Total pages in book: 98
Estimated words: 95756 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 479(@200wpm)___ 383(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95756 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 479(@200wpm)___ 383(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
“That leads to the bathroom,” Clint said, pointing at the door. “Do you need to go?”
She shook her head, running her gaze over everything. “Uh, Daddy?”
“Yes?”
“Where’s the TV?”
He let out a bark of laughter. “No TV, darling.”
She gave him a shocked look. “Then what are we going to do all weekend?”
He tapped her nose. “Oh, I don’t know. I thought we might entertain each other.”
She snorted. “We can’t do that all weekend.” She wouldn’t be able to walk straight.
“Well, I wasn’t talking about sex, although we certainly could try.” He winked at her. “But there are plenty of other things for us to do. There are board games for at night. During the day, we can go for walks. Have a picnic. There’s a creek not far, and I brought my rod. We might do a bit of fishing.”
“I’ve never fished before.”
“Don’t worry, little darling. I’ll teach you.” He patted her bottom. “I’ll light the fire and then unload the truck.”
“I’ll help you,” she offered.
“You certainly will not. You just stay there. Or go have a look at what games there are.” He pointed at a chest that rested next to the sofa.
She wandered over to the chest to look at the games inside. She had to admit, there were a lot.
“Here, baby. I’ve got a few coloring books for you. And here is Inky.” He set her a few books and her stuffed toy down on the rug in front of the fireplace. She moved over and grabbed Inky before kneeling and grabbing one of the coloring books and some pencils.
She happily started coloring in an elephant holding a bunch of balloons as Clint lit the fire, warning her not to touch. She wasn’t silly, she knew not to touch fire. He started bringing in all their gear from the truck. She saw him unpack some food and her tummy grumbled.
“Shall I make lunch, Daddy?”
“Little girls don’t make lunch.”
Okay, that was something new. Sure, she didn’t usually cook when she was in Little space. But she hadn’t spent an entire day as a Little, let alone a whole weekend. When they didn’t eat at the dining hall, she almost always cooked at home.
“Besides, I had Neil pack a picnic lunch for us. We’re going to go for a walk and then eat.”
Happiness danced inside her and she clapped her hands together. “Goody.”
He grinned. “Put your coloring books away then, baby. And we’ll get you some proper clothing.”
Ten minutes later and she wasn’t feeling quite so excited.
“I can’t breathe,” she moaned. “Daddy, are you trying to suffocate me?”
She couldn’t even bend her arms he’d put so many layers on her. Apparently, he’d been doing some online shopping since everything but the coat and boots were new. First, he’d dressed her in long johns, then soft, thick pants. Then a plush white sweater with a picture of a unicorn on the front. Followed by the jacket he’d bought for her a few months back. Lastly, he wrapped a scarf around her neck and plonked a woolen hat on her head. The scarf and hat were bright pink with white daisies on them.
“I’m trying to keep you warm. You’re lucky you didn’t get sick, walking around in just a lightweight jacket the other day.”
She sighed. “Daddy, the sun is shining.”
“That doesn’t mean it’s warm outside, little girl. And it’s my job to make certain my girl is well-protected.”
“I’m already sweating. I’m going to faint from heat stroke.”
He snorted. “I won’t let you get heat stroke.”
“You might not know. I might just keel over. Then you’ll have to carry me all the way home. So, I think the safest thing is to take some of these clothes off.” She grabbed hold of the buttons of her jacket.
“If you take any of those off without permission, I’m going to pull down those pants and long johns and smack your bottom.”
Well. Drat.
“Come on. It’s cooler outside and we need to get a move on. You’re cranky because you’re hungry.”
Cranky because she was hungry? She’d spent half her childhood hungry. She was not cranky. But as she stomped after him, she had to admit she did feel a tiny bit out of sorts.
“Hmm, after our picnic, someone needs to have a nap.”
“Do not,” she replied.
He turned and raised an eyebrow. “Or maybe we can skip the picnic and just eat lunch here.”
“No, Daddy. I’ll be good,” she said quickly. “I’m not cranky. See.” She plastered on a big smile.
He shook his head with a grin. “You’re adorable is what you are.” He went over to his truck and opened up the back, pulling out a fishing rod and a small tackle box. The picnic basket came out next.
“Ready, baby?”
“Want me to carry something, Daddy?” She wouldn’t admit it, but it was kind of chilly out.
“Nope, little girls don’t carry things. Well, other than their stuffies.” He winked at her. “Follow me. It’s not too far.”