Chapter Six
“Deck the halls with boughs of holly! Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la!” Sara sang as she iced the sugar cookie.
“That cookie looks like it’s had enough, baby-girl,” Daddy told her.
She simply smiled at him and tapped his nose with the spreader she was holding, leaving a little trickle of neon green frosting behind.
“Sara!” He had on his pretend mad face now, the one that made her laugh. And she did just that as he gave exaggerated huffs of annoyance and stamped his feet dramatically. But when he reached for her, she dodged him and the chase was on.
She’d only just made it out of the kitchen—the knife had been let go of and had long since clattered to the floor—and was sprinting into the living room for a better place to hide when he caught her around the waist. She was breathless with giddy laughter by the time he carried her to the kitchen table and pulled out a chair.
“Young lady,” he began, his voice mock stern. “That was not appropriate. I told you that was enough icing, and when I tell you something, you will obey me. Am I understood?”
“But I didn’t put any more on the cookie,” she pointed out, giggling.
“Very well, but you don’t put it on me , either!”
“I thought you liked it when I taste you,” she replied demurely.
“That’s it, I can see you’re not taking this seriously. What you need is a reminder of who’s in charge here.”
She craned her neck to look at him and batted her eyelashes. “So go on then. Remind me.”
Without another word Alex’s hand came crashing down on her bottom, but while it did have some oomph, there wasn’t much sting behind it. His hand bounced from cheek to cheek while she squealed and giggled and writhed over his lap. When her skin began to heat up, he let her off his lap.
“I hope you’ve learned your lesson, young lady.”
“Oh, I have.” She batted her eyelashes again and gave him her best come-hither look.
“Well, then, prove it. I want those pajamas off and you lying on the couch, now .”
“Yes, Sir,” she replied, happy to obey such an order. He was hot on her heels, spinning her around to unbutton her shirt as she shucked the pants. Though she’d slept over the night before, she’d wanted her own pajamas. Now she wondered at the wisdom of it. After all, if she’d been in one of Alex’s T-shirts, he would already be inside her by now.
“God, I want you,” he growled in her ear, making a delicious shiver run through her body. She didn’t think she’d ever tire of hearing it.
As soon as she was standing in front of him, naked, he pushed her with gentle hands onto the couch. She fell back with a giggle and then he was upon her, kissing her with a hunger that met her own. She wasn’t nearly so shy since the first time—she’d learned from her incident in the shower that good girls were indeed very hands-on when it came to pleasing Daddy. She answered his kisses and allowed her hands to roam over his hard chest and nipples, down to his abs, savoring the feel of him.
“You were very naughty,” he whispered when he came up for air. “I think I will have to teach you a lesson.”
“With your cock?” she asked innocently.
“With my cock.” And then he was thrusting into her, hard, but Sara was so wet it felt delicious. She met his thrusts by raising her hips, and in seconds she was wrapping her legs around him, allowing him to take her any way he pleased. She came faster this time, her body answering the urgent need of his own. But it didn’t matter. She knew that the day was young yet and they’d both be hungry for the other again before too long.
They spooned together on his oversize couch for a time, but not long after they’d caught their breath she heard Daddy’s tummy rumble.
“Someone’s hungry,” she commented. “And to think, you didn’t even want me to make cookies, but I bet you’ll be glad they’re in the kitchen now.”
“It’s not that I didn’t want you to make cookies. Just normal people don’t eat Christmas cookies for breakfast.”
“Normal,” she scoffed. “Anyway, if it’s the calories you’re worried about, you don’t have to be. We’re working them off.”
“All right, all right,” he grumbled. “You really are spoiled, you know that?”
Oh, she knew all right, much to her delight.
“Let’s go eat some cookies,” Daddy suggested.
“Not yet,” she told him. “First, sprinkles !”
* * *
“What movie do you think we should watch next?” Daddy asked, graciously handing over the remote.
