Page 78 of Little Bits of Daddy (Montana Daddies)

“I got hungry?”

“Was that a question or an answer?”

She sighed. She knew she wouldn’t get away with lying. “I’m bored. I’m feeling so much better. I want to help with the wedding planning.”

“Is that so?”

“Please, Clint. It’s my wedding. I want to help.”

He frowned. “You’re still supposed to be resting. And not stressing.”

“I’ll stress more not knowing what’s going on. I don’t actually have to do anything. If you just told me what’s happening, I’d feel much better.”

He didn’t say anything, but he seemed to be thinking about it. Which was actually more than she’d hoped for since she’d thought he would dismiss it out of hand.

“All right. I’ll start keeping you updated. Starting after the bridal shower tomorrow.”

Okay, she could handle that.

“Thanks, Clint.”

“But.” He wiggled his finger at her. Uh-oh, there was a but. “You’re still too pale. The bridal shower is enough excitement for now. You start to get stressed, you stop sleeping or eating and you’re back to radio silence.”

She nodded eagerly. “Does that mean I’m not grounded after tomorrow?”

He frowned. “We’ll need to talk to Doc about that.”

“But he said I can come off bed rest tomorrow. And I’m bored out of my mind. Can’t I please have my phone back?”

“Oh, you mean the one you were in here looking for when you’re meant to be taking a nap?”

Busted. Maybe she should have stopped talking while she was ahead.

Like Clint was going to forget that you’re down here in the kitchen when you’re meant to be upstairs sleeping.

“Come here, little darling.”

She swallowed as he held out his hand. She stepped forward and took it.

He tilted her chin up. “Are you supposed to be out of bed yet?”

“No.”

“What were you searching for in here?” he asked, even though he’d already correctly guessed at what she was doing.

“My phone.”

“You’re not supposed to have your phone, are you?”

“No.” She pouted.

“It was very naughty of you to leave bed without permission,” he scolded. “Come on, let’s get you back into bed.” He picked her up, holding her on his hip and climbed the stairs. When he’d first done this, she’d worried about him tripping and falling. But there’s no way Clint Jensen would ever trip and risk hurting her.

As he carried her into the bedroom, she stiffened. Shoot. She’d forgotten about the pillows under the bed!

He set her down.

“I’m okay, Daddy! You can go back to work now!”

---