“Yeah, yeah. Life is so hard.” Astrid shooed her out of the booth. “If you’re going to make that grumpy face, maybe you should leave the ‘Honey Hill Farms Means Happiness’ apron here with me?”
“Rude.” But Tansy handed over the apron. “Extra peanut butter on mine, please.”
“Like I don’t know that.” Astrid took the apron and blew her a kiss. “Have fun. Get an extra espresso shot or two.”
Tansy stuck her tongue out and headed down the row, scanning the banners and signs for anything with the word coffee or latte or espresso. A Latte Coffee was the last booth on the last row. Tansy was so happy, she almost sprinted to it. She ordered a large latte with an extra shot of espresso and headed back to the Honey Hill Farms booth, more fortified.
“Help me, p-please.” It was a wail, high-pitched and frantic. “I—I can’t find th-them.”
Tansy’s heart picked up, turning in the direction of a little girl crying.
A big sniffle, followed by, “H-help me, Thor, p-please...”
Tansy came to a stop, her beloved coffee all but forgotten at the image that greeted her.
Dane was kneeling in the grass, holding the sobbing little girl’s hand. “Hey, hey, now. We’ll find them.” The thing was, he looked almost as terrified as the little girl. His blue eyes searched the crowd—and landed on Tansy. Some of the tension eased from his rigid shoulders and tight jaw.
Tansy was already heading that way but the plea on Dane’s face cinched it.Like I have any idea how to help.She hurried, offering him a reassuring smile. “Hey, Thor.” She couldn’t resist. “What’s up?”
He ignored her teasing and glanced at the girl. “Annie here is looking for her folks.”
“Oh.” Tansy smiled at the little girl. “Well, Annie, we can help you.”
“Thor is the b-best h-hero.” Annie wiped her nose with her forearm. “Will says so.” She sucked in a wavering breath, more tears welling up.
Poor Annie. “Who is Will?” Tansy asked, glancing at Dane.
“M-my b-big b-brother.” Annie dissolved into tears, leaning into Dane and wrapping her arms around his neck.
Dane stared at Tansy and mouthed,What do I do?
I don’t know, she mouthed back. Annie was terrified, she needed comfort, so Tansy mimicked hugging Annie.
He hugged the little girl—more awkward than she’d ever seen him. “Okay.” He patted her back. “Let’s go find your folks, Annie.”
“It’ll be okay now.” Tansy chimed in, offering up a smile. Inside she knew this had disaster written all over it. She was pretty sure they were the two least qualified people to handle this situation.
Annie sniffled, but her little head nodded. When Dane tried to hold her hand, she burrowed closer against him.
“Do you want Thor to carry you?” Tansy asked. He shot her a heavy-lidded glare—which she ignored.
Annie nodded. “P-please.”
Dane sighed and scooped Annie up.
Tansy smiled up at the girl. “You can see better up here, too.”
“Yes. Thor is tall.” Annie wiped the tears from her eyes and looked up at Dane. “’Cause y-you’re a s-strong superhero. You can save the day.”
There was such certainty in her little voice that Tansy melted inside a little. “I know he will.” She patted the little girl’s back.
The look on Dane’s face as he stared down at Annie said it all. He was no longer awkward or uncertain. This little girl believed in him and, now, he looked every bit the protective and capable superhero Annie thought he was.
That’s quite a picture.Tansy took an unsteady breath.Very superhero-y. “All you need is a cape,” she murmured.
Dane didn’t miss a beat. “It’s in the wash.” He winked at her. “Any ideas where to start?”
“Um...” Tansy nibbled on the inside of her lip. “There is an information booth somewhere... And a medical booth? People there will know what to do.” She glanced at Dane for confirmation. But his eyes were pressed shut and his jaw was clenched so tight Tansy worried for his teeth. “Dane? Um, Thor?”
