Welcome back! Here's a continuation of last week's
sample, from my work-in-progress:
“My daddy is really busy at school. Sometimes he
forgets what time it is and I have to ask somebody to call him.”
“Does your mommy work, too?”
The girl’s face clouded. “No. My mommy is in
heaven. Daddy takes care of me by himself now, but I have to help him.”
Sophie’s heart ached for the little girl. She, too,
know how it felt to grow up without a mother. She kept an eye on the girl while
helping her customers. But unlike most other children who came in the shop with
their mothers, this child stayed in place at the front window and kept her
hands to herself, though she gazed with interest at the displays and the
various fabrics.
In less than five minutes a late model sedan screeched
to a stop in front of the shop and a lean dark-haired man jumped out. His hair
practically stood on end and his eyes were wide with anxiety. He threw open the
door, spied Jennie, and flew to her, wrapping her in a tight embrace.
“Jennie, I am so, so sorry! I knew the party was
over at 5:00, really I did. I should have set the alarm on my phone. I’m sorry
you had to wait for me again.”
“Daddy, that’s okay. This lady said it was okay for
me to wait for you here because the ice cream man turned the lights off next
door.”
“He what? Why would he do that to you? Especially
when it’s raining! I ought to go over and…”
“I think the man’s gone now. But it’s okay. I’m
safe.”
The man took a deep breath. Sophie noticed his face
looked calmer, but anger still burned in his eyes. “Right. I’m glad you’re okay, Princess.” He looked up at Sophie. “Thank you for letting her come in and for
calling me.” He held out his hand. “I’m Brad.”
She took the offered hand and smiled. “I’m Sophie,
and you’re entirely welcome. She was no trouble at all.”
Brad took his daughter’s hand. “We’ll get out of
your hair now. Thanks again for taking care of my little princess.” The pair
waved and left the store.
Sophie watched them go, tamping down her desire to
sigh. Brad Carmichael wasn’t strikingly handsome, but he had pleasant features
and a kind face. And he cared about his little girl. Really cared. That made
him even more attractive, in Sophie’s eyes. What she wouldn’t have given for
someone who cared…
****
Thanks for stopping by! Please leave a comment –
last week's comments were so helpful and I've made edits based on some of them.
Thank you! Be sure to check out other excerpts at Sweet Saturday Samples!
I enjoyed this sample of your WIP. Tugs at my heart and makes me wants to know if these three will connect again, and hope they do.
ReplyDeleteThis one really got to me. I could feel the love and concern in the father's heart!
ReplyDeleteOh, I have a feeling she's gong to get what she wants! Great sample, Patricia! Really like this WIP!
ReplyDeleteGreat sample, Patricia! I could sense Brad's anxiety and concern for his daughter, as well as Sophie's curiosity. I wonder what will happen next. Surely they'll meet up again :-)
ReplyDeleteThis is going to be another great book Patty. I can't wait until it's finished
ReplyDeleteBrad's concern for his daughter comes right off the screen. I love his sincerity as he apologizes to her, love her understanding. And I feel for Sophie. I hope these three get together again soon!
ReplyDeleteAww - nice excerpt! I have a feeling this little girl will be the magical spark between these two. ;-D
ReplyDelete