Page 75 of Giddy Up, Daddy

But she could help by talking to him. “I’ll work on communication, though. I, um, well . . . my Little is around six or seven. But sometimes when I get tired or unsure, I like to suck my thumb. So sometimes younger, I guess. You know I like doing magic tricks. I also like experimenting.”

“Experimenting?”

“Like creating things. I like to paint pictures and play with clay, and Play-Doh, and slime. I like mixing it all up. Messy play, I guess.”

“We can do messy play. Would you like any other toys?”

She shook her head. Wasn’t that enough?

He eyed her for a long moment. “You sure, babygirl?”

“I don’t know if I’ve ever played with anything else. I just like messy stuff, crafts, having a chance to do magic. And I guess I’ve always wanted an owl. But it’s not necessary for me to have one.”

“An owl? Um, I take it that you’re not talking about a live owl,” he said slowly.

Her eyes widened. “Is that a possibility?”

“No, babygirl. Daddy was joking.”

She stilled. “You called yourself Daddy.”

“I did.”

A smile broke out on her face. “I like that, Daddy.”

“Can I tell you a secret?” he asked.

She nodded.

“I like it too.”

Blakely giggled.

“An owl, huh? I think we could do that.”

“I don’t want you to spend your hard-earned money on me, though, Daddy.”

“Who else am I going to spend my money on? Besides, it’s my money and I’ll spend it on who I like. Which is you. How expensive are these owls? Ten thousand dollars?”

“What? No, Daddy!”

“A thousand dollars?”

“Daddy!” she cried. “Of course not.”

“Then I think one owl won’t break the bank.”

“Okay, Daddy. Thank you.”

“Are you sure that Mr. Whiskers and Mrs. Flopsy will be all right with a new friend, though?”

“You remember their names?” she asked.

“Of course I do, babygirl. They’re important to you.”

She sniffled. “I don’t know how you’re so perfect.”

“I’m far from perfect,” he countered.

---