“Doesn’t Daddy reward you when you’re brave and take your medicine?”
She nodded and wrinkled her nose. He was so logical about everything. Her daddy masterfully explained the positive reasons until she couldn’t disagree with him. “But it’s embarrassing.”
“What do we say in this house?” he asked, tilting her chin up until their gazes met.
“We do whatever is necessary to be happy,” she recited.
“Does having Daddy take care of your bottom make your tummy happier?”
She hesitated and peeked back at the list of rules. That no-lying one got her all the time. “Yes, Daddy.”
“Good girl. That was very brave of you. Would you like some cuddles on the couch as a reward?”
“Please!” She eliminated the space between them and hugged him tight. “And a sticker.”
“I think both can be arranged.” He swept Brooklyn up in his arms and carried her on his hip to the refrigerator.
Grabbing a sheet of stickers from his stash on top of the appliance, Caden asked, “Do you want a good girl or a bunny sticker?”
“Good girl!”
“I think that’s an excellent choice. Peel off the one you want.” When she handed it to him, he placed it on her belly. “There’s my good little girl.”
“Look, Daddy! My tummy’s good too.”
“Yes, it is, sweetheart.” He rewarded Brooklyn with a steamy kiss before walking to the couch to hold her on his lap.
“Prepare for cuddles,” he warned and squeezed her until she squeaked. When she giggled, he eased his hold and ran his hands up and down her back.
Brooklyn relaxed on his hard frame, loving his touch and attention. She could never get enough cuddles.
Twenty minutes later, she battled to keep her eyes open as she yawned widely.
“Nap time, little girl.” He stood and carried her to her nursery.
She didn’t fuss. Naps were amazing. Caden set her on the soft bedding and eased her clothing off, leaving her only in her diaper. He tucked her under the covers with Fluffikins before kissing her forehead.
“Open for Daddy,” he whispered and slid her pacifier between her lips. “Sweet dreams.”
She wiggled, getting comfortable, before sighing happily. The soft sheets wrapped around her almost naked body. Brooklyn smiled softly. Caden enjoyed looking at her. With his help, she was learning to be comfortable in her own skin. The creaking runner of the rocking chair told her that Caden sat by her crib, watching over her as she tumbled into sleep.
“Daddy?”Brooklyn called, mumbling around her pacifier.
Silence answered her.
Squirming out from under the covers, she slid on her tummy off the high mattress of her crib. She hugged Fluffikins to her breasts, giggling as his fur tickled her nipples. Daddy would be so happy that she napped so well.
Brooklyn went to see if she’d earned another sticker. The family room and kitchen were empty. She turned in a circle. Where was he? A piece of white paper on the table caught her eye.
Brookie,
They called us in to help with a busted pipe on base. I’ll be back as soon as possible. Love you!
Daddy
Wrinklingher nose at the news, Brooklyn headed back to the nursery to play. The slamming of a car door in the driveway caught her attention. Why hadn’t her daddy pulled into the garage?
She walked to the front window to peek out with no one seeing her naked. A man with a black hoodie pulled up over his hair walked toward her. He focused completely on his phone. A small breeze ruffled one side of the hood, revealing Brent’s face.
