Divine Charity(Divine Creek Ranch 18)(84)
“What’s negotiatating?”
Grace chuckled and said, “Sorry, it’s a big word. Negotiating. It means you don’t get a say, honey. Your only choice is to obey me and your daddies.”
Rose Marie stuck out a big puffy lower lip. “Not fair.”
“Sorry, honey. The world does not revolve around you. I love you very, very much and I need you to help your daddies set up your new, pretty bedroom without giving them any more trouble. Do you understand?”
The picture bobbed rapidly as Rose Marie kicked her legs and pitched a little fit, sounding very frustrated.
Grace blinked. “That’s making me dizzy.” Turning to Charity, she pointed a finger and said, “It’s you she takes after.”
The picture settled, Rose Marie came back into focus with a face that was now beet red and her eyes strayed to the door.
Charity could hear masculine voices in muted conversation on the other side of the door and then a voice that was unmistakably Ethan Grant’s rang out. “She did what?”
Charity held back her laughter. “You’re in for it now, sister.”
“Rose Marie Warner,” Ethan said in articulated syllables. “You will open this door right this minute.” Rose Marie did as she was told without delay.
Justine giggled. “Uh-oh. That’s a Dom voice.”
Grace and Charity turned their heads to stare at Justine so fast their curls bobbed.
Justine grinned at them. “What? I told you, I read. A lot.”
“Oh Lord,” Grace whispered.
Charity just laughed and they turned their attention back to Grace’s smartphone. The iPad was now facing the frilly canopy and the ceiling but they could hear the sound of the door being unlocked and then Ethan’s much softer voice and the sound of Rose Marie sniffling and explaining.
After a few more seconds, the iPad was lifted from the bed and Ethan and Rose Marie’s faces came into focus. Rose Marie had her head nestled under Ethan’s jaw.
Grace said, “Hi, baby.”
Ethan smiled and raised his eyebrows as he looked at his little girl. “I leave for just a few minutes and this little hooligan got into trouble, I see.”
Grace nodded. “Rose Marie, will you listen to me now?”
“Uh-huh,” their irascible preschooler said around her sniffles and a soft sob.
“You’re going to tell Daddy Adam you’re sorry. You’re going to give him his iPad back and promise not to take off with it again. He needs it for work and it is not your toy. You don’t deserve an iPad after the way you’ve acted. You are going to take whatever punishment your daddies give you for acting like such a brat. I will deal with you when I get home. These little fits are going to stop.”
Charity grinned, enjoying the steely tone Grace was using. She knew it didn’t come easily to her.
Ethan whispered to Rose Marie, and she said, “Yes, ma’am. I’m sorry for bothering you…and…” Ethan whispered encouragement. “And for bein’ such a brat. I love you, Mommy.” She puckered up and reached for the iPad and Ethan grinned and let her kiss the screen, making Grace smile.
Ethan’s eyes glowed with obvious love as he said, “And that is the end of the drama in this house for one day. Adam wants to talk with you for a second. I love you.”
Grace blew him a kiss and then Adam came on screen. “I’m sorry, honey. I turned my back on her for two seconds and she was gone with my iPad. You okay? Oh, hey, Charity, Justine.” Charity and Justine waved.
“Well, I wish I was there but otherwise I’m okay. You’re just an old softy, you know that?”
Adam grinned and Charity thought his cheeks flushed a little. “I need to be firmer with her but she turns those green eyes on me and I’m just…”
“You melt. I know.”
“Just like with you, baby. I promise I won’t let her get away with anything else. We’re making good progress on the move. You rest now, okay?”
“Okay. I love you.”
The call ended and Grace let out a breath and seemed to deflate a little. “That little girl is gonna give me gray hair.” Looking at Charity, she said, “How come I got your daughter and you got mine?” The three of them burst into laughter.
* * * *
Cold tendrils of adrenaline coursed up Trevor Dornan’s spine as he strolled nonchalantly down the hall carrying a big bouquet of flowers. He’d buzzed the labor and delivery desk on the intercom after realizing there was no way he could get into that wing without their approval. He’d thought fast, when they’d asked the purpose of his visit. Good thing he’d showered and changed into acceptably clean clothes when he made the excuse that he was delivering flowers, which he’d held up in the window in the door so they could see.