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“You’re not wrong.” Bending down, James gripped the back of the couch, effectively caging her in with his arms. “But you are not going to go around playing matchmaker, Olivia Jane. They’ll find each other when they’re ready.”
“I wasn’t going to do anything!”
“Mmhmm. I see that look in your eye, little girl. So, let me be very clear about this. If I catch you meddling, it will beyourass feeling the sting of my paddle. Am I understood?”
Arms crossed, she pouted up at him. “Yes, Daddy.” But as far as she was concerned, it would be worth a few swats if it meant two of her favorite people got their happily ever after.
“Good girl. Now, wipe that pout off your face. I have a surprise for you.”
And just like that, all thoughts of playing matchmaker disappeared and she bounced excitedly on the couch. “Oh! What kind of surprise?”
“If I told you, it wouldn’t be a surprise, now would it? Go get in the car and we’ll go for a ride.”
Driven by the wild curiosity fluttering in her chest, she raced outside and clambered into the car. “Where are we going, Daddy?” she asked when James climbed into the driver’s seat.
“It’s still a surprise, Livvy.”
“Can I have a hint?”
“It’s something you’ll enjoy.”
Flopping back against her seat with a huff, she crossed her arms again. “I figured that much out already.”
“Keep up the attitude and the surprise is going to be you getting your naughty bottom spanked on the side of the road. Is that what you want?”
Immediately uncrossing her arms, she sat up straight and shook her head. “No, Daddy. Sorry.”
“Good girl.” A smile curved his lips as he tapped his fingers on the steering wheel. “Tell you what. If you can guess what it is, I’ll tell you, but I’m not giving you any more hints.”
“Deal! Ummm, is it ice cream?”
His laughter filled the car. “No, baby, it’s not ice cream this time.”
“Rats. Another trip to the beach?”
“Nope.”
“Is it a trip somewhere else?”
“Nope.”
“Dinner at a fancy restaurant?”
“First of all, neither of us are dressed for something like that. So, no. Second of all, you must be hungry because that’s your second guess already that involved food.”
“I’m starving,” she admitted dramatically, pressing the back of her hand to her forehead. “I might waste away if you don’t feed me soon.”
“Surprise first, then dinner.”
“Okay, but I really wish—oh my god.” Their destination became clear as he turned into a large parking lot crowded with sparkling, brand new vehicles. “Are you getting me a new car?”
“You’ll see. Stay put, I’ll be right back.” Parking in front of the main entrance, he climbed down and headed into the dealership. She watched, bouncing in her seat as he shook hands with a man who looked like he’d be just as at home on a football field as he was selling cars.
The salesman disappeared and James walked back to their car, an uncharacteristically wide grin stretched across his face.
“Cover your eyes, little one,” he instructed when he opened the door and helped her down.
Hands over her eyes, heart beating wildly, she bounced some more as she waited for her surprise. It only took a few moments for the roar of an engine to reach her ears, then the murmur of two men talking and the jangle of keys. The suspense was killing her by the time James leaned down and whispered in her ear. “Surprise, baby.”
