Page 51 of Cowboy Needed

“Good man, Michael.” Ellis clapped him on the back. “That’s the cowboy way.”

Michael seemed to grow two or three inches. “Can I go ask if it’s cool, please?”

“Go on. We’ll wait right here.” He had to trust his son would come right back.

“Okay!” Michael pelted off, hook on the end of his hand as he hollered, “Arrrrr.”

Ellis snorted, picking up Chrissy when she held up her arms. “He’s a good kid, Ichabod.”

“He is.”

“Me too, Daddy?”

“You too, Allie-girl. You both are my amazing, smart, brave, fierce girls.”

“Rar!” She swung her pumpkin gently, waiting for Michael to come back, staring around her with obvious glee. “So. Much. Candy.”

“And what are you going to say?”

“Thank you!”

He chuckled. “Yes, but first you say trick or treat, right?”

“Twikytwee!” Chrissy hollered.

“Very nice.” He winked at Ellis, who looked at his mouth as if he wanted to take a kiss.

He wouldn’t say no, at least he didn’t think so.

“Okay, Dad! We’re all set. They’ll do a round with their sibs and then come get me.”

“Sounds perfect. Allie, hold Michael’s hand, please.”

“Uh-huh. Tricking and treating! Tricking and treating! La la la!” She skipped and laughed, about as excited as she could be.

They headed out, making a half round before Ellis had to pick Chrissy back up. Bless her, she was drooping already.

Little Allie, though? She was on fire — chattingwith the adults, singing and laughing and loving life. It was the sweetest thing he’d ever seen.

Michael did the one round with them, then rushed off, waving when he was with his friends and their folks. “Time to set up, huh?”

Ellis nodded easily, putting Chrissy down in her car seat with a blanket before setting up their drape and decorations with him. “Candy hand-out achievement unlocked.”

“What do I do, Daddy?” Allie asked.

“You want to give the other kids candy? You can, or you can cuddle in a blanket in the car with sissy.”

“I’ll give out candy long as it’s not mine.” She beamed. “And when I gets tired, I’ll sleep with Chrissy.”

“Sounds perfect. You can do that.” He handed over her coat and mitts. “It’s a little chilly, huh?”

“Uh-huh. It’s cold, Daddy. Bell, can I sit in your lap?”

“You sure can, baby girl.” Ellis stuffed her into her warm gear. “You can hang with me.”

“Are you Daddy’s best friend now?” she asked Ellis. “Uncle Brian lives in Mylanta.”

“Does he?” Ellis glanced at him, eyebrow up as if to say, “what do I tell her?”