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Charlie stares at him.

Dean holds out one thick finger.

Her little hand closes around the end of it.

His face damn near crumples. "I've missed you, my little angel."

Charlie leans into his chest and sighs.

"Aw. Looks like she missed you just as much," I say.

Dean's eyes snap to mine. The soft granddaddy disappears so fast, I almost get whiplash.

Shit.

His gaze runs over me from boots to hat.

"Jagger Cartwright. Nice to meet you, sir." I hold out my hand.

"I know who you are."

He pins cold eyes on me before adjusting Charlie against one arm and taking my hand. Then he squeezes hard.

I squeeze back, trying not to flinch.

He releases me. "Where's my daughter?"

Surprised, I ask, "Lorraine didn't tell you I was coming with Charlie?"

His eyebrows pull together. Then worry appears. "Is something wrong with Lainey?"

I shake my head. "No. She's great. I let her stay in bed catching up on sleep."

His face gets even harder.

Jesus.

I clear my throat. "Maybe I should've phrased that differently."

"You think?"

"Probably."

His eyes narrow.

I point around the farm. "You have a nice place here."

"Been in the family for three generations," he says with pride. "Now why did you feel the need to come here without my daughter?"

Jesus. Talking to this man is like being questioned by the sheriff.

"Because I'm serious about your daughter."

His face stays hardened.

Charlie makes a little noise.

Dean immediately looks down. "There you go, sweetheart." He bounces her gently.