Total pages in book: 47
Estimated words: 45946 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 230(@200wpm)___ 184(@250wpm)___ 153(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 45946 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 230(@200wpm)___ 184(@250wpm)___ 153(@300wpm)
“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 tea party! 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.
“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.”
“My bottom is already hot!” she told him.
“It can be hotter.”
Phoebe sighed. “All right, Daddy. I will try to nap. I really don’t think I’ll fall asleep, though.”
“You said that last night too.”
“I was just tired. It was all the glitter. Glittering makes me tired.”
“I don’t know that glittering is a word.”
“Oh, it is, Daddy. It totally is.”
He crouched to remove her slippers, skirt, and tights. Then he stood and drew off her sweater, leaving her just in a T-shirt.
“Come on, you need to go potty first. You haven’t been all morning.” In fact, she hadn’t drunk much at lunch or breakfast. He needed to get some water into her.
“I don’t think I’ve gots to pee, though,” she complained as he led her into the bathroom.
He placed her in front of the toilet, then drew her panties down before helping her sit. Then he stood and waited.
She stared up at him, her face growing red. “Daddy! Are you going to stay in here?”