Page 48 of Daddy Depraved

They’re going to be pissed, and I can’t help but grin as I imagine the looks of pure horror on their faces. Maybe we won’ttell them. Maybe we’ll simply show up for Thanksgiving dinner with my ring on Juliet’s finger.

My naughty Little princess would probably enjoy the heart attack that option is likely to give her mother.

The car rolls to a stop in front of our house, and I give my babygirl a gentle shake. “Time to wake up, Juju. We’re home.”

Nose crinkling, she shifts, pressing her face against my chest. “Nuh-uh.”

I laugh as I nudge her again. “Yes-huh, princess. Daddy has a surprise for you.”

That gets her attention. Blinking owlishly, she sits up and rubs at her eyes. “Another surprise?”

“Yes. Would you like to see?”

“Uh-huh.”

Richard opens the back door and Juju and I climb out together. Swooping her up in my arms, I press a kiss to her cheek as I carry her up the front steps and into the house.

Uncertainty, a feeling I am not well acquainted with, skitters up and down my nerves as I head for the second floor. “My contractors have been working around the clock to get this ready for you, but you can tell me if you don’t like something. We can change anything. But I think you’ll like what I’ve picked out so far.”

“You’re making me nervous, Daddy.”

That seems only fair, since I’m feeling rather nervous myself.

At the top of the stairs I turn right and pause in front of the nursery door. There’s a sign on the door now, the wood painted a deep teal with purple lettering. Eyes wide, Juliet reaches out and runs her fingers over the words.

“Juju’s Nursery,” she whispers, a hint of awe in her voice.

So far, so good, it seems. Her reaction settles the worst of the nerves jumping in my stomach and I reach for the knob to push open the door.

It swings open and Juliet gasps, her hands going to her face as she takes in her new surroundings.

The entire nursery has been redone in shades of teal and purple, her two favorite colors. On top of the dresser are framed photos of our trip to Paris together, and a few other fond memories I have of the two of us. Hanging on the wall are various drawings and paintings of otters, Juliet’s favorite animal.

“Oh, Daddy. It’sperfect.”

She wiggles, clearly wanting to be let down, so I place her on her feet so she can explore. I hang back a bit, giving her some space to get acclimated to her new room. From the rocking horse her Uncle Gideon made special for her, to the giant dollhouse, to her crib with the pretty canopy draped over it that mimics the dress I had made for her “welcome to the family” dinner, she gives everything equal attention before turning to face me, tears sparkling in her eyes.

“You really want to keep me, don’t you?”

How could there have ever been any doubt? Stepping forward, I cup her face in my hands, swiping her tears away with my thumbs. “I really do. You’re mine, Juliet. Forever.”

“Nobody’s ever… This is too much, Jasper.”

The sound of my name from her lips is like nails on a chalkboard. “Who am I, Juliet?”

“Daddy,” she whispers. “I’m sorry, it’s just, I’m a little overwhelmed. This is all so beautiful. Even if it is a nursery.”

“Yournursery. No other Little girl has ever set foot in this room, and no other Little girl ever will, without your permission. Everything I have is yours, princess, but this space especially belongs to you.”

“Does this mean I can’t sleep in your bed anymore?”

Both Maxwell and Doctor D would probably tell me to make her sleep in the crib until she’s fully committed to being mybaby. But the thought of going a single night without her in my arms makes my chest constrict, so I shake my head. “Nights are for Daddy’s bed. You’ll likely take naps in here, and if you need a timeout you’ll be put in the crib. But at night, you’re mine.”

“Good. I’d hate to have to throw a tantrum over sleeping in Daddy’s bed,” she says, a note of teasing in her tone.

“And what do you think would happen if you did?”

“You’d kiss me on the head and tell me I can sleep in your bed whenever I want?”

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