She reluctantly handed over Melly, her lower lip trembling.
He shook his head. “Adorable, angel. But not going to work.”
She sniffled. “How comes I can’t have Melly? Was she naughty?”
“No, Melly wasn’t naughty. However, she was distracting Ari from using her listening ears.”
“I’ll put them on, Daddy and then I can have her back.” She smiled cheerfully. Problem solved. She picked up an imaginary pair of ears and secured them on. “Got them on. Now I can have Melly.”
She reached out, but he stood and placed Melly on the bed. “No, you already had your chance to eat and play. I can see there needs to be a ban on toys at mealtimes. It’s difficult enough to get you to eat as it is.”
She gave him big puppy dog eyes.
He just shook his head. “Nope. New rule. No dolls or other toys while Ari is supposed to be eating. You can have Melly back after lunch.”
“But what if she gets hungry?”
“I’m sure she can wait,” he said dryly.
“Daddy! That’s not very nice.”
He grinned. “Daddy never claimed to be nice.”
“I think Daddy might be the naughty one. I think Daddy might need a spankin’.”
“Oh, it’s not Daddy who gets spanked around here for misbehaving. Now, come here, little bit.” He crooked a finger at her.
She was immediately suspicious. Oh no.
“Why?”
r /> “Arianna Marie, come here right now.”
She practically threw herself at him. What was she doing? She needed to behave. She wasn’t sure what to make of this side of herself. She didn’t want Bain to get tired of her.
“Sorry, Daddy,” she muttered.
“That’s okay, baby.” He kissed the top of her head. “Daddy’s fault for letting you have Melly before eating.” He settled her on his lap and picked up a sandwich, feeding it to her. She didn’t think she’d ever had anyone feed her since she was a child. It was a bit odd, but as she settled into his lap, she kind of started to like it.
He was taking care of her.
“I really loves her, Daddy. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, baby. Here, have some juice.” He held the sippy cup up to her mouth.
She reached up to grab the cup and he pulled it away. “Uh-uh, if Daddy is feeding you then he helps you drink as well. Just keep your hands on your lap, please.”
His voice was firm, and she dropped her hands as he held the sippy cup to her mouth.
“Good, baby?” he asked after he took away the cup.
He turned her further into his chest and started rubbing her back. She let out a small burp and immediately gasped, horrified.
“I’s sorry. I didn’t mean to do that!”
He grinned down at her. “It’s okay, baby. I don’t know how, but even your burps are cute.”
She rolled her eyes. He was crazy. She settled her face into his chest, her eyes fluttering shut. “I like this. I wish it never had to end.”