Chapter 19 #2
He didn’t ask questions. He didn’t scold her for hiding or for working too late. Strong arms simply reached out, scooped her up like she weighed nothing, and settled her to straddle his lap right there on the cold floor.
Warm, solid arms wrapped around her as one big hand stroked slowly up and down her back.
“I’ve got you,” he whispered against her hair. “Daddy’s got you, babygirl. Let it all out.”
Face buried in his chest, her tears came harder. He held her through every sob, rocking her gently, pressing soft kisses to the top of her head while murmuring quiet, soothing words that wrapped around her like a warm blanket.
“You’re safe, sweetheart. I’m right here. I’m not going anywhere.”
When the worst of the sobs finally eased, Tanner shifted her higher in his arms and stood up. He cradled her close against his chest as he carried her through the quiet kitchen and into her tiny office. The familiar scent of him surrounded her completely with every step.
Only once they were inside the small office did Tanner ease them both down onto the narrow cot.
He stretched out on his back and pulled her with him, settling her fully against his chest, so her head rested right over the steady thump of his heart.
He held her close, while his other hand reached for the soft blanket draped over the nearby chair.
He drew it over them both, wrapping it snugly around her body and tucking the edge gently under her chin. The worn fabric was still warm from the room and carried the faint, comforting scent of vanilla and sugar.
“There we go,” he murmured, the low, soothing rumble of his voice vibrating against her cheek where it rested on his chest. “Nice and warm. Daddy’s got his Little girl.”
One of his strong arms stayed locked securely around her back, anchoring her to him. His other hand moved in slow, gentle strokes, gliding over her hair, tracing down her spine, and sweeping along her arm.
Every warm pass of his palm sent waves of comfort sinking deep into her tired, aching body, melting the tension out of her muscles and making her feel impossibly small, safe, and utterly cared for in a way she’d thought impossible just a few minutes earlier.
He didn’t rush her. He simply held her, letting her breathe, letting her tremble and slowly settle into the quiet shelter of his arms. For the first time in hours, the heavy, crushing ache in her chest began to loosen its painful grip.
In its place, a warm, floating sense of safety bloomed that she hadn’t realized just how desperately she needed it.
“Now, babygirl, whenever you’re ready, tell Daddy what’s wrong.”
After a long while, Junie’s voice came out small and shaky. “I’m scared you’ll leave me, too. Like my mom did. Like my dad did. Everyone always leaves.”
Tanner’s arms tightened around her, strong and steady, as though he could hold all her broken pieces together by sheer force of will. He pressed a long, lingering kiss to her forehead, then rested his cheek against the top of her head, his breath warm in her hair.
“Those are some big feelings, sweet girl. Now, can I tell you a secret? I know that’s what your feelings are telling you,” he said softly, “but sometimes feelings are wrong.” His hand kept stroking her back in slow, soothing circles.
“Has Kenzie ever left you? Has she ever walked away when you needed her?”
“No,” she whispered against his chest.
“And what about Nanabelle?” His voice stayed gentle but firm. “Has Nanabelle ever left you or let you down?”
“Course not.”
“Of course not,” he repeated. “And they never will.”
His words settled like a revelation. Kenzie had never abandoned her. Nanabelle had been steady as a rock through every hard year. Not everyone she loved had left.
And neither did Tanner. Not really.
After all, he’d texted and called her to check on her. And he’d mailed her a present every year on her birthday. Her chest relaxed a bit, allowing her to breathe. How had she forgotten all that?
Some people stayed. Some people chose her, over and over again, no matter how extra she was.
Tanner’s voice dropped even lower. “I know I hurt you when I went to ride the rodeo circuit.”
Junie started to shake her head. “No, no, you didn’t—”
He slipped a finger under her chin and gently covered her lips with it, silencing her. “Yes, Cupcake. I did. I’m not saying what I did was wrong, but we can both admit that it hurt you. And I am so sorry for that. I didn’t want to hurt you then, and I never want to hurt you now.”
His thumb brushed tenderly across her bottom lip. “Anything that could take me away from you is in the past. I am here to stay. I am here for you.”
She let those words sink in, turning them over in her mind. The tight knot of fear in her chest loosened another fraction. A small, fragile spark of hope dared to flicker to life. Maybe, just maybe, she could trust what he wanted them to build together.
“Your mother and your father both chose to leave, each in different ways,” he continued, voice steady and sure. “But, Cupcake, I’m not them.”
He held her, humming a low, soothing note under his breath as he rubbed circles on her back. “You’re safe with me,” he whispered again. “You’re loved. You’re wanted. And I’m going to spend every day proving that to you until you believe it.”
Junie melted deeper against Tanner’s chest, letting the last of the tight, painful tension slowly leak out of her body. For the first time in hours, the heavy ache in her chest felt lighter… smaller… almost bearable.
She slipped further into Little space, allowing herself to be small, this time in a good way, and soft and held. She didn’t have to be strong all the time. Not anymore. She didn’t have to hold everything together. She could just be.
Then he gave her the words that rocked her world and settled her back on solid ground.
“Listen to me, babygirl. Life itself is a risk, and when you love someone, you both agree to deal with that risk together. I love you, Juniper Kate Morgan, and whatever your fears are, you’ll never have to face them alone. Not ever again.”
Tanner kept his arms wrapped securely around her, his hand continuing to caress her back with those slow, soothing circles, letting the silence wash over his words while he whispered gentle praise and promises against her hair.
His deep, steady breathing provided proof of the life he was giving to her.
“Daddy,” she murmured.
“Yes, Cupcake?”
“I’ve always loved you.”
Her breathing gradually evened out. Her eyelids grew heavy. And for the first time all day, Junie let herself truly rest, safe and loved in her Daddy’s arms.
He pressed one last kiss to her temple and murmured, “Let’s close up shop for the day and get you home, little one. Daddy’s going to take care of everything.”
Junie didn’t argue. She simply tucked her face into the warm curve of his neck, breathing in the steady, comforting scent of him, and let him carry her out of the bakery.
Safe.
Loved.
And held so securely in the strong circle of his arms that, for the first time in forever, the heavy ache inside her chest finally loosened its grip.