face anything alone.”

She surprised him by throwing her arms around his waist. “Thank you, Daddy.”

The impact hit him harder than he expected, not just physically. Instinct took over before he thought through his actions. His arms came around her, anchoring her against him. She fit there too easily, her warmth seeping through his denim and flannel. Her smaller frame pressed into his like she’d done it a hundred times before. Damn. She felt good in his arms. Too good.

That realization scratched at something deep inside his chest. Had anyone ever stood beside her when things got ugly? Or had she learned to weather every storm on her own, pretending she didn’t need any help? The idea didn’t sit right with him. Not at all.

Once they reached Laura’s room, Fiera was shaking like a leaf in a windstorm. He wrapped his arm around her shoulder and knocked on the door. It opened a few minutes later, Laura standing behind her Daddy, peering around at them.

He exchanged a knowing smile with the man standing by Laura and nudged his reluctant little firefly. “Go ahead, sweet girl.”

Fiera held out the envelopes with a trembling hand, her gaze settling on Laura. “I wanted to tell you how sorry I was that I ran into you. I know it hurt, and I should have been wearing my sunglasses.”

Laura turned as red as a beet and snatched the letters from Fiera. “Thanks, but you didn’t have to do that. I know it wasn’t an accident.”

“Laura!” the man with her said in a stern tone. “That is unacceptable. Corner. Now.”

Laura stomped her foot. “But, Daddy! I saw her eyes closed.”

That earned Laura a swat to her bottom. “I said, go to the corner.”

With one last glare at Fiera, Laura stomped to the corner farthest from the door.

Laura’s Daddy shook his head before extending his hand to Mace. “It looks like Laura will be apologizing, too. I’m James.” Turning to Fiera, he said, “Thank you for bringing these to us. It was very brave of you. I’m sorry my naughty girl was rude. We’ll probably see you at the bonfire, right, Laura?”

Laura said nothing.

Fiera tried to smile. “Probably.”

Tears glimmered in his little firefly’s eyes. Damn it. He was a patient man, but in that moment, he wanted to pinch Laura’s head off. “We’ll see you there.” He’d be keeping an eye out. If Laura’s attitude hadn’t improved, he’d make sure Fiera didn’t see the girl at all.