He crossed his arms over his chest. “You really think pulling that face is going to get you want you want?”
“Please, best Daddy in the whole wide world. You did promise.”
He shook his head but his mouth was twitching. “All right.”
She jumped up and down with a squeal. “Yes!”
“But only for a short time,” he warned. “And don’t think that face will get you whatever you want, little rebel.”
“But Daddy, I’m irresistible.” She pouted and batted her eyelashes.
“You’re something, all right.” He turned her around and landed a sharp slap on her bottom. “Go get some warmer clothes on then grab your gear.”
“Yay, Daddy! You’re the best.” She raced off and put on some trackpants and a long-sleeved shirt. It wasn’t that cold, but she knew Duke would insist on a sweatshirt. So she grabbed that as well and hurriedly put on her sneakers without bothering to tie up the shoe laces.
No time for that!
“I’m ready! I’m ready!” She raced into the garage, her feet tangling up as she stood on a loose shoe lace and she went flying.
Duke raced for her, catching her in his arms.
“Whoopsie.” She looked up at him guiltily.
He gave her a stern look as he picked her
up in his arms and carried her over to his workbench. Setting her down, he grabbed one foot and started to tie her shoe laces.
“What have I told you about shoe laces, little rebel?”
“That I need to ask for help and not try putting on any shoes with shoe laces myself. Sorry, Daddy.”
“You could have really hurt yourself and then we wouldn’t be able to go for a ride, would we?”
She shook her head. “No, Daddy.” She brought her thumb to her mouth to comfort herself.
He finished tying off her other shoe then pulled her thumb free to lightly kiss her lips.
“Right. Let’s get your protective gear.”
She sighed. “I really don’t think I need it.”
“You want to go for a ride, then you need protection. That’s nonnegotiable.”
“Okie-dokie.”
He helped her down from the bench and then they walked over to where her protective gear was stored. He picked up the bag that held it as Sunny grabbed her bike, kicking off the kickstand and pushing it outside.
It only took a few seconds to get to the park, which was devoid of people this early on a Sunday morning. Perfect time for her to practice.
“Right. Protective gear first.” He knelt to put on her knee pads.
She pulled on her riding gloves. “Daddy, I’ve seen four-year-old’s with less protective gear on than I have.”
He stood and fastened on her elbow pads. Her helmet followed.
“Well, you’re my baby and you’ll wear what I tell you since it’s my job to keep you safe. Now, do you want to stand here and argue or would you like to practice riding?”
“Ride! Ride! I wanna ride!”