Home.
It’s a powerful word. I don’t know that I would have considered this place home, yet with Daddy here, it feels right.
“Ok, Daddy.”
Spinning out of his arms, I skip around the store plucking item after Item off the shelf. Everything I touch gets snatched up and put in Daddy’s arms. He stops me every now and then to go put stuff on the front counter, but overall, he doesn’t complain one bit despite me adding far more than I should.
It’s hard to not just say I want everything here. This place is so cool, and the toys are unique. I can’t find this kind of stuff back home.
“All done!” I raise my arms above my head as I do a big stretch. “We go home now, Daddy?”
“Yes, baby. Let me just count out some bills for the old man to cover all this. I’m going to leave him a business card as well so he can contact me when they get new toys in. I think it would be worth it to keep in touch with him since you like so much of his inventory.”
I nod quickly, then rise on my toes to kiss his chin. “Thank you!”
Daddy smiles. “You never have to thank me, Eddie Baby. I live to take care of you.”
Oh.
Ohhhhh.
That’s about the sweetest thing I’ve ever heard. Tears spring to my eyes at the easy way he says those words. How did I not realize before now how perfect this man is for me?
He must sense I’m at a loss for words again because he steps away long enough to draw some cash from his wallet, along with the business card he mentioned leaving. I watch him place it all on the counter before he goes around it to grab a few large paper bags.
“Help Daddy?” I ask when he comes around to begin loading everything up.
“You can help, Eddie Baby. I would love for you to stack them inside each one. Can you be neat for me and treat it like a puzzle?”
I clap excitedly. “Yes! Love puzzles!”
Together, we get four big bags stuffed with everything. It’s the best game and by the end, I’m giddy with how perfect it all goes together.
“Alright, baby. I’m going to go grab the car and pull it to the curb. I want you to stay inside until I’m pulled up. Lock the door and don’t let anyone in, ok?”
“Yes, Daddy. I be safe.” I give him a thumbs up to encourage him.
As soon as he leaves, I sit on the floor with my legs crossed as I watch the front window for his car. I want to open the bags to pull out my toys, but I know if I start, then I won’t stop. Plus, we worked so hard to get them all to fit.
I can’t disappoint Daddy by messing it all up.
The wait feels forever long, but eventually he pulls up in front of the store just like he said he would. I wait for him to climb out and open the trunk. When he approaches the door, I unlock it and together, we load up the big bags. I watch as he places the hidden key back where it goes after locking things up. Finally, it’s time to leave.
“Let Daddy buckle his baby in.” I turn at the words. “Don’t look shocked. I need to secure you just like we secured the presents. Precious cargo and all that.”
His wink tells me he’s teasing, though there’s a seriousness to his words too. I really like the idea of being precious to him.
Daddy opens the door and motions for me to sit. Once I do, he straps me in, tugging to make sure the seatbelt is tightened. After he’s content, he goes around and drops into the driver’s seat.
Soft Christmas music plays as he takes us through the edge of town and into the dark woods. I can admit I’m a bit nervous about what comes next. It’s one thing to say he wants to be with me in the heat of the moment because I ran away. It’s another when we’re actually alone without any possible interruptions.
I can feel the Little side of me slipping away as my nervousness increases. It’s like I’m protecting that part of me by letting the adult inside take over. Little Eddie would be devastated if things didn’t work out, but Edward can handle hard things better.
At least that’s what I’m telling myself.
Before I know it, we’re parking in front of a cute, secluded cabin. The porch light gleams in the darkness surrounding us. I reach for the door, only to hear a growl from my left.
“Don’t you dare open that door, baby. I’ve waited a long fucking time to take care of you. You’re going to let me,” Bram rumbles in a deep tone.
