Addy scrunched her face up. “Don’t want juice, want coffee.”
She really needed her caffeine fix in the morning. She was feeling decidedly grouchy. No way were they going to hold it back from her.
“Well, that’s just tough, isn’t it?” Dash said calmly. “Because its juice or water or milk for you. No coffee.”
“Not fair,” she sulked, folding her arms across her chest. Dash held another forkful of eggs to her mouth and she took it, but only because she was starving.
“You being mean, Papa,” she told him with a frown.
“Seems to me that someone needs to spend some time in time-out,” Eliot said casually before taking a sip of coffee.
“You’re being mean too, Daddy,” Addy added.
Eliot raised his eyebrows. “I think you’ll find that most Daddies won’t let their little girls drink coffee.”
Addy sighed and finished her breakfast grumpily.
“Full, Papa,” she said when she’d had enough. “Can I go play now?” she asked as Dash took off her bib.
Dash raised his brows. “Were you not listening, sweetie? You’ve got some quiet time now.” He took her hand and helped her off the chair before leading her to a free corner of the room. He turned her so she faced the corner.
“Nose against the wall, little girl. No moving or talking.”
“No fair,” she moaned, fidgeting.
Smack!
“Ow!” She glared up at Dash who just stared down at her sternly.
“Unless you want a spanking, I suggest you do as you’re told, little one.”
Addy turned back with a sigh, inwardly fuming. What seemed like hours later, Eliot placed his hand on her shoulder.
“Okay, little one, time out is over.”
Addy turned and hugged his waist. “I don’t like time out, Daddy,” she complained.
He chuckled. “Which is precisely the point, little one. It wouldn’t be much of a punishment if you liked it. Now, if you think you can be good and behave, Papa has an idea that might cheer you up.”
Addy walked over to Dash and grabbed his hand, pulling on it enthusiastically. “What, Papa? What is it?”
Dash smiled down at her, pushing her hair off her face. “How would you like to go for a ride?”
Addy squealed happily. “Oh, yes!” She clapped her hands together. “I can ride Princess?” Princess was the mare Dash had bought her.
Dash frowned a little. “I’m not sure you’re old enough to be riding by yourself.”
“But I am, Papa, I am,” she said earnestly, being careful not to whine. She really wanted to go riding.
Dash looked over at Eliot. “What do you think?”
Addy turned to look at Eliot pleadingly. “Please, Daddy.”
“As long as she promises to behave and do exactly what we tell her.” Eliot stared down at her sternly.
Addy nodded frantically.
“Okay, then. I have to make a few calls. Why don’t you guys clean up and make up a picnic and we’ll have a picnic lunch. By that time I should be ready to go.”