Page 223 of Daddy's Naughty List

They each crossed their fingers. Melissa knew Tim thought like she did; all Littles should be able to find their Daddies. Or Mommies. Or both.

Melissa couldn’t wait to tell Rocky about the meeting. She’d stop by the grocery store to drop off the application for Debbie first. Quickly, she ran to the bathroom before returning to the booth.

Tami had rejoined Tim in their booth. Melissa took a big breath and said, “I have something to tell you both, too.”

“You aren’t quitting, right?” Tim asked.

“Having a baby?” Tami guessed.

“No!” Melissa looked at her as she shook her head quickly. “Nothing like that. I just wanted to share that I enrolled in a virtual high-school program. I’m going to work on all the credits I need to finally graduate. But I’m going to work on it at night. I won’t be able to work overtime.”

“That’s amazing, Melissa. I’m so proud of you,” Tami cheered.

“Daddy said we can have a graduation party when I finish everything. He already has one of those board-like hats with the tassel?”

“Count on me,” Tim chimed in. “That’s great, Melissa. You’ve talked about wanting to get your diploma. I’m glad you have support to get it now. Not that you’ll need any help. You’re a brainiac.”

“Thank you. I have one more thing I need help with,” Melissa confessed. “What do I get a Daddy for Christmas? Is there like a Daddy gift guide?”

“There isn’t. I do have an idea for you,” Tim said. “Zoey and Dr. Richards are going to have a Christmas party. There’s an ugly sweater contest this year. Why don’t you find matching sweaters for you?”

“Ugly sweaters?” Melissa repeated.

“You’ve seen them. They’re all the rage,” Tami told her. “Get something with a decoration he doesn’t like. Glitter? Sparkles? Feathers?”

“Broccoli. I’m going to get a broccoli-design Christmas sweater. Rocky hates broccoli with a passion,” Melissa shared, making everyone laugh.

“Then do something special just for the two of you,” Tim suggested.

A picture of two stockings hanging from the mantel popped into her mind. Daddy and Lissy. He’d love it.

The End

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