“Answer the door, Rebekah. Wouldn’t want to keep the goons waiting.”
I rolled my eyes, turning before Daddy could see it.
“I saw that.”
As I threw open the door, I let out a giggle before welcoming the guys in. It seemed like they all decided to arrive at the exact same time, right on time, I might add. Guess that came from years of punctual training in the military.
“Pipsqueak!”
“Shortstack!”
“Bex!”
I threw my greetings to all the guys and stepped back so they could all pile in. One after another, each dropping a quick kiss on the top of my head or giving my shoulder a small squeeze.
“If you are all done with my woman, maybe we can get the night started,” Daddy growled, walking up behind me andpulling me against his chest. Snuggling into his chest, I sighed and relaxed against him.
It didn’t take long for all the food to be laid out along the kitchen counter. Since it was a last-minute decision to play poker tonight, Daddy hadn’t had enough time to prepare a meal like he normally would. Something he wasn’t happy about. Apparently, he loved feeding the guys during poker nights. Instead, each of them grabbed something from the store or a restaurant on the way to our house.
Wings, pizza, chips and salsa, tacos, chicken, and more sat spread out like a feast fit for a king. “Whoa, guys. Are we feeding an army?” I asked, eyes widened as more and more food was added to the counter.
“Well, an ex-army.” Matt grinned.
“A few ex-airmen, seamen, and marines as well,” followed up Eric.
I rolled my eyes at their antics, not moving from my place in Daddy’s arms.
“Are you hungry, Sweets?”
“Just a little bit, Daddy.”
“Okay, go grab your blanket and find somewhere to sit and do your Legos. I’ll grab you a plate of food.”
I felt relieved, knowing I wouldn’t have to play poker or fight the guys for the food. Not that I thought I would need to fight hard. They all seemed to have a soft spot for me, and I wasn’t above using that to my advantage.
I darted off toward Daddy’s room, where I had left my blanket, and found a spot near the poker table, still far enough out of the way that I wouldn’t bother anyone while they were playing. Digging around in the Legos bag that Daddy had left by the couch, I pulled out the first set that I wanted to do.
I loved all the botanical sets that had been released over the years, but I’d never owned one. So Daddy had bought me twodifferent ones. The one I wanted to do first was the bouquet of red roses! Daddy said that he had a jar we could put them in to display them.
“Here you go, Sweets. Be sure to eat everything on your plate and drink your water.” Daddy said, handing me a plate piled high with an assortment of finger foods and a tumbler full of iced water.
How he thought I would ever eat this much was beyond me, but I would do my best. “I think you forgot that I’m not one of the guys, Daddy. This is a lot of food!”
“Just do your best.”
I nodded, reaching out to grab the remote he held out for me. I turned on another Disney movie and started getting to work on my roses.
“Where are we donating to this time?” one of the guys asked.
Daddy had told me that they always donated all the money they won during their poker nights to a local charity. I thought that was the kindest thing ever.
“I let Rebekah pick out our charity tonight. She wants to donate to the local animal shelter.”
There was a chorus of agreements before the sound of shuffling of cards floated into the room. Tuning out the men sitting, I got to work, eating, and building my little heart out.
I had finishedmy roses a little while ago and grew tired of watching movies. Not wanting to open another set of Legos that I wouldn’t finish tonight, I decided to watch the poker game instead.
After crawling into Daddy’s lap, I snuggled down and pulled the blanket across my lap. Daddy’s blanket has become mysecond-favorite one, next to Alicia’s, of course. Hers was tucked away in my house, safe and sound with Ophelia. I would want to grab those tonight if I stayed with Daddy again.
