Little Miss and the Law (10 page)

“Hush little girl, your bottom is supposed to be sore,” Mackenzie said, nevertheless relenting and putting Stephanie down on the floor with a little swat to her red cheeks which peeked out rather sweetly under the tail of her business blouse.

“Come along,” she said, offering her hand.

This time, Stephanie took it gratefully, happily following Mackenzie out to the kitchen where she was plied with hugs, cuddles and hot chocolate kisses. No matter what else was going on in Mackenzie's life, she knew that she was important, loved, cherished. All was well with the world.