“When her time was up, I’d help her rinse her mouth and give her lots of snuggles and love.”
“And then you would forgive her?”
“Well, Daddy believes forgiveness should be given before a punishment. So while I would have already forgiven her for hernaughty behavior, I would follow through with my discipline because she needed it.”
“She needs it?” Palmer asked, her forehead wrinkling like it did when she was thinking hard about something.
“Yes. Maybe she needs it to help her forgive herself or to help erase her guilty feelings, or maybe because she needs to know Daddy will follow through when she needs him too.”
Palmer nodded, taking in his words.
“Thank you, Daddy.”
“For what, pretty baby?” he asked, pushing open the cafe door.
“For answering all my questions so Allysa and I feel safe.”
“You’re welcome, baby. I’m glad you’re asking questions. It’s very brave. You’ve grown so much in just a few days and I’m so proud of you.”
“You’re proud of me?”
“I am. So very proud!”
Palmer smiled again. “I like making you proud, Daddy.”
Chapter Eighteen
Palmer held on to Beau tightly. “No, Daddy,” she whined.
He patted her bottom and swayed her gently in his arms. “I need to go run you a bath, baby. We’re having dinner with Auntie Catherine, Uncle Sam, and Pippi tonight.”
Her head popped up like it was on a spring. “Pippi?”
Beau smiled. “Pippi,” he confirmed. “I’m glad you both love each other so much.”
Palmer nodded. “She’s so funny.”
Beau tried to lay her down again, but she clung tighter. “Don’t put me down yet, Daddy.”
Palmer had been feeling very cuddly since their ice cream date.
“I love holding you close, pretty baby, but we’re very short on time.”
“What do we need to do, Daddy?”
“You need a bath and I need a shower.”
Palmer nodded.
“I need to do our hair.”
Palmer knew that might take the longest. With curls like theirs, hair wash day did take a bit of time.
“I need to get us both dressed.”
Palmer held up three fingers.
“Anything else, Daddy?”
