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Ian frowned at him. “You’re making a mess.”
“Oh, am I?” Jack put a dob of something on Ian’s nose.
Another giggle escaped her. Jack smacked a kiss on her cheek as he went past. An idea occurred to her. She placed a finger in the batter and held it up, aiming for Jameson’s face.
He dodged and she missed. Then he gave her a stern look.
Uh-oh. Her butt couldn’t take any more punishment.
“Papa, no! Mercy!”
But to her shock, instead of pulling her off the chair to spank her, he reached into the bowl and smudged some batter onto her nose.
She let out a squeal, smiling widely.
“Oh, now it’s on!” Jack cried, reaching for the flour.
“Jack, no!” Ian grabbed for the flour, but instead it somehow ended up all over him.
He was a flour ghost.
She started giggling, Jameson joining in. She laughed so hard that she nearly peed herself. This was exactly what she’d needed.
And she knew Jack had realized that. Which is why he’d risked Ian’s wrath—to make her laugh.
Two hours later,the kitchen was clean and so was Ian. And they were all sitting snuggled on the couch eating cake and watching a comedy on TV.
She leaned into Jack, then looked over at Jameson and Ian.
“I love you guys. So much.”
“Love you too, baby.” Jack kissed her head.
“Always.” Ian reached over to kiss her lightly on the lips.
“Forever.” Jameson blew her a kiss from the other end of the couch.
Perfect.
67
Maggie woke up from her nap, looking around.
The first thing she spotted were wooden slats. The next was a jungle-themed mobile above her head.
And the third thing was Ian staring down at her in concern. She tried to smile up at him until she realized she had a dummy in her mouth. She reached up to remove it. Huh, her hands were in mittens.
“Hello there, my Little one,” he crooned.
And to think she’d nicknamed him Mr. Grumpy Knickers. Okay, there were times when he could still be a grumpybum and his sweetness factor would get below thirty. When he was being all overprotective and bossy.
He had a real thing about her health and safety. She wasn’t allowed to push herself too much or skip meals, and Lord forbid she didn’t drink enough in one day.
But then he would put her down for a nap, hug her tight, and stay with her until she fell asleep. And he was always right there when she woke up.
“Daddy,” she said, holding up her arms. “Up.”
He lifted her up against his chest, grabbing Ziggy for her as well. She loved feeling secure and small against him. He carried her over to the rocking chair and sat with her on his lap, rocking back and forth.
