“Something like that. Although you girls took so long that I ended up calling the limo driver to see where you were.”

“We needed a burger.”

“It wasn’t that I didn’t trust you, baby girl. But I hate the idea of anything happening to you. The others all feel the same. I’m overprotective, but you already knew that.”

“I did,” she said with a sigh. “Truth is, I wouldn’t have you any other way.”

Greg wouldn’t have cared if she’d gone out all night as long as it didn’t inconvenience him. Heck, he likely wouldn’t have noticed whether she was late home or not.

She’d never have that issue with Duke.

“Come sit down with me, baby girl.”

He led her to the couch and sat, then drew her onto his knee. She snuggled into his hold as he picked her sippy cup up off thecoffee table. He held it to her mouth. With a sigh, she drank some down.

When he drew the cup back, some liquid dribbled down her chin. She reached up to wipe her chin, but he got there first, brushing it away. His eyes were filled with warmth as he stared down at her.

“I can’t wait to marry you, Little Rebel.”

“Me neither, Daddy.”

It was a dream come true.

3

“Good morning, baby girl.” Duke rolled onto his side, facing his soon-to-be-wife.

Just three more weeks and she was completely his.

Fuck, he was a lucky bastard. He didn’t know what he’d done to deserve Sunny, but he was going to marry this girl and never let her go.

“Good morning, Daddy,” she replied in a husky voice.

“How are you feeling? Better?”

She nodded shyly. “I am. I’m sorry you had to take care of me.”

“Baby girl, you’re already owed a spanking. If I were you, I wouldn’t be saying anything that might add to your punishment.”

“What? Why am I getting spanked? I’ve been a good girl.”

“Yesterday you were apologizing for being a lot of work. Which is actually very similar to what you just said.”

“No, it wasn’t. Well, sort of.”

“You listen to me,” he said firmly. “You’re not a hassle, and I love looking after you. It’s my favorite thing to do. Lately, I haven’t been doing it enough.”

“You always take care of me, Daddy. Don’t talk badly about yourself or I’ll have to spank you.”

“You want to spank me?” He gave her a surprised look.

“No, not really.” She gave him a sad look. “Are you really going to spank me, Daddy?”

“I am. You’re going over my knee, and then you’ll spend some time in the corner to reflect on how you are not a bother and how Daddy loves to take care of his girl.”

“I don’t need to be in the corner to reflect on that.”

“Hmm, that’s true. Maybe I want you in the corner so I can stare at your red ass.”