Page 32 of A Daddy for Christmas 3: Matty

When you find the pot of fondue

I squealed. “I saw that fondue set in the pantry.” The excitement over this new game was overwhelming. Sure, there was the promise of a great present, but figuring out the clues was fun. I ran down the stairs and across the kitchen, ducking into the pantry, but those pots were high on the top shelf. “Daddy! I can’t reach.”

He followed me at a much slower pace, then reached for the next card and handed it to me. I ripped it open, barely looking at the cartoon Santa sitting on the beach on the front. Nope. I’d look later.

Out you go if you’re able

Don’t forget to look under the table

“That one is easy.” I darted back into the kitchen and out the back sliders. Sure enough, the next card was taped underneath. “How did you get all these cards around?” I didn’t wait for Daddy Drake to answer; I ripped the card out from under the table and opened it.

You know there’s more

Get your booty out the front door

That one made me giggle. “Booty…” I laughed and ran through the house. By this time, the guys were lined up on one side, watching and laughing. But when I got to the door, I didn’t see a card. I looked around.

“Maybe open the door?” Finn flung his long blond hair out of his face with a huff.

“Impatient much?” I stuck my tongue out at him, but I did open the door. And there it was, taped to the outside. I pulled it off and went back inside the house, shutting the door behind me. There was a bench in the foyer where we often sat to take our shoes off or whatever, so I plopped down. I could see everyone, including Daddy, who was smiling so hard I feared his face would break. I opened the card.

Are you hungry?

Need a break?

Have a nosh?

A scrumptious Treat?

Well, move your feet

For meat and cheese

No time to freeze

Meat and cheese? “Must be the fridge.” I padded back and pulled open the heavy stainless-steel door. At the bottom were drawers for different things, and one was for deli. I pulled that one open, and there it was. I waved it over my head before opening it.

Ooh, baby you’re such a fox

I’m gonna check out your ass on the way to the mailbox

I snorted a laugh. “So cheesy, Daddy.”

He just chuckled. Then I noticed that he had his phone out and up. Either taking pics or videos. When did my grumpy daddy get so sweet?

I ran out to the mailbox, retrieved the card, and headed back inside to open it, once again sitting on the bench by the door.

This is no time to rest

No time to play games

because your next clue

Will take some brains

It’s a place to race friends

All the way to the end