Total pages in book: 34
Estimated words: 30747 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 154(@200wpm)___ 123(@250wpm)___ 102(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 30747 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 154(@200wpm)___ 123(@250wpm)___ 102(@300wpm)
When we walked in, my stomach growled at the scent of bacon that clung to the air. Daddy led me to a red leather booth and scooted in close to me before handing me a menu and telling me to order anything I wanted.
My eyes scanned over the options, and each thing looked better than the last. I couldn’t make a decision. When I told Daddy that everything sounded good, that’s what he ordered.
My eyes nearly bugged out of my head when a line of waiters delivered plates to our table. Soon, the entire tabletop was covered with eggs (both scrambled and fried), pancakes, toast, bacon, waffles, and hashbrowns. Plus, a big glass of chocolate milk for me, and a mug of coffee for Daddy.
“Eat up,” he said with a grin, and he didn’t have to tell me twice. I gobbled down the delicious syrup-soaked feast like it was my last meal. Daddy didn’t give me judgy looks or snide remarks as I ate; he just smiled wider as I wiggled happily in my seat. And he even ate more than I did!
Once I felt like one more bite would pop the button right off of my jeans, Daddy wiped my mouth clean with a napkin and stacked our plates. I tried to peek at the bill when the waitress brought it to the table, but Daddy snatched it up before I could see it and gave me a wink.
After he got me buckled safely into his car, Daddy told me that he had a surprise for me. He drove deeper into town and pulled the car up in front of a huge toy store.
"This is Ian and Joey's store. It replaced the one that burned down," he explained as he shifted the gear to park. "I asked our friends to meet us here to help you pick out what you like."
Right on cue, the front door of the shop opened and Joey stepped outside, waving over his head. Once Daddy helped me out of the car, Joey rushed up to me and captured me in a tight hug, squealing as he lifted me right off of the sidewalk.
"Easy, sweet thing," Ian chuckled as he stepped behind his boy.
"Sorry," Joey offered, placing me back on my feet. "I just really missed you."
"I missed you too," I replied, but it wasn't entirely true; all of my thoughts had been revolving around Daddy, but I didn't want to make my friend sad.
“Come on, I want to show you all of the toys!” Joey said, grabbing my hand. He pulled me into the shop while our Daddies chuckled and followed behind.
I’d been in Ian’s old toy store once, when I bought my Barbie doll, but this new shop was even better. It was bigger, brighter, and stuffed with toys of every kind.
Joey grabbed a shopping cart from the front of the store and then led me down each aisle, taking time to demonstrate every toy. Of course, my heart was stolen by the doll aisle. They came in every shape and size, and I couldn’t believe the amount of clothing and accessories! There were dresses in every color and style, and I wanted them all.
Joey helped me out with that, tossing armloads of outfits into the cart. I looked back at Daddy to make sure it wasn't too much, but he just winked and nodded his approval. It made him happy to make me happy.
We rounded the end of the aisle and my feet jerked to a stop as my breath caught. Before me was the biggest, most beautiful doll house I'd ever seen. Standing on the floor, it came up to my chest and had over a dozen rooms. It even had an attached waterslide on the outside which led into a pool.
"What do you think?" Daddy asked into my ear. I hadn't even noticed him walking next to me.
"I think it's the most amazing thing I've ever seen," I answered, unable to speak in more than a whisper.
"Then it's coming home with us."
I spun to look at him with wide eyes. "Really, Daddy?"
He grinned from ear to ear. "Oh, how I love hearing my name on your lips. Yes, duckling, you'll have all your heart desires."
I wrapped my arms around his stomach and hugged him tightly, as Daddy chuckled and kissed my curly hair. I wanted more, so I tipped my head back and puckered my mouth to receive a sweet kiss on my lips. I wasn't embarrassed to kiss him in front of our friends; I knew they were happy for us.
"There's just one problem," Daddy said when he pulled away, and my pulse sped up with worry. "All of these toys won't fit in my car."
"I'm happy to help with that," Ian offered. "I've got employees taking care of the shop, so Joey and I can deliver these to your apartment."