She sighs dramatically, far more than the slightly disobedient sigh she let out in front of Anthony. “It tastes good, but it’s a diuretic. In other words, it makes me very thirsty so I need to pee often.”
“Oh. Why?”
“Because I hold it in too long sometimes. I’m stubborn. It’s supposed to teach me to let go of my bladder.”
“Oh.” I’m not sure I’m going to have this problem. Not based on results so far. Although it occurs to me as I eye the bottle next to me that I don’t want Anthony to change me, so I’m going to be careful not to wet myself while my Daddy isn’t here.
Anabel shakes off the maudlin and smiles. “Let’s go swing.”
I nod agreement, and we push to standing and waddle awkwardly toward the swing set.
Chapter Five
I learn that afternoon my mealtimes are not necessarily going to match with Daddy’s. After Anabel and Anthony leave, he warms up one of my bottles and settles with me on his lap on the couch.
I relax as I stare up at him while I suck. I like the way he holds my hand out of the way while I drink. Sometimes he strokes the side of my breast with his thumb, making me squirm and giggle around the nipple.
When I’m finished, he sets me in the playpen with some toys. Anabel was right. That bottle didn’t make me tired like the earlier one.
A moment later, I learn something else when Daddy heads to the bathroom door, reaches up to a keypad that is too high for me, and presses his thumb against it. The door unlocks and he enters.
“How did you do that?” I ask him when he returns.
“Do what?”
“Open the door?”
He chuckles. “They added my thumb and fingerprints to the system when I went into town. Keeps Littles from watching and learning the numeric codes.”
I reach for my stuffed monkey and hold it close as I lie back and stare at the ceiling. I’ve been bombarded with new experiences today. It’s overwhelming. I’m not sure how much more I can take.
I roll onto my side and watch Daddy through the see-through mesh of the playpen as he fixes himself dinner and eats at the table. It smells good. I wonder when I’ll be permitted to eat food again. At least I’m not hungry since Daddy fed me far too many ounces of formula before he ate.
After he cleans the kitchen, Daddy scoops me into his arms and settles us on the couch to watch a movie. I’m surprised when he lets me pick. He doesn’t give me any choices that are above PG, but I choose one and snuggle against him to watch.
He absently strokes my midriff throughout the movie, distracting me so much I can’t focus, but I don’t tell him this. I simply enjoy the feeling of his fingers grazing over my bare skin, often including the swell of my breast. My shirt has risen up so it’s barely covering my nipples, and I don’t care. I like lounging in Daddy’s lap nearly naked. It’s comforting. I haven’t been this relaxed in a long time. I feel more at peace than I have in months, and I wonder how much of that can be attributed to this new dynamic.
After the movie, Daddy takