He withdrew a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped at her tears, just as the familiar sounds of a carriage arriving drifted in the open window.
She smiled at her papa and tried to stop crying, but it was no use. She was deeply touched by his gesture and so very, very happy, that she gave into a fresh wave of sobs while Papa held her and continued pressing the handkerchief to her cheeks and her nose.
“Had I known I would make you cry, Cynny, I would have given you the gift after your friends departed. I confess once the jeweler had it finished, I could not wait to give it to you. I love you, little girl, and I want you to know that I have forgiven you a thousand times over for…what happened.”
What happened. The day she’d thought their marriage was over. The day she’d thought Papa might return her to Talcott House in shame. But it hadn’t been the end of their marriage, and he hadn’t gotten rid of her. Not even close. He’d been displeased with her—quite furious, in fact—but he’d punished her and then he’d forgiven her. His disappointment had wounded her the most, but it had been short-lived, and she was thankful that dark time in their marriage had come to pass and they’d emerged stronger than ever.
“Thank you, Papa. Not just for the watch, but for everything. Thank you for being my papa.” She sighed against his chest, her tears finally starting to ebb.
“I’ll be your papa and love you for all time.” He stroked her hair and hugged her tighter.
More sounds came from the drive—a second carriage arriving, followed by a third. Excited chatter soon drifted up through the window.
“Oh dear, my friends are all here,” Cynny said with a brief laugh as she sniffled and attempted to make herself look presentable. “I always look a mess when I cry. My eyes will be red for at least an hour. What shall I tell my friends?”
Papa waggled his eyebrows at her and leaned forward with a conspiratorial look. “Tell them you were a naughty little girl this morning. Tell them your papa caught you touching your kitty without permission and that you were soundly spanked for it.” He reached around her, giving her bottom a firm squeeze. “Then you can squirm around on the couch whilst sipping your tea and eating your sweetcakes, grimacing every couple of minutes because your behind is exceedingly sore from the long disciplinary session spent over your husband’s knee.”
She studied him for a moment, tapping her chin. “No Papa, that story will never do.”
“And why not?”
“Because whenever I touch myself, I’m smart enough not to get caught.”
“Naughty little girl,” he growled against her ear. “We will finish this discussion later.”
She peered at him from under her lashes, giving him a coy grin. “I look forward to it, Papa. We always have the best discussions.”
~THE END~