Upon nearing him, the man suddenly spun around, wrapped his arm around her waist, and pulled both her and the child into his embrace.
The man's unexpected action startled Tara Summer, and even more so the five-month-old baby, who was clearly frightened. Her big, watery eyes opened wide, the smile on her rosy face vanished instantly, and her small mouth pouted as she was about to cry.
"It's okay, Nine, don't be afraid, don't be afraid..." Tara Summer patted her daughter's back, soothing her while glaring at the man and chiding softly, "Liam Yancey, you frightened the child!"
The man frowned; his heart ached the most for his daughter. Hearing this, he quickly took the daughter from her arms and cuddled her gently in his embrace, comforting her: "It's okay, it's okay, don't be afraid..."
As he spoke, he walked forward, pointing at the distant scenery, distracting the child's attention.
