Another two. Ouch. Ouch.
“Two more.” The next one landed and she started to cry. Sobs racked her body. She hated that she’d scared him. She’d been frightened too. She’d been worried he wouldn’t be home for hours and that she’d be stuck there, cold and afraid.
The last one landed and she collapsed against the sofa. He immediately pulled her up into his arms, carrying her to their bedroom where he lay on his back with her sprawled on his chest. He ran his hand up and down her back, talking to her in
a low, soothing voice.
“Love you, baby. I don’t handle it well when you scare me. Not when you go to meet your crazy stalker. Not when you climb high trees. Need you to stop giving me gray hairs.”
“I’m sorry, Daddy. I try not to scare you again.”
“Appreciate that. Love you, angel.”
“Love you too.”
“Daddy! Where are we going?” she squealed.
After having her butt paddled, Bain had put her down for a nap. When he’d come to get her, because she wasn’t allowed to get up on her own, he’d told her he had a surprise. Then he’d slipped a bandana over her eyes to blindfold her. Now he was leading her through their cabin. Towards the back door? Were they going out? But no, he would have told her to get dressed warm if they were doing that.
He was nothing if not ultra-careful with her health and protection.
“Gonna sit you down so I can put some thick socks on your feet, all right?”
So they were going outside?
“Okay, Daddy.”
“Good girl.”
He helped her sit then put some socks on her, as well as a hat, gloves and a scarf. She thought it would have been easier to do this before she’d been blindfolded. But, oh well. . .
“Right, come here, little bit.” He picked her up in his arms.
“Good thing you’re so strong, Daddy. Since you like carrying me around.”
“Seems like I was made just for you, doesn’t it, angel?”
Oh yes. It certainly did.
He had to shuffle her weight around to open the door then a rush of cold air hit her. She didn’t care. Montana was magical. Even the chill in the air as it grew closer to winter. She just wanted to hole up in her little cabin with the fire going and snuggle into her big, cuddly ogre.
“What was that thought that put a smile on your face?” he asked as he walked. Where was he taking her?
“Just thinking about what a snuggle bunny you are.”
He made a dark, rumbling noise and her smile grew wider. “Snuggle bunny? I ought to spank you for that.”
Such an ogre.
“All right. Gonna set you down now.”
He put her on her feet, holding her shoulders until she was steady. Then she felt him move behind her.
“Gonna take the bandana off. But keep your eyes closed for a second.”
“Okay, Daddy.”
The bandana was untied, and she kept her eyes close.