Page 77 of Giddy Up, Daddy

He’d warned away from peeking. Unfortunately, the one time she’d tried to look, he’d caught her.

She’d had to spend some time in the corner.

That had sucked.

Daddy needed to loosen up a bit. He had far more rules than she thought were necessary. They’d gone through all the rules in detail the day after the ladder incident. There were so many she’d actually started to fall asleep part way through the conversation.

She now had a bedtime of ten! Which was actually going to be one of the hardest rules to follow. And she had a bunch of safety rules, especially for when she was off the ranch. As well as rules covering respect, honesty, and communication.

But she had to admit that she liked having rules and boundaries. It meant she didn’t have to worry so much about what she did and said.

“I need to get a show ready, Daddy!” she cried, moving to the stage.

“Wait a moment. I might have bought you a few more things.” He dragged several badly wrapped presents out from under the bed. “Uh, turns out that gift wrapping is not one of my strengths.”

“That’s okay, Daddy.” She patted his shoulder before sitting down on the floor. “I can teach you. It’s going to be really hard for you, but I’m sure with practice you can get better.”

“Thanks,” he said dryly as he sat next to her.

“You’re welcome,” she sang as she tried to open one of the gifts. “Uh, Daddy, did you use the whole roll of tape?”

“You mean you’re not supposed to?” he asked.

She shook her head. “Oh, Daddy.” Finally, she managed to rip off all the paper and squealed. “It’s a magic kit! One of the best ones you can buy! Oh, Daddy! It’s amazing.” Blakely threw herself at him, laying kisses on his face.

“You’re welcome, babygirl.”

“I cannot wait to practice my magic tricks. Sooo cool.”

“Well, why don’t you open your other gifts,” he suggested.

Blakely clapped her hands. She tore into the other gifts. There were packets of air-dry clay, some painting supplies, and some make-your-own slime kits.

“I thought we could set up an area for you in here to do your experiments and crafts,” he explained.

“So much fun, Daddy! This is all amazing. I’m so spoiled.”

“Well, there’s one more gift. I didn’t want to wrap it.” He got up and moved to the closet, opening the door.

When he turned back, he was carrying a white metal cage with the most gorgeous white owl she’d ever seen inside it.

“Oh, Daddy!” she cried.

“Do you like him?”

“Like him? I love him!”

He set the cage down in front of her and she opened it carefully, drawing the owl out into her arms. “His feathers are so soft. What’s his name?”

“That’s for you to decide, babygirl.”

“Hmm. I think I’ll call him Marshmallow.”

“Marshmallow?” Stafford asked, looking a bit taken aback.

“Is there something wrong with Marshmallow?” she asked.

“No, of course not. Marshmallow it is.”

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