Page 49 of Scarlett's Mountain Man

My eyes are wide as I search around the area, trying to find where Daddy could possibly be.

“Close your eyes, Little One!” he yells again.

I push Juniper’s face into my neck and close my eyes. Flinching, I hear a pop and a body slumping against the car, but I don’t dare look even though I want to. Daddy told me to keep my eyes closed.

Silence fills the space around me, and worry churns inside of me. What happened? Is Daddy okay? Maybe I should look to see where he is and if he is alive.

Hands wrap around my shoulders, and I scream, keeping Juniper close to me as I try to fight off my attacker.

“You’re okay. It’s just Daddy,” Daddy whispers. “Keep your eyes closed. I’m going to pick both of you up.”

Nodding, I feel him lift me into his arms and start walking. It takes everything in me not to open my eyes and look at the scene.

“I was so worried about you,” he whispers. “I couldn’t find you anywhere.”

“Sorry,” I mumble against his neck. “Juniper and I were going to Uncle Aiden’s house to see if any deer were keeping him company.”

“Next time, tell me where you are going,” he begs me as we go into the cabin. “No matter if I’m on the phone. You tell me.”

Nodding again, I relax into his embrace as he sits on the couch.

“Uncle Aiden is going to check both of you over.” Daddy turns us both around.

“I’m okay, Daddy. Harold didn’t do anything to me,” I try to reassure him.

“Uncle Aiden is going to look over both of you,” he states, leaving no room for any arguments.

Sighing, I allow Uncle Aiden to start examining us.