“You don’t want to finish that sentence, Little Bear.”

He watched her cheeks flame red, “Where did you learn to play like that?”

“Where I lived before, the only fun thing to do was hang out in a restaurant parking lot like hoodlums or go bowling. Destiny and I opted to bowl and went as often as we could. It gave us a reason to get away from the wardens.”

“So, what I’m hearing is I stood no chance against you?”

“Well, I wouldn’t say no chance, but the odds weren’t in your favor. I have done so well that my picture is framed at the old bowling alley with how many games I have won, including thehandful of perfect games I’ve had. I did try to take it easy on you, I wouldn't want to hurt the old man’s feelings.”

“Ouch, Little Bear! You wound me, shot right to the heart. That was you going EASY on me?”

Jessa giggled at his antics which made the burn hurt slightly less. Eli was never going to let him live this down when Jessa inevitably went and bragged about it to him.

“Is it safe to assume that Destiny is a bowling shark, too? Do I stand a chance against her?”

“She’s good, but not my level good. She would only play a game or two before retreating to the lounge and reading. So the possibility is still there.”

Jackson needed to stop this conversation while he was still ahead, “While I still have some of my dignity intact, let’s move on to the rest of the date. It’s about time that I feed you.”

He helped her take off the bowling shoes before leading her towards the front to return them. Heading outside, they made their way back towards the car and loaded up to go to the next destination.

“Sooooo, what’s for dinner, Papa?”

“There’s a place in the next town over that will cook the meal right in front of you. I figured that you would enjoy getting to see the whole process.”

“THEY COOK IT IN FRONT OF YOU?!”

Jackson let out a laugh and knew once again he made the right choice. “Yes, baby girl, they cook the food at your table.”

“I’ve never been to a place like that!” Jessa replied to him, bouncing in her seat.

“I’m glad that you are thrilled at the opportunity to do this for the first time, but Papa needs you to settle down in your chair please.”

“Yes, Sir!”

The rest of the ride went smooth and once again Jackson was subject to her horrid, but adorable singing. The poor baby really couldn’t carry a tune if it smacked her in the face, but he could tell that she enjoyed it, so he would sit there and endure it until the end of time as long as it kept a smile on her face.

About twenty minutes later, Jackson pulled into a parking spot. Heading inside, Jackson gave the hostess his name and ushered Jessa to go sit in the chairs while they waited. Using this wait time, Jackson pulled up his texts with Eli to fill him on everything that happened today. Including the time out that Jessa received.

Jackson: Just checking in, hot stuff. Everything is going well with our Little Bear.

Eli: I’m glad that she’s having fun.

Jackson: I’m sure you will be hearing all about our date. The Little minx hustled me.

Jackson: But anyways - I was texting to let you know that I did give Jessa a timeout before our date today.

Eli: Really? What spurred that?

Jackson: A direct disobedience of a direction…again.

Eli: Interesting….we can continue talking about this when you get home tonight. Go enjoy the rest of your date.

Jackson: Sounds good, my love. I’ll see you this evening

At the sound of his name, Jackson led Jessa to the table andsettled her in. Now to see just how much his Little girl loved the restaurant. Jackson was excited to see it all again through her eyes. Eli and him sometimes visited for a date night, so Jackson was mentally planning a group date so that Destiny could experience it as well.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN