Page 48 of Protecting Little Phoebe

“Mr. Unicorn! Stop moving,” she grumbled as she finished pouring Barren’s tea.

With a sigh, she put her tea kettle down and then grabbed Mr. Unicorn, setting him on his chair.

“Look at Mrs. Bear and Miss Bunny,” she scolded. “They are sitting in their chairs nicely and so is Daddy. So why can’t you? I’m starting to regret inviting you.”

“He has been quite naughty,” Daddy agreed.

“I know. Unicorns are often naughty. They think they’re special because everyone loves unicorns. I still love unicorns, but I do think that Mr. Unicorn might need to learn how to behave himself.”

“I understand where you’re coming from,” Daddy said as he took a sip of tea. “Now, it’s nearly time for lunch and a nap, little girl. So we need to tidy this up before lunch gets here.”

“Sure, sure, Daddy.” She was a bit busy right now with Mr. Unicorn. He just wouldn’t stay up and it was frustrating.

Besides, she was still full from breakfast and who had time for a nap?

“Little girl, are you listening to me?”

“Uh-huh.”

“Then why aren’t you tidying up?” he asked sternly.

She glanced over to find him standing with his arms crossed over his chest.

Hmm. Uh-oh. “I’m not hungry, Daddy.”

“No skipping meals,” he stated. “Another rule.”

“I hope you’re writing these down, Daddy,” she stated.

“I’m going to look for a book in the store after your nap.”

“I really don’t need a nap, Daddy!”

“Are you sure about that?” he asked.

“Uh-huh. I’m not tired at all!”

“We’ll see. Start tidying all of this up or you can spend ten minutes in the corner and then you can tidy it up.”

“Ten minutes! That’s a lifetime!”

His lips quirked. “Not quite. Start tidying.”

Tidying up sucked. But she thought that corner time would likely suck more.

CHAPTER 12

“There we go! All nice and clean.” Barren finished cleaning her face and hands with the wet cloth. “Cute as a button.”

Phoebe smiled up at him. “Thanks, Daddy.”

“You’re welcome, little girl.” He tidied up their lunch and carried the tray to set it outside the door. Phoebe jumped up and opened the door for him. “Thank you. Now, let’s get you ready for your nap. I haven’t got any pajamas for you, although there might be something in here we could use.”

He hated not having everything she might need.

Phoebe wrinkled her nose and shook her head. “I’m good, Daddy.”

“I know you’re good, little girl. But that doesn’t mean you’re not having a nap. And whether you have one with a hot bottom or not is up to you.”

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