Sara was snuggled in beside him all cozy under a white afghan. She’d just polished off her third cookie and a large glass of milk, and since Daddy didn’t have to work until that night he’d agreed to watch Christmas movies with her until he needed to get some rest. She was already feeling sad at the idea of leaving him for the evening, so she was thrilled to hear that he planned on watching another with her.
Slowly, she began to flick through the channels. As Christmas neared it seemed like every movie she’d grown up with as a kid, plus many that she hadn’t, was showing. She paused on the Hallmark Channel as a movie title flashed across the screen. I’ll Be Home for Christmas .
“This one?” Daddy asked.
She shook her head, but somehow she just couldn’t seem to make herself change the channel. Instead, her lower lip began to quiver as the characters’ familiar faces began to pan in.
“Sara? Is something wrong?”
“No,” she answered, but he must have heard the tremor in her voice, because his fingers were coming under her chin, turning her head to face him.
“What is it?”
“I… I just don’t want to watch this.” Damn it, why couldn’t she stop her voice from trembling? Or her hands, for that matter?
“Okay, so we won’t.” He plucked the remote from her fingers, switched off the television and set it down. “Now, why don’t you tell me what’s up?”
“I… I don’t know,” she said, blinking her eyes rapidly to stop the tears that threatened.
“I don’t believe that for a second, young lady. Now, why don’t you tell me what’s going on?”
Uh-oh, That was Daddy’s real stern voice. She’d heard it enough to know the difference by now. But she just didn’t think she could tell him. Even if she could make the words come out, she wasn’t sure he’d ever understand.
“Sara… I’m right here. Talk to Daddy.”
It was the soothing concern in his voice that did it. She began to cry, and once the tears finally flowed, they just wouldn’t stop. She buried herself into his shoulder and cried until her sobs turned ragged and breathless. And Daddy let her—he just patted her on the back and gently shushed her as she sobbed her heart out.
“Look at me, Sara,” he said at last when she’d settled on a softer cry.
She hesitantly tipped her face up toward his, blinking at the light. She’d cried so hard it actually hurt to blink—but that was what months of pent-up grief would do, she supposed.
Daddy Alex raised his hand and with the utmost care he began to wipe her tears away. Just that simple, sweet gesture made tears fill her eyes all over again.
“What is it, sweetheart? You can tell Daddy, whatever it is. I’m here for you.”
“It’s just… it’s just that…. th-that was m-my mom’s and my… fav-favorite movie,” she explained, taking a deep breath as she tried to contain the heart-wrenching sobs that longed to break free. It was funny, in a way. She’d gone so long without crying for them she’d thought she just didn’t have any tears. Now it seemed that she’d built up an overabundance that was like a dam bursting.
“Oh, honey. I’m so sorry.” He wrapped his big, strong arms around her and squeezed her tightly to him. “I didn’t know.”
“I… I don’t e-ever want to… to see it again,” she told him as more tears began to trickle down her cheeks.
“We won’t watch it if you don’t want to,” he assured her. “But I think maybe one day, you will want to.”
“No,” she protested. “I won’t. Not ever again.”
“It’s hard to remember the good times, at first. But eventually when your heart has healed—as much as it can, considering a loss like yours—you’ll want to reminisce. And what’s more, I don’t think your mom would want you to give up your traditions just because she’s gone. She’d want you to keep enjoying the things you two enjoyed together.”
“Do you… do you really think so?” she asked, looking back up at him.
“Oh, I know so. Your parents loved you so very much, Sara. They talked about you all the time.”
“They… they did?”
“Of course they did! I don’t think a prouder set of parents has ever existed! Every time we saw each other they had to tell me about your latest test score, or what majors you were considering. And if you were planning to come home, I heard about it for weeks beforehand.”
He smiled and Sara, despite herself, found her own lips twitching in return. “That must have gotten pretty annoying.”
“No, not at all. It was endearing to see that kind of love. You were a lucky, lucky girl, Sara, and your parents were taken from you much too soon. There’s not a doubt in my mind about that. But even so, you got so much more than a lot of girls get. You were absolutely cherished—remember that. And enjoy those memories. Celebrate them.”
After considering his words, she snuggled in closer and nodded. “You’re right.”
