“Thank you, sweet girl,” Rooker said, giving her a squeeze before releasing her and stepping back. “Go use the bathroom and come right back here when you’re finished and I’ll walk you back to your table. Okay?”
Carri nodded her agreement. The hug and directions spoke directly to her Little side and made her want to do anything she could to make Rooker smile. “Yes, Daddy. Right here.”
She looked at her feet and noted the square she was standing on was two squares from the wall and three squares from the entrance to the restroom.
She entered and was grateful the room was empty. After using the toilet, she quickly washed and dried her hands, then looked in the mirror. Her eyes were shining with the happiness she felt, and she only hoped it continued for a long, long time to come.
With a happy giggle, Carri skipped out of the large restroom, ending with a hop into the same square. Then she began to hop and turn in circles, making sure not to leave the square as she hop-hop-hopped.
“What are you doing?” Rooker asked as he approached.
“Hopping out some energy,” she answered as she continued to hop.
“Okay, well, how about we hop back to your table before your sisters come looking for you?”
Rooker held out a hand, which she took. When he began to walk, she changed from hopping to skipping.
“Why are you skipping?” he asked, his voice sounding amused, but curious.
“It makes me happy.”
She tried to keep the duh out of her voice, but from the look he sent her, she knew he’d heard it.
Rooker wondered if his staff would have him committed if he started hopping and skipping around the store during the day. Nah, they would probably join in, or start a conga line, or some other crazy dance. That was one of the reasons he liked hiring Littles and Middles to work in his store. Not only could they identify with the customer base, they were the most nonjudgmental people he knew.
After delivering Carri back to her booth, he gave her a quick kiss on the forehead. “I’ll be back at six and we’ll go to dinner. Don’t eat too many sweets.”
“Yes, Daddy,” she whispered as she grinned up at him.
The afternoon dragged on forever, even though he was busy talking to Daddies and Mommies about Little care, and handing out fliers for the store. He left the selling to Laurie, which worked out. By the end of the day, his feet were tired, and he was ready to collect his Little girl and go home for an evening on the couch.
“See you tomorrow, Laurie,” he said over his shoulder as he headed out just after the last customers walked away from the table.
“Have a good evening,” she called after him.
Crossing the convention room and approaching Carri’s booth, he slowed at the sight of the three sisters holding an intense conversation.
Carri was shaking her head and looking defensive. While he wanted to step in to stop the arguing, Rooker had a feeling she needed to stand up to her sisters and would not appreciate his interference. He stopped two booths away and waited for a moment to step in.
Finally, Carri yelled, “Enough. I’m old enough to make my own decisions, and I will be with Rooker, just like I was last night. I’ll see you back here in the morning.”
With that, she turned and hurried away. Her sisters looked stunned as they stared after her.
Rooker approached and pulled two business cards from his pocket. “She is safe with me. Here’s my cell number and information, just in case.”
“If you hurt her, you’ll have us to deal with,” Lottie said, taking both cards before handing one to Tilly.
“That’s fine. I don’t plan on hurting her. I’m hoping to love her for the rest of our lives.”
With that bombshell dropped, Rooker walked away without waiting for their response. Instead, he hurried after the woman who already owned a large part of his heart. She had left the room, but when he stepped into the hallway, he did not see her in the thinning crowd.
Where could she have gone?
Pulling out his phone, he called her cell, hoping she had it with her and that she would answer. If not, they would be having a long discussion about safety and communication, once he caught up to her.
Chapter Nine
Her phone buzzing in her back pocket had Carri jumping in surprise. Pulling it out, she checked the screen and immediately answered.
