Page 47 of Protecting Little Phoebe

“Oh dear. Was someone speeding?”

“Yes. Look, they smashed into this truck. Oh, they’re gonna be in big trouble when they get home.”

“I hope they’re all right,” he commented as he came and sat with her.

“Yep. They said they’re all right, just some bruises. That was very close. I think their Daddy will spank them when they get home, though.”

“Perhaps. I’m sure he’ll make sure they’re not injured first. And probably hold them tight for a long time. But I know that my girl wouldn’t be speeding like that.”

Although he did remember she’d mentioned how happy she was not to get any speeding tickets on the way here. Which made him wonder how often she got them.

“Of course not, Daddy. I’m a very good driver.”

“That’s good to hear, because my girl needs to follow all the rules when it comes to driving and keeping herself safe.”

“All right, Daddy! Enough of the chit-chat, I have to go make our cup of tea. Would you like some cake? Cookies? Ooh, there might even be cupcakes.”

He watched as she jumped up and raced over to the table that could be set up for a tea party. She was like a kid in a candy store, flitting around, excited by everything she saw. And it was adorable.

“Oh, Snickerdoodle would love this tea party!” she cried. “I feel so bad that he’s back in the room. I should have brought him.”

Her lower lip started to tremble, and he hated the look of sadness on her face. Getting to his feet, he walked over and cupped her face between his hands.

“Don’t get upset, we can bring Snickerdoodle back another day.”

“Really?” she asked.

“Of course.”

“We can come back to this room another day?”

“Yes, little girl. If you are enjoying yourself, I’ll bring you here as much as you want.”

“Wow. But I’m only supposed to be staying a few more days and what about your work? Don’t you have to get back to it?”

“Don’t worry about any of that stuff right now. If you want to stay longer, we’ll work it out. All right? But I don’t want you thinking about that stuff right now. This is a time to have fun and play and explore.”

She gave him a wide smile. “You’re such a good Daddy.”

“I’m glad you think so because I want to be the best Daddy I can be for you.”

“Well, you’re off to an excellent start. Except for the consequences stuff. You can always forget that part in the future.”

“Hmm, good to know, but I feel like I wouldn’t be a very good Daddy if I didn’t follow through on my word. Imagine if I promised you ice cream and then didn’t get it for you?”

She gasped and pretended to stumble backward. “That would be terrible, Daddy!”

“Exactly. So consequences will stay.”

“And ice cream, right?”

“There will always be ice cream,” he reassured her.

“Whew. Just had to make sure, Daddy.”

“Would you like more tea, Daddy?” she asked, holding up the tea pot.

Barren nodded solemnly as he perched his large body on a rather small wooden chair. Sure, he could have sat on the floor, but that wouldn’t have looked nearly as funny. And this was a teaparty! All of the other guests were sitting on their chairs. Well, Mr. Unicorn kept trying to slip off, but he was a very naughty unicorn.

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