Total pages in book: 44
Estimated words: 42379 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 212(@200wpm)___ 170(@250wpm)___ 141(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 42379 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 212(@200wpm)___ 170(@250wpm)___ 141(@300wpm)
“Watch your language, Little girl. I can make it three easily.”
“Daddy!” she protested, and then shoved a hand into her mouth as he lowered his mouth to her pussy. She’d known better than to tease him. Her Daddy always came up with the most exquisite punishments.
He didn’t need to worry about her language after that. Maisie had almost forgotten what words were by the time he let her come. She did remember how to scream.
CHAPTER 20
Harper looked up from her seat on the floor as she played blocks with Cinderella. Miranda was late again today, and the toddler was the last to be picked up.
“We’re in the play area,” she called, wishing she could get up quickly. Those days were long past. Harper smiled as she rubbed her round tummy.
“Daddy!” Cinderella called happily as she abandoned the blocks and raced toward the barrier with her arms held up.
“Harper. I’m sorry,” Miranda’s husband, Tim, apologized as he scooped Cinderella up in his arms.
“It’s okay. I’ll have to charge you extra time,” she warned, used to Miranda trying to weasel out of the rules.
“Double it. There’s no excuse for this. It won’t happen again. Our divorce was finalized in court today. It went a bit longer than expected due to last-minute demands.”
“Ugh. I’m sorry, Tim,” Harper said, shifting onto her hands and legs as the first step to getting back to her feet.
“Here. Let me help you. Cindy, help Miss Harper pick up the toys,” Tim directed, setting the cute girl on her feet. He stepped over the short railing and helped Harper to her feet.
“Thanks. That gets harder every day,” Harper confessed.
“I bet. I can remember how excited Miranda and I were to meet our baby.” Tim knelt to help his daughter pick up the other blocks.
“We can’t wait. Is something wrong with Miranda?” Harper asked.
“No. Miranda decided she needed to get out of Avondale. Her car was packed and she left from the courthouse after announcing dramatically that it’s my time now to take care of Cindy.”
“Is she coming back?” Harper asked, completely appalled. She rubbed her swollen belly. How could a mother leave her daughter?
“Maybe? Miranda doesn’t really have a maternal side. I think she honestly tried to take care of Cindy, but she just couldn’t do it. It’s okay. Cindy and I will be just fine,” Tim said, ruffling his daughter’s hair when she brought him a block as she helped him clean up the toys. “My folks will help, and she has you and this wonderful place.”
“I’ll keep an eye on her and let you know if I notice anything concerning,” Harper promised. “Is it okay to call her Cindy now instead of Cinderella?”
“Please. I should have never caved to that ridiculous name. It was, however, better than Precious, which was Miranda’s first choice.”
“Cinderella is much better. I like the name Cindy,” Harper shared as he stood and lifted his daughter into his arms.
“I do, too. Thank you for everything you’ve done and will do for Cindy. She loves coming here.”
“My pleasure. I hope things are better for her,” Harper said, blinking away tears. “Sorry, darn pregnancy hormones.”
“I have a feeling it’s more human compassion. Thanks for caring about her,” Tim said honestly. “Now, mark down my extra time and get out of here. I’m sure your husband is waiting to see you.”
He paused at the door. “Do you have some instructions for me? Miranda didn’t ever want me to drop off or pick up Cindy for some reason.”
“Of course.” Harper waddled behind the counter and picked up a folder she had put together for new clients. “Cindy really needs some extra clothes here in case she has an accident.”
“Thanks. I’ll read this and bring her at the right time on Monday with a care packet. Can I ask, who will step in for you while you’re out having the baby?””
“Of course. Rose, Jill Stevens’ daughter, will be here. She’s been my full-time assistant for a while. Cindy loves her.”
“Perfect. Thanks, Harper.”
She watched Tim walk out the door and pause to hug and kiss his daughter. The two chatted as he walked to his car. His love for his daughter was easily observable. Cindy would be in good hands.
Pulling out her phone, she dialed. “I’m heading to you now,” she told Maisie. She needed some Little support. Thank goodness, Maisie had decided today was a good gathering day.
Finding the gardener weeding at the front gate, Beau paused a moment as he pulled through. “You’re working late.”
“Hi, Senator. Maisie gave me her okay to flex my hours a bit today. I needed to take my mother to the doctor this morning.”
“Of course it’s okay, Troy. I hope everything is all right?”
“Yes, she’s good. She doesn’t like to drive anymore, and my sister was busy with graduation for her oldest.”