Total pages in book: 46
Estimated words: 47381 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 237(@200wpm)___ 190(@250wpm)___ 158(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 47381 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 237(@200wpm)___ 190(@250wpm)___ 158(@300wpm)
“Whatever you need, we’ll get you, understand?” He slid her around so her legs straddled his and she faced him. “Do not worry, we’ll find a way that you can still perform and not feel ill or panicky.”
“But what if I go on tour and I can’t do it? What if I freak out again?”
“We’ll handle that when it happens. Did you bring your guitar with you?” he asked.
“No.”
“Well, how would you feel about singing with me when we get back on tour? Just a couple of songs. No guitar, no expectations.”
“Really? Sing with you?” Wonder filled her. She’d dreamed about doing that.
“Yes, baby. It would be my privilege.”
Silly Daddy. Didn’t he know the privilege was entirely hers?
CHAPTER 16
It wasn’t until the next morning that she remembered the basket.
Daddy, the sneaky little toad, must have hidden it away. Because when he’d put her to bed last night she hadn’t seen it.
After she’d told him about her guilt over her mom’s death and she’d discovered he’d spoken to Addie and hidden her phone, he’d distracted her with a movie.
Then Addie had called back. By the time she’d spoken to her, then had dinner, which Brand had insisted on feeding her, she’d been exhausted.
Brand had slept with her again last night. It was a delicious torture, having him so close yet not being able to do anything.
This morning, she’d woken up feeling heaps better. In fact, she almost felt well enough to leave the room. But she didn’t want to give anyone her germs, so she’d wait.
“Daddy, the basket!” she said. “I didn’t get to look in it!”
She’d just had breakfast. More porridge. It didn’t look that great, but it tasted all right. But she wouldn’t admit that.
Not even under the threat of torture.
Brand grabbed a wipe and cleaned up her face, then wiped her fingers. Even though she hadn’t been allowed to feed herself.
Again.
And are you complaining?
Not even slightly.
He’d actually let her get out of bed to eat breakfast this morning. She was strapped into some sort of special high chair for big Little girls and boys. She didn’t know where it had come from, but he’d told her he’d ordered it.
This place really thought of everything.
“Basket? What basket?” he teased as he undid the straps and drew her up into his arms.
“Daddy!” She wiggled as though she thought that would make him put her down. “The basket Derek brought over yesterday. Did you hide it from me?”
“Would I do something like that?” he asked.
“Yes.”
“You’re right, I would. I tell you what, you can sit down here, and I’ll go get it for you.” He set her down on a soft, thick rug which he’d put on the floor in front of the fireplace.
She clapped her hands excitedly.
Brand gave her a stern look. “Don’t get too excited. You’ll start coughing and you’ll have to go back to bed.”
“I be good, Daddy. Promise.” She was feeling much better today. She guessed all the care and attention was working.
He grunted but left the room. She was practically buzzing with excitement. Today, she was wearing a different onesie. This one had a hood with a bumblebee face on it.
Which was adorable.
Jolie felt kind of guilty that he’d bought all these things for her, but he seemed to be enjoying everything as much as she was. He also appeared to like dressing her each morning, feeding her, even taking her to the toilet.
Brand had certainly taken to his role as her Daddy. Far more than she ever could have imagined. It was beyond her dreams.
She just hoped she didn’t mess it all up.
You could try to be less demanding. You should stop earning punishments.
True.
And he wouldn’t want to take care of her like this once they went back to reality. He’d be too busy.
Which made her kind of sad, but she had to be thankful for having this time together. It was far beyond anything she could have dreamed of.
He returned with the huge basket in his arms and set it down in front of her. Her mouth dropped open as she took in everything inside.
“I need Buzzy, he’ll want to see all of this!” She tried to stand, but Brand shook his head at her.
“Stay there, I’ll get him.”
Oh shoot. She hadn’t meant that Brand had to get Buzzy.
Idiot.
Be less demanding.
“Thanks, Daddy, you’re the best,” she said as he returned with Buzzy. “Let’s see what’s in here, Buzzy.”
She drew everything out slowly, oohing and aahing over all the things she found. There were coloring books and pens. Colored clay. Building blocks. A wooden doll that came with several sets of clothes that were magnetic. That look like so much fun. And there were also several of those dolls that came in plastic balls that you had to unwrap to see what you got.
“I’ve always wanted to try one of these!” She held up one of the balls.