“And when you feel ready, whether that’s a year from now, or five years from now, we’ll watch that movie.”
“You might not like it.” She surprised herself by giggling. “My dad never did. He just put up with it for Mom and me and really, I think we might have liked his dramatic groans more than the movie itself.”
“Well, in that case, I’ll even throw in some grimaces, if it’ll help.”
She laughed again, louder this time. “It would, thanks. Daddy?”
“Yes, sweetheart?”
“Could we maybe… I mean, I might cry some more. A lot more… but…”
“You want to watch it with me? Right now?”
Tears were already filling her eyes again. She brushed them away with the back of her hand as she nodded.
“Of course we can.” Daddy Alex gave her a kiss on the top of her head before reaching for the remote and giving her a good squeeze.
Sara settled into him, feeling surprisingly better after her long cry. She might be sad just now, but she also felt safe and secure, and at the end of the day, she knew she was still cherished.
* * *
“I’d like to finally pick up those Christmas decorations,” Sara said as she watched Daddy get in his police uniform the following morning. “Can you drop me off at the village on your way?”
“Drop you off?” he queried as he lathered up with shaving cream. “Why wouldn’t you just drive into town if you want to get decorations?”
“Sort of a tradition,” she admitted. “Mom and I used to go window shopping in the village every year to see if there was anything we had to have. There always was,” she giggled. “And, I don’t know, after yesterday, I think you’re right.”
“Of course I am. Wait a minute—what am I right about, again?”
Sara rolled her eyes.
“Young lady…”
“Sorry, Officer, I thought you were looking in the mirror.”
“I was—which is exactly why I could see you being so blatantly disrespectful.”
“Sorry, Daddy.”
“Mmm-hmm. And you were saying?”
“I was just thinking that it wouldn’t be bad to continue more of the traditions I’m used to. Yesterday, watching that movie… well, it was nice.”
“The village is a good half mile away from the house. You’re not telling me you and your mom walked a mile with shopping bags?”
“Of course not.” She grinned at him. “We had my dad drop us off, we did our window shopping, and then we’d drink apple cider before we walked back.”
“To warm you up in preparation for the freezing wind,” he guessed dryly.
“You got it.”
“I don’t know, baby-girl.” He studied his reflection thoughtfully in the mirror as he shaved. “I don’t really feel right about you walking that far.”
“I’ve done it every year.”
“Yes, but with your mom.”
“Oh, come on, Daddy. I promise to look both ways before I cross the street.”
“That’s not funny,” he said, giving her a warning look.
“It’s a little funny. But all I’m trying to say is that I’ll be okay.”
“I don’t know…”
“And you’re the one who was encouraging me to relive our traditions…”
“If you think you can guilt me into changing my mind, think again.”
“Yes, Sir,” she agreed quickly as he rinsed out his razor and set it down on the sink.
“I’ll think about it.”
Sara took that to be a dismissal so she left the bathroom and let him get dressed in peace while she put her warm cardigan over her top and slipped on her boots—just in case. Once she’d stuffed one of Daddy’s scarves into her pocket, she sat on the bed and waited for him to get finished, determined to be well behaved no matter what his verdict was. After all, he was going to be working soon and she could always pout at home, where he couldn’t watch her do it.
“All ready to go?” Daddy Alex asked when he came out of the bathroom.
Sara’s eyes lit up. He was very, very handsome in his uniform. The dark blue brought out the shine in his gaze. It was funny, she hadn’t noticed just how dapper he looked in uniform, which was probably because she’d been so nervous the last time, when he’d pulled her over. But now that she wasn’t in trouble—at least for the moment—she couldn’t help but think about getting him out of that uniform.
“I’m ready, but… do we really have to go right now? Are you sure you don’t have a few extra minutes?” She batted her eyelashes coyly.
“Oh, I wish I did, baby-girl. Raincheck for when I get off work?”
“You’ve got a date.” A very sexy, spanky kind of date—the good kind , she thought to herself, giggling.
“Well, let’s get going.” He gestured grandly for her to go first. When she stepped in front of him, however, he gave her a playful slap to the rear that had her squealing and scampering ahead.
Sara went from the room and down the hall, waiting patiently at the door for Daddy to catch up. He liked opening the door for her, as good daddies did. Then they were outside and making their way to the car. She cast another appreciative look at him. She’d never asked him to leave the uniform on while they made love, but maybe just this once…
She thought of asking if he was going to drop her off at the village, but Daddy also didn’t like nagging, so she decided to just wait and see. When he started the car and drove past her house, she allowed herself a smile. She’d suspected that he was granting her wish, considering he hadn’t just walked her next door, but now she was sure and she was bursting with excitement that had as much to do with getting her own way as it did with the window shopping. Maybe while she was out she would be able to find a Christmas gift for him. They’d been choosing to spend most of their time together indoors and while she didn’t regret that for a minute, it also had made it difficult to find time for Christmas shopping. She didn’t have a long list this year, but it was definitely an important one.
They were halfway to the shopping center when the radio in the car went off. “Attention, all units, robbery in progress, all units near Fifth and Vine, please respond.”
Sara’s ears perked up. There was a robbery ? That didn’t sound like their small town at all! It was all very exciting. Her heart was beating faster, but sliding her eyes over toward Daddy, he looked as stoic as a wax statue. For some reason, that made her heart swell with pride. After all, it meant that he was so experienced that he heard this stuff all the time. And he was hers . Or, rather, she was his . Still, plenty to be proud of.
“Officer Maxwell responding,” Daddy said as he held the radio up to his mouth. “Less than five minutes from the scene.”
Sara was watching his every move with round, eager eyes. Which was why she noticed the second he turned to her, his expression turning apologetic. Uh-oh. What was that about?
“Honey, I’m afraid I’m going to have to take you home after all.”
“What? But we’re almost there.”
“I know, sweetie, but I need to answer this call ASAP. I’m sorry. Another time.”
All thoughts of her pride in him vanished as she took in the disappointment. There were only three more days until Christmas. She didn’t have very long to find the perfect gift for Daddy and she certainly didn’t want to resort to grabbing a boring shave set or coffee mug.
“I know you’re disappointed, but—”
“It’s okay.” She brightened. “Why don’t you just drop me off here?”
“Here? I don’t know, Sara.”
“You were going to let me walk home anyway,” she reasoned. “And this is a much shorter walk. Besides, this way you’ll get to the bank faster.”
“Well…” Daddy was giving her a long, searching look. “All right,” he decided. “I’ll drop you off, but go straight home.”
“Yes, Sir.”
Daddy pulled the car over to the curb. “I’m really sorry about this. I’ll see you soon.” He leaned over and kissed her cheek.
“It’s fine,” Sara said benevolently as she opened her door. “I understand.”
“I’ll be back as soon as I can,” he promised.
“Don’t worry about me, Daddy. I’ll find something to keep me busy.” She stepped out onto the curb, closed the door, and waved until he was out of sight. As soon as he’d gone around the corner, she began to feel the slightest twinge of guilt, but she shoved it aside. After all, she hadn’t really lied . Not exactly. She’d told Daddy that she was going to find something to keep her busy, and that was precisely what she intended to do.
Sara turned around and began to hum ‘Walking in a Winter Wonderland’ as she headed in the direction of the village.
* * *
Sara’s feet were sore but her heart was happy as she walked back home. She’d had a good time shopping. When she’d first approached the village and saw the familiar old-fashioned lamp posts decorated with boughs of holly and wrapped in green, natural-looking tinsel, her heart had constricted painfully. But she had been instantly flooded with dozens of warm, happy memories and was able to keep moving forward. After she’d gotten past that initial bout of bittersweet, she’d found that she enjoyed looking at the new items for sale. The windows were particularly pretty this year, and she found herself thinking that her mom would have loved it. The thought didn’t bring sadness with it this time.
She wandered from shop to shop, blowing through some quickly, stopping to linger at others. Some of the shop owners had been around since the tradition with her mother had started, and they each offered smiles and cheery ‘Merry Christmases’ without mentioning the absence she felt all too keenly. Maybe, in the coming years, she’d be able to hear and talk about her mother, but not this year.
By the time she was finished she was laden down with bags. She had fresh tinsel, big red velvet bows, a few candles—peppermint, of course—and a nativity. She also had a few boxes of lights and a fresh set of ornaments. It wasn’t much in light of the kind of decorating her family normally did, but it was just enough for this year. Maybe next year she and Daddy would have a bigger Christmas. The thought made her smile.
She’d ordered her usual peppermint mocha and sat looking over her purchases as she drank it in preparation for the walk home. When Sara caught sight of her cell phone lying at the bottom of the canvas reusable bag she’d purchased at the first store she’d been to—it was so brightly colored, a cream-colored bag with beautiful ornaments hand-painted on the front—she giggled aloud. This was the only time of year her phone could go missing without her noticing it! However, when she picked it up and saw that she had several text messages and three missed calls, her heart began to speed up.
It’s probably nothing , she told herself, but even she wasn’t convinced. When she saw Daddy’s number with the number three next to it in her call log, her stomach dropped. Oops. She might have messed up, just a tiny bit. But she’d call him back and then everything would be fine.
Except he’d ask her where she’d been, why she’d missed the calls. Hmm. That was a tough one. And then it hit her—she wouldn’t call back, not right away, but when she got home she’d go to her room and lie down. Then when she called him she could honestly say she was resting. Perfect!
Or so she’d thought. But the truth was, it was taking longer to get home than she’d planned on. And her feet were aching something fierce. She checked her phone—she had one more missed call and several texts that read Are you OK? with each one having more question marks than the last. Yep, no doubt about it. She would be in trouble, no matter how she managed to spin this. But maybe Daddy would take pity on her—it was true, she was tired—and she would be able to get a more lenient punishment.
Geez, her arms were absolutely screaming! And her feet— oh , her feet! How had she and her mom done this year after year? She kept checking her phone, noticing that it was taking longer than she’d remembered it ever taking in the past. Had the journey home normally taken them half an hour? It hadn’t seemed like it. But then again, they hadn’t walked to the village, either, and there had been two of them to split bags between.
Sara’s fingers itched to just pick up the phone and call Daddy to get a ride. But she dismissed the idea instantly. While it might provide some quick relief for her poor, tired legs, her bottom would pay the price! Plus, Daddy would be mad at her, and that would be even worse. No, it would be better just to soldier on. It wasn’t like she had many other choices.
After what seemed like forever—and was actually another fifteen minutes, which was almost just as bad—Sara saw the street sign that her house was on. Breathing a sigh of relief, she suddenly got a burst of energy and began power-walking toward home. She was about half a dozen feet away from her mailbox when she saw him.
Daddy was sitting on the doorstep, though he stood up when he saw her heading in his direction. Though she couldn’t see his face from where she stood, she could see his arms crossed over his chest, the muscles in them bulging. His big, broad shoulders were tight, and seeing him in his officer’s uniform made her tummy do a double flip. Seeing him in it when she was his adored little girl was one thing—seeing him look so stern and imposing when she knew she was in for it was another thing altogether.
Knowing that she couldn’t avoid this conversation, no matter how badly she wanted to—even if she’d wanted to run, her legs wouldn’t be able to take her far—she trudged toward him, her head down.
She could feel him tense when she approached, but he didn’t say anything. Somehow, that made it even worse. She hated having to be the one to speak first in something like this. “Daddy…”
“I’m glad you’re safe,” he surprised her by saying. “Let’s get you inside. You look cold.”
It was funny, she had been so hot from all the walking that she hadn’t even felt the cold. Daddy Alex reached for her bags and she gave them willingly, all but one. The one with his gift, she kept clutched tightly to her chest. She saw him arch an eyebrow, but he didn’t say anything. Then with her bags in one hand and the other pressed against her back, he guided her to the front door and waited patiently while she fished for her keys and unlocked the door.