Like the others hadn’t been?

By the time he was finished, she’d slumped on his lap, and the couch beneath her face was wet from her tears.

He gently turned her over, holding her tightly with her bottom off the edge of his lap. He reached down and grabbed the blanket, pulling it around her even though she wasn’t cold. But the feel of being cocooned helped her to feel more secure.

Macca brushed her hair back off her face, kissing her forehead. He whispered to her. Soft, gentle, loving words. She yawned. She felt sleepy, sated, yeah, her bottom was throbbing but there was a part of her that liked the fact that Macca always followed through with his promises.

He might be a tad overzealous in his protection of her, but she’d lived most of her life with no one caring about her. His protectiveness was just a sign of how much he cared about her. Having rules and consequences made her feel secure.

And that was something she needed.

“Nap time, baby girl.”

She sighed but didn’t protest. Truthfully, a nap sounded pretty damn good right about now.

Not that she was going to tell him that.

He easily carried her into the bedroom and settled her down on her feet next to the bed. She sleepily rubbed at her eyes, dropping the blanket to the floor and climbing into bed once he’d pulled the covers back. Her bottom half was still bare, but she didn’t feel like putting any pants on over her hot butt.

He firmly tucked her in then kissed her forehead. “Here’s Bunnykins.”

She tugged her bunny tight against her. Macca sat facing her on the bed and ran his fingers gently through her hair. “What did you think of your first picnic, sweet pea?”

“It was eventful.”

He let out a low chuckle. “It certainly was that.”

“But it was still fun. Sorry I was naughty.”

“It’s okay, baby. Everything turned out fine. I’m sorry I timed it wrong and we ended up out in a downpour.”

“You couldn’t have known, Daddy. And if I’d listened, we would have gotten home before the rain.” She felt bad about that.

“Hey, no beating yourself up with guilt. You’ve been punished. Just next time, try to remember to listen to Daddy, especially around water.”

She smiled and nodded. “I will. I’ll be your good girl.”

“You’re always my good girl. Now, go to sleep.”

A big yawn caught her by surprise and she snuggled in. “Cowboys are cute. I think I want to be a cowgirl. Can I gets a real horse?”

“We’ll see how your lessons go,” he said with amusement. “But if you like riding, I’m sure that can be arranged.”

“Yay. I want a horse like Meg. She’s so sweet. And maybe a yellow cowgirl hat. Do they make yellow ones?”

“We can look for one. Now, sleep,” he demanded, but she heard the laughter in his voice. He reached into the bedside draw and pulled out her pacifier. She suckled on it happily and closed her eyes.

Since she was such a good girl, she immediately went off to sleep.

6

Gigi felt like crap.

Her throat was burning. She had a headache and her nose was all stuffed up.

She groaned and rolled over in bed, snuggling in under the covers.

“Gigi, hey, wake up baby. I’ve made you some coffee.”