Total pages in book: 173
Estimated words: 174632 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 873(@200wpm)___ 699(@250wpm)___ 582(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 174632 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 873(@200wpm)___ 699(@250wpm)___ 582(@300wpm)
Her eyes widened. Everything?
Normally, Ian took care of her when she regressed very young. Although they hadn’t moved into the territory of diapers, there were training pants involved.
However, the look on Jameson’s face told her that he was serious.
Was it a threat or a promise, though?
Because there was a part of her that wanted that. She loved surrendering completely to Jameson.
She blew her nose into the tissue. “That’s not very nice, Papa.”
“I don’t know . . . I think you might like that idea.” His face grew concerned. “Would you like to revisit the idea of a therapist later?”
Would she?
Or did she know deep down that was what she really needed? “I think it might be a good idea. Although I think Ian should have to go as well.”
“Not a bad idea, I suppose,” Ian said, shocking her.
Maggie drew back, looking up at him. “Really? You know, it’s really brave to admit you have a problem, Daddy. And to do something about it. I’m proud of you.”
Ian narrowed his eyes at her. “And what sort of problem do I have?”
“A spanky hand one.” She held her hand up to the side of her mouth. “You know . . . where you think your hand has a brain.”
“My spanky hand is feeling worn out,” he said.
“Aww. Too bad.”
“But Jameson and Jack both have spanky hands. Should I get them to wear their hands out on your ass?”
“Daddy, no! So mean. Also . . . maybe they should go to a therapist as well.”
“Perhaps we should,” Jameson agreed. “I know I have some fears of your disappearing again. And then there’s all that stuff with Elizabeth.”
“Ick. Elizabeth.” She grimaced after saying that and snuck a look at Jameson to see if he was upset.
But he actually smiled.
“Couldn’t have said it better myself,” Jack told her. “Now, of course, I don’t need a therapist. So I’ll just be the driver and hand-holder.”
They all stared at him.
“What?” he asked.
“We can think about that later,” Jameson said. “But I’ll ask around for a good therapist, all right?”
“A kind one,” she whispered.
“Of course, Shortcake.”
“How about some Little time with Daddy, Daddy Two, and Papa?” Ian suggested.
“Daddy Two!” Jack said. “Ian, I’m surprised you’re calling yourself that.”
Ian narrowed his gaze at Jack. “I wasn’t.”
“Do I get to choose what we do?” she asked, eyes widening as she bounced on Ian’s lap. Her sore bottom protested the movement.
Ouchie.
“Within reason,” Ian said.
“What does that mean?” she asked. “There shouldn’t be any reasons, Daddy.”
“Last time you got to choose what we all did, you put make-up on all of us,” Jameson said dryly.
“I don’t care what anyone says, I looked freaking hot,” Jack declared.
She giggled. “I was going to suggest baking! I wants to bake a cake.”
Jameson and Ian looked slightly alarmed. Jack grinned.
“Yes! Chocolate?” Jack asked.
“Of course, Daddy. What’s the point if it’s not chocolate? And then we can eats it while we watch a film. Please, Daddy? Papa?”
She gave them her best puppy dog eyes. Which were pretty darn impressive if she did say so herself.
“All right, Shortcake. I can’t say no to that face.” Papa smiled at her.
“Fine, but there are rules,” Ian said.
“Rules are so boring, Daddy,” she complained.
“They keep us safe. You’re to stay on your stool and not move around the kitchen unless one of us lifts you down.”
She sighed. “Okay. Is that it?”
“No. You’re not to touch the stove.”
“How will I do that if I’m not allowed off the stool?” she asked.
Ian raised an eyebrow. “Are you getting sassy with me? Because there is a naughty corner with your name on it.”
Literally.
Jack had a wooden sign made of her name and had secured it to the wall in the corner of her nursery.
They didn’t call it a time-out because that had a different meaning in their house.
“Not me, Daddy. Maggie is never sassy. She’s a sweet girl. A little misunderstood at times. But very quiet and obedient.”
“Who is this Maggie, and when do we get to meet her?” Ian asked with fake-surprise.
“Daddy!” She dropped her lip out.
“Uh-uh. You know what that will get you,” Jameson said, lifting her out of Ian’s lap and putting her on his hip.
“Yes, Papa. I know.” She put her lip away. “There’s just one thing first.”
“What’s that?” Jack asked.
“Can someone . . . um . . . I mean, I need to . . . I have this ache.”
“Oh, you need to come,” Jameson drawled. “Hmm. I don’t know. What do you think? Jack? Ian?”
“I have a hankering for dessert before I eat cake,” Jack said with a wink.
“Please, Papa,” she begged.
“Very well. But I hope you learned your lesson before about being kinder to yourself,” Jameson said sternly.
“I did. Really.”
Ten minutes later, she was glad Jameson was carrying her as they entered the kitchen because Jack was very talented with his tongue. Jack walked in behind them, a big smile on his glistening lips.