Page 36 of A Very Naughty Christmas

She ducked her head, suddenly feeling bashful. “Yes, Daddy.”

“I only make these rules for you to follow for your own safety. You understand that, don’t you?”

“Yes, I do, Daddy.”

“And I punish you when you break them because your safety is my top priority. I hope you know that.”

She beamed at being called histoppriority. “Yes, Sir.”

“Good.” He leaned down and nuzzled her neck. “Because I don’t know what I’d do if anything ever happened to my little girl.”

Sara snuggled into the warmth of his embrace, her smile wide and free. Then and there she decided that every sting, every spank, had been worth it to get to this moment where she was completely safe and unconditionally adored. Being Daddy’s girl was worth even the hardest punishment, because when it was over he made her feel like the most special girl on Earth.

“I love you,” she declared in a happy, girlish voice.

Daddy didn’t respond right away, but when he did it was with evident warmth and pleasure. “I’m glad to hear it.”

“What?” She tilted her head back to look at him. “I’ve said it before.”

“No, actually,” he smiled down on her, “you haven’t. But that’s okay. I knew it anyway. And that is the best gift you could have given me.” When he bowed his head, she eagerly lifted her lips to meet his in a sweet, special, almost-Christmas kiss.

Epilogue

Christmas morning

“Have you been a good little girl this year?”

Sara’s eyes flew open and she felt a flurry of excitement wash over her as she realized that it was Christmas Day! Not only that, but her favorite man was playing Santa this year. She observed Daddy Alex in his boxers and a decorative red and white Santa hat.

“Yes, Sir!” she giggled.

“Are you telling the truth?” he asked, feigning a much deeper voice. “Santa always knows when little girls and boys are lying,” he warned as he wagged a finger at her.

“Scout’s honor, Santa.”

“Very well then. Wake up and come see your presents.”

Sara didn’t have to be told twice and eagerly flew out of bed to run into the living room. Her mouth dropped open in surprise. When she’d gone to bed last night they’d had a small, two-foot tree set up that they’d decorated with itty-bitty ornaments and strands of tinsel. It had been fun, but not much to look at. But now in its place stood a tree at least five feet tall strung with garlands, lights, and glittering ornaments. When her gaze slid upward and she saw her family’s angel perched atop the tree, she turned toward him with tears glittering in her eyes.

“How did you…”

“Let’s just say Santa worked overtime this year,” he said with a wink.

“But there were no big trees left,” she marveled.

“I called in a favor or two and after I put my little girl to bed I went through some of the boxes in your parents’ basement. I hope you don’t mind.”

“Mind?” she echoed, still amazed at the glowing, beautiful tree. She threw herself at him, wrapping her arms around his neck and squeezing as hard as she could as she squealed. “Of course I don’t mind! Now it really does feel like Christmas,” she told him tearfully.

Daddy smiled at her enthusiasm. “Good. I’m afraid there isn’t much under it this year.”

“It’s not the presents, it’s the company that counts.” Sara looked at the floor and spied a single gift—the box she’d giftwrapped herself for Daddy. Happily, she skipped over to the tree, retrieved the box, and bounded back over to him. “Open it, open it!”

“I should probably get my cup of coffee first—”

“Dad-dee!”

“Okay, okay,” he chuckled as he began to unwrap the gift. “What’s this?” he askedcuriously as he lifted the lid.

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