Page 32 of His Sassy Little

“Just two.”

Arabella studied the broccoli for another moment and Tanner saw the moment her decision was made. When she speared a bite and moved it toward her mouth he was prepared, his hands braced on either side of his seat. His little girl needed levity and he was willing to give it to her, but he already knew she was going to pay.

Arabella opened her lips as the broccoli neared them, then suddenly flicked her fork so the bite went flying off, heading right for his chest. He was fast to spring from his seat, but Arabella was faster, scrambling down and hitting the floor running as she laughed wildly.

Racing down the hall after her, Tanner gave her one warning, “Little girl! Stop where you are, or you’ll regret it!”

Arabella ignored his warning, continuing her path until she burst out the back door and into the yard, Tanner hot on her heels. Arabella raced straight for a large tree in the corner of the yard and on a running jump, she grabbed hold of a sturdy branch, pulling herself to perceived safety.

It didn’t take Tanner much to reach her since he was so much taller. She screamed giggles as he grabbed hold of her legs, tossing her over his shoulder in a fireman's hold as he hopped back down from the tree and made his way back to their bedroom.

“Now you’ve done it, Little girl.” He told her as she wiggled and squirmed, uselessly trying to free herself from his hold. “This naughty girl is about to meet the tickle monster!” Arabella doubled her efforts, using her little fists to pound on his rear and kicking her legs, all while giggling so hysterically she couldn’t even form words.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Arabella was in her playroom–as she liked to call it–arranging stuffies in a net hammock that Daddy had hung for her. She was humming a happy tune as she worked between making conversation with each fuzzy animal she placed neatly. Her hips swayed, and her feet moved to the tune in her head as she spun and grabbed Mr. Fluffington.

“You’re not going in this hammock. I know you want to be with your friends, but I need you. I only brought you here to visit.” She squeezed the bunny tightly as he expressed his displeasure at being denied more time with his friends. “I know, but who will keep me company?” She lifted him and nuzzled his nose, cooing comforting words to him as she turned to head out.

Arabella jumped at the sight of the imposing figure in the doorway but settled once more when she saw who it was.

“Rocky! You scared me to death!” Her hands, still holding her precious bunny, were over her heart as it slowly returned to a normal rhythm.

“You still look very much alive to me.” He leaned against the door jam, crossing his arms and taking in the room. “You’ve made a lot of progress here.”

“Well, with Daddy being home more, it’s been easier to devote time to it.” She pointed to the far wall, “He even built me craft shelves.”

She beamed a smile at the sight of all her art and craft supplies neatly arranged. Arabella loved organization and was proud of the work she’d done to arrange everything just so.

Tanner had been spending more time with her over the past several days and a lot of that time had been spent turning this room into her own little paradise. He’d had to get some things taken care of at the bar today, though, so she was hanging out with Rocky.

“Come on, Little girl. Lunch is ready.” With that he turned and headed down the hall, Arabella scrambling after him.

“Rocky?” She asked breathlessly as she tried in vain to keep up with his long strides.

“Yeah?”

“Can I ask you something?”

“You can ask anything, doesn’t mean I’ll answer, though.” He softened his words by looking over his shoulder at her and giving her a little wink.

“Well, I feel really weird calling Pup… well, Pup. What’s his real name?” Rocky stopped in his tracks and Arabella could swear he gasped. When he turned around to face her, his expression was soft and thoughtful.

“Aiden.” There was a wistful smile on his face as he said the name, which made Arabella really want to ask more questions, but she didn’t want to push her luck.

“I like that much better. I’ll be using it from now on.”

Rocky’s chuckle vibrated hoarsely in the air around them. “You do that, Little One,” and with that, he turned and continued leading the way toward lunch.

Arabella had just lay down for a nap when the door to the room opened and Daddy walked in. She jumped to her feet and raced over to him, jumping into his arms and wrapping her legs around his waist.

“I missed you, Daddy.” She said before placing kisses all over his face.

“I was only gone a few hours,” he laughed.

“So? I still missed you.”

Daddy nuzzled his face into her neck. “I missed you too, Little Hurricane.”

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