Manda covered my mouth. “–you’re a big ole’ meanie head who should have spoiled his girls with the yummiest drink on the planet.”
Seth raised both of his eyebrows and shook his head. He looked down at the two of us, an amused look on his face. “I think you should redact your statement immediately, Panda. You don’t want to wind up on the naughty list this year.”
“I’ve been a good girl all year long, Daddy,” Manda said sweetly.
“Yes, you have been but poking at your Uncle isn’t advised,” Seth reminded though his eyes sparkled as he reprimanded her.
Nathan crossed his arms over his chest, but to his amusement it was also clear. “Well?”
Manda slowly dropped her hand and smoothed my puffy winter coat that had bunched around my chest in my sprint.
“I didn’t technically poke you, Uncle Nathan.”
Now we had given the two of them a dilemma. We ran off after Uncle Seth told us not to. Plus she sassed my Daddy and hadn’t properly apologized. I hadn’t offered an apology either. Nope, Manda was my ride or die. If she wanted us in bigger trouble for some reason, I’d follow her lead.
Seth gestured to Nathan and before either of us could blink or explain, we were lifted off our feet by our respective Daddy.
I wrapped my legs around Nathan’s waist looking up at him.“Hi, Daddy.”
“Hi, babygirl. You’re lucky I’m in such a good mood. You and Panda are about to be sore for the rest of our night.”
I didn’t love the sound of that. Oh, who was I kidding? Yes, I did. We weren’t in big trouble. I said nothing else asNathan carried me through the park to a gazebo way off the beaten path. The cute spot was privately surrounded by trees but glowing in the soft moonlight. Tons of sparkly holiday were hung illuminating it. I forgot about the benches built into the wooden structure until I was bent over the nearest one. Without looking behind me, I was certain Manda had taken up the same position as me on the other side.
“When I tell you not to do something, Kels, I expect you to listen.” Uncle Seth tapped my hip.
Crap. I felt very contrite as he spoke over my shoulder. There was something about his tone, stern with only a hint of amusement that made me groan. His hands were solid and though he didn’t have the same ‘jungle muscles’ as my Daddy, they always hit the mark.
“I’m sorry, Uncle Seth. I should have listened.”
“I accept your apology. Let’s get this over with so we can look at the last big display. You already saw part of it, but there’s a surprise hidden there.”
A surprise!My heart raced with excitement despite the minor punishments hanging over my head. “Who is it for?”
“You, silly goose!” Manda shouted from somewhere behind me.
Uh-oh. I didn’t love surprises but if the four of us were together and she already knew about it, it had to be something big. My Daddy laughed with a deep belly laugh. That was a relief. At least Manda wasn’t about to get into real trouble.
“Yes, Kels. It’s for you,” Uncle Seth confirmed.
His palm struck either side of my butt hard and fast. It stung but I was focused on what was coming next. I danced my heels up and down. I heard Amanda grunt and she no doubt was dealing with her own adjustment.
“I’m sorry, Uncle Nathan,” Manda cooed. “I just wanted to remind Kels that we are extra loved! Especially today!”
“I know, Panda.” Nathan said softly. “But it is important to listen to what you’re told to do.”
“Yes, Uncle Nathan.”
Seth landed two hard slaps on my upper thighs before sitting next to me on the bench and kissing my temple. “Do you feel extra loved?”
“Well, I think you and I may have a very different definition of that word.”
“Fair enough, sweetie.”
I shifted my hand to his and squeezed it. “Thank you, Uncle Seth.”
“You’re welcome.” Seth stood up and I heard him high five Nathan like he was tagging him in.Ugh. That meant my bottom would be sore as promised. So much for thinking they were only going to spank one of us each.
“Trust me, button. By the end of the night you’ll feel it,” Nathan mused.
