All right, he wasn’t much of a talker. Ranching took all kinds, and she wasn’t surprised that this one was a silent type. It was kind of ironic if he was related to Doc Parson, though, because that veterinarian was the nicest man but definitely a talker. She studied the little girl, who stood in front of her enormous father, sucking her thumb. Her cheeks were fat and rosy, and she wore the most adorable little pink coat. Underneath it, Becca could see striped pink-and-white leggings. Her hood was down and the soft golden curls atop her head looked haphazard, pulled into a high, tight knot.

“What can I help you with?” Becca asked, crouching to get to eye level with the little one.

The girl just stared at Becca, intimidated.

“Gum.”

Becca looked up in surprise. The big, silent behemoth had spoken. “Gum?” she echoed.

He nodded and nudged the little girl forward again.

The thumb popped out of her mouth and the girl spoke. “I ate all of Grampa’s gum and went to sleep and when I woke up my gum was all gone.”

Oh. And she was here at a hairdresser. That wasn’t a good sign. But Becca kept the smile on her face and put her hand out. “I bet I know where it is. Shall we take a look?”

The small, adorable creature put her hand in Becca’s and gave her a triumphant look. “It’s in my hair! And Daddy said you’d be able to get it out.”

Eek, had he said that? Becca cast the man an awkward look. “Well, let’s see what we can do, shall we?” She led the little girl over to the salon chair and helped her out of her jacket, then lifted her into the seat. “What’s your name, sweetheart?”

“Libby.” She looked on eagerly as Becca pulled out a bright pink cape and tied it under her chin.

“How old are you, Libby?”

“Three.”

“Four,” corrected the man gruffly.

“Four,” agreed Libby, kicking her feet under the cape.