Total pages in book: 53
Estimated words: 50006 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 250(@200wpm)___ 200(@250wpm)___ 167(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 50006 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 250(@200wpm)___ 200(@250wpm)___ 167(@300wpm)
“Tasty, huh? Let me try.”
After swallowing, he looked at her with a smile. “That’s darn good if I say so myself.”
“I can’t eat all of that,” Tiffanie warned him, pointing at the bowl.
“We’ll work on it together. You’ll share with Daddy, right?” he asked as he offered her another bite.
She nodded and opened her mouth eagerly. How did Phineas make everything better? She decided not to worry about that and to enjoy their time together.
Chapter Ten
When yawns stretched Tiffanie’s jaw again in the early evening, Phineas knew she needed to go to bed. He didn’t want her to leave. This time with her was precious.
“Princess, you’re getting sleepy. Would you like to stay here tonight or shall I take you back to the carriage house?”
“I could stay here?”
“Of course. I’ll phone Ivan to tell him you’re fine and resting.”
“He’ll worry if I don’t return to the carriage house.”
Phineas brushed her hair back from her face. “You get to make decisions, Little girl. Ivan has supported you tremendously, but he’s aware you’re an adult.”
That suggestion surprised her. “You’re right. I’m an adult. I’ll call him. That is if you’re sure you’d like me to sleep here.”
“I’d keep you here permanently if I could, Princess.”
“Why?”
“Why would I want you with me?” he asked.
“Yes. I mean, I’m not a lot of fun these days,” Tiffanie said, glancing away as her mouth turned downward.
Phineas cupped her chin, raising her gaze to mesh with his. “I’ve had an amazing time with you. I’ve cherished every moment you’ve spent with me. We don’t have to play flag football in the backyard just to have fun.”
The corners of her mouth twitched upward in amusement. “Flag football?”
“Full contact seemed a bit much,” he teased.
“Let me talk to Ivan.”
“Okay. Would you like me to give you some privacy, Princess?”
“Do you mind?”
“Not at all. I’ll go start a bubble bath for you.”
“Oh, that sounds lovely.”
Phineas grabbed her phone from the coffee table and handed the device to her. He kissed her lightly before exiting the room. Following through on his plan, he turned on the water in the tub and adjusted the temperature to be warm but not too hot. He grabbed the bubble bath he’d stocked months ago under the sink and poured some of the lavender-scented mixture into the tub before setting the bottle on the edge. If he had his way, his Little girl would soak here often.
A knock on the doorframe drew his attention to the waif-like figure who stood there. “Ivan wants to speak to you.”
“Okay. Why don’t you go potty while I talk to your brother.”
She nodded and hesitated.
He removed the phone gently from her. “Go, Princess. I’ll be back in a minute.”
When she disappeared, he walked through the bedroom into the hall to get away from the rushing water filling the tub. “Ivan, I’ll take care of her.”
“I know you will. She’s got some medicine that she should have in the morning. Tiffanie doesn’t like the taste. She’ll try to skip it.”
“I’ll make sure she gets the right dose.”
“Want me to set the container on your doorstep?”
“Tiffanie will need clothes. We’ll come tomorrow morning.”
“Sounds like you’re planning to keep her.”
Phineas could hear the concern in Ivan’s voice. “Only if she wishes to stay, Ivan.”
“Gotcha. Sorry, worried older brother,” Ivan admitted.
“Take the night off. Go meet some friends. I’ve got this.”
“Phineas, she’s special and has had a tough time.”
“Thank you for caring so diligently for her, Ivan. Having both of us can only help, right?”
A moment of silence followed before Ivan said, “She deserves all the support. I’m glad you’ve connected, Phineas.”
“Me too. Here’s my phone number in case you need it.”
With that information exchanged, the two men hung up. Phineas returned to the bathroom. He smiled at Tiffanie, who hovered in the doorway. “Ready for your bath?”
“Is everything okay?”
“Perfect.” Phineas shut off the water before the bubbles could overflow.
“Oh, good. I was afraid he’d give you the third degree. Ivan hovers a lot. Don’t get me wrong, Ivan is my rock. I’ve relied on him so much.”
“I’m glad he’s been there for you, Princess. Now you have two people in your corner.”
Tiffanie nodded and waved a hand at the tub. “This looks heavenly. I can’t wait to get in.”
“Let’s get you undressed and in the tub.” Phineas stepped close.
“I can do it,” she said.
“You could, but I’m here to help. You’re tired. Let’s save as much of your energy as possible.”
“I’m not…. I’m not attractive anymore.”
“You are absolutely beautiful now, Little girl.”
“But….”
“Trust me, Princess. You are very special to me, Tiffanie. Let me take care of you.”
After another brief pause, she whispered, “Thank you.”
“There’s my Little girl.”
Phineas lifted the bottom of her T-shirt over her head and tugged her leggings down. She was rail thin—the hollows of her body too pronounced. He stroked her skin lightly, and Tiffanie leaned into his caress. How long had it been since someone had caressed her? Phineas lavished soft touches and sweet words on her.