Keeping Kenzie - Pepper North Page 0,45
a gift from one Little girl to another. Kenzie carefully creased the folds and taped it securely. Turning over the present to reveal a smooth top, she looked at him and declared, “Bow time!”
“I didn’t have any bows, Baby girl. We’ll have to leave it like this. You’ve done a beautiful job. It doesn’t need a bow.”
Her eyes filled with tears. “It’s not a present without a bow. Can’t we go get one?”
“I don’t want to risk Dean seeing you, Little girl. It’s not safe. The police still haven’t found him.”
“You could go? Lollipop will guard me.”
“I don’t enjoy leaving you.”
“No one knows I’m here. Please! There has to be a big bow. It’s not a gift without it.”
Osiris scanned her face. She was truly upset. He pulled out the chair next to her and wrapped his arms around her. “Baby girl, it’s just a present. You haven’t met her yet.”
“It’s important, Daddy. Maybe she’s never gotten presents with bows. Maybe she’s never gotten any wrapped presents at all.” Kenzie said. Her voice caught in her throat as she talked.
“Baby girl,” he said softly as he plucked her from her chair to hold against his chest. Rocking her gently, Osiris pressed kisses to her hair. Suddenly, getting a bow was the most important job he could have.
“I’ll go get a bow for you. What color would be best?”
“Really? You’ll go get a bow?”
“Yes, Baby girl. If it’s this important to you, I’ll get a bow. Hell, I’ll get a dozen bows.”
Giggles interrupted her tears. “This gift would look ridiculous with twelve bows!” She looked up at Osiris with the corners of her mouth tilted up.
“That’s my Baby. No tears over presents. We’ll make it pretty,” he said as he used the bottom of his T-shirt to wipe her tears away.
“Thanks, Daddy.”
“Stay inside with Lollipop. Don’t open the door. Keep that new phone with you. My number is in the directory,” Osiris ticked off the conditions on his fingers.
“Okay, Daddy! Can you go now? Get a pretty bow. Maybe something pink?”
“I’ll do my best, Kenzie. Next time, you’ll go with me.”
“I trust you to pick it out.”
Setting her on her feet, Osiris grabbed his keys from the table and sent her off to grab her phone from the charger. When she bounced happily back in the room, he pulled her in for a tight hug. “I don’t like leaving you. Call if you get spooked.”
“I will. Promise!”
The trip to the closest store took fifteen minutes. He deliberated over the array of bows before choosing the largest fanciest one. Osiris turned to leave the aisle.
“Those are so expensive. You can make bows for a lot less,” an elderly woman shared, looking at him speculatively.
Osiris knew that his size could be intimidating. He smiled gently at the woman, even though he was in a hurry. “How do you learn to make bows?”
“They have a bow maker in the craft section. You can make beautiful decorations for packages using that device and ribbon. Want me to show you where it is?” she offered, leaning a bit more on her cart.
“I don’t want to make you walk across the store. I bet I can find it.”
“Pshaw. I need to walk. Come on.” She set off, pushing her cart at a brisk pace.
Following, Osiris looked at his watch. He should get back to Kenzie, but he knew she’d love being able to make her own bows. It didn’t take too long with her help. Armed with the box kit and some extra ribbon, he gave her his thanks and jogged to the checkout.
His phone dinged, and he quickly checked his messages. Laughing at the image, he zipped through the express lane. His Baby girl was going to love the ribbon maker.
Chapter 23
Kenzie had been alone lots of time in the past. Now the minute that Osiris left, she felt truly lonely. She’d gotten so used to being with him all the time. Her hand stroked over the massive dog’s head as she hugged Cupcake to her chest.
“I’m awfully glad you’re here, Lollipop,” she crooned to the enormous dog sitting next to her on the couch. His answering lick on her cheek made Kenzie giggle. “You too, Cupcake!” she assured the chameleon before licking his cheek and giggling at the feel of the fuzz on her tongue.
A few minutes later, the quiet seemed to close around her. “My brain will imagine all sorts of things if I just sit here, guys. Let’s go check all the drawers