“Can’t I just go outside for likefiveminutes? Please, Daddy?”
It’s approximately the twentieth time I’ve asked, and it’s clear from the sharp look Axel sends my way that his patiencewith the question is growing thin. “We’ve already talked about this, Lanie. We don’t have any snow gear that would fit you.”
“I don’t need gear! I just need some warm clothes!”
“Melanie, the answer is no. If you ask again, I’m going to spank you and put you in the corner until you’re ready to be my good girl again.”
Tears prick at my eyes as I huff softly and turn back to the window.
Maybe I should feign sleepiness and ask if I can go upstairs for a nap. I climbed out of one window and survived, surely I could do it again. And despite what Axel says, there has to besomethingI could wear to protect me against the cold.
But before I can put my plan into motion, Uncle Ford speaks up. “Come on, Ax. I’m sure we can scrounge up some gear for her. Gray’s stuff won’t be too big on her.”
“Gray has a solid six inches on Lanie. Even if her clothes fit, there’s no way her boots will.”
“So we’ll layer her up. A couple pairs of thick socks should help the boots fit, at least until we can get her some gear of her own.” Auntie Gray’s voice is firm, as if the decision has been made, and excitement beats at my chest. “I know you’re her Daddy, Axel, but you’re being unreasonable here. Little girls need to be allowed to run and play, you know that.”
A long silence greets her lecture, followed by a heavy sigh. “Fine. But we all stay within ten feet of the front door and if she gets sick, I’m taking it out of all your asses.”
Feeling exactly like a child on a snow day, I turn and throw myself at Auntie Gray. “Thank you, thank you, thank you!”
“You’re welcome, little one.” Chuckling, she taps my nose. “But listen to your Daddy while we’re outside. I’m sure you’d much rather warm up with hot chocolate than a hot bottom after our adventure.”
“Yes, Auntie Gray.”
“Good girl. Come on, let’s get you bundled up.”
As it turns out, “bundled up” is not a figure of speech when it comes to my new family. By the time Axel is satisfied I won’t freeze to death, I can barely move my arms or my legs.
“Daddy, I can’tbreathe,” I whine, tugging at the three scarves he has wrapped around my neck and face.
“Sorry, baby.” Looking somewhat sheepish, he unravels the third scarf. “Daddy got a little carried away.”
“A little?”
He cocks his brow in that look I’ve come to associate with getting my bottom spanked, but his beard twitches, giving away his amusement. “Keep it up and you can march yourself right back into the living room while the rest of us go have fun in the snow.”
“No, no, I’ll be good I promise!”
“Uh-huh. What are the rules?”
I resist the urge to roll my eyes, just barely. “Stay within ten feet of the house, which is going to be hard because I don’t know how far ten feet is. Make sure I’m within sight of you or another grownup at all times. If I start to feel cold, let you know so we can come back inside.”
The last one should be easy enough to follow because as bundled up as I am, I can’t imagine feeling the least bit chilled no matter how cold it is outside.
My recitation earns me an approving nod. “Good girl. If you follow all the rules Daddy gave you, then you can have some of the homemade hot chocolate Uncle Eli has been brewing all morning. If not…”
“I know, I know, it’s a hot bottom instead. I got the memo.”
His expression hardens. “Melanie…”
“Sorry.”
“Maybe you’re not ready for this. You’re still learning the rules and?—”
“Oh, stop being such a worrywart.” It’s Uncle Colt coming to my rescue now, scooping me up and propping me on his hip as he grins at Axel. “Poor thing is probably ready to faint from heat exhaustion with all these clothes on. Cut her some slack, Ax.”
“I swear to god, if you all don’t stop interfering with my Little girl, I’m going to whip all your asses.”
