Pa

"Pa!" She screamed again and again. Her shrieks of delight turned into tears of joy. He gently untied her hands and feet before scooping her up out of the wagon bed.
"Pa." she sobbed again into his shoulder as her tears continued to pour out. Her whole body was shaking with excitement, as was his. He brushed his hand lovingly over her brown tangles and squeezed her tight as he mumbled: "Annie, Annie, Annie. My sweet little Annie."
Pulling away from her, he laughed then said "So, my girl, you want to sit up, do you?"
She looked up at him. He looked older, much older than just a few years. His beard was rough, his hair was shoulder length and greying about the edges, but his brown eyes were as bright as ever she remembered them. He set her down gently.
"You ready to go now?" he said, smiling with his eyes, his lips turned in amusement.
He always did like to surprise her. This, though, was above and beyond any joke he had ever played on her and Ma.
"Pa," she scolded, "Why didn't you just come get me during the day? The McMann's are sure to worry, and I doubt they would begrudge me going with you."
"Dear little Miss, there are things you can't understand right away. I assure you that those nice farmers will get over worrying about you soon enough. All that I can tell you now is that there are bad men out there hunting me. If it became known that I was seen around these parts, they would hear about it and come hunting me. As of now, no-one knows to connect you with me. You are just another orphan who ran away. Those farmers couldn't hardly afford to keep you, especially now that they have another one on the way. You disappearing is a blessing for them, and for me." He looked sternly, but lovingly, down at her. "My girl, My sweet girl" he said again as he lifted her to the seat of the wagon. She scooted over to make room for him next to her. He pulled himself up, grateful to be sitting next to his daughter once again. Annie slipped her arm around Pa's. "He ya!" he bellowed at the horses.