Page 50 of Owned By The Cowboy

I nearly choke on my own spit. “Nia!”

“What? I’m fourteen, not four. I know how this stuff works.”

“This stuff?”

“Dating. Sex. Relationships. Whatever you want to call it.”

I sink into the chair across from her, wondering when my baby girl turned into a tiny adult.

“How long have you known?”

“Known what? That you two have been drooling over each other since we got to town?”

“Nia!”

“Sorry.” She smiles sheepishly. And I have to bite back my own smile.

“So are you going to tell me what’s going on, or do I have to keep pretending I don’t notice?”

I look at my daughter. Really look at her. She’s sharp, observant and surprisingly mature for her age. She’s right. She’s not stupid.

“It’s complicated,” I finally reply. “We’re… figuring it out.”

“Do you like him?”

“Yes.”

“Does he like you?”

“I think so.”

“Does he treat you well?”

“Very.” I can’t help but smile again.

“Does he treat us well?”

“You know he does.”

She nods, apparently satisfied with my answers. “Then I approve.”

“You approve?”

“Yeah. Dad became an asshole who made you sad all the time. Blayne makes you smile. I like the smiling version of my mom better.”

I lay a hand on hers. “Baby, don’t call your dad an asshole.”

She meets my gaze, shrugging. “Just… be careful, okay?” she continues. “Annalise is getting really attached to him. If this doesn’t work out…”

“I know.”

“Do you? Because she’s already planning your wedding.”

“She’s what?” I almost shriek.

“She told Emma that she’s going to be the flower girl when you and Blayne get married.” Nia’s words, combined with a smirk and raised eyebrow, make me huff out a surprised laugh. “With a detailed description of her dress.”

Oh God. This is exactly what I was afraid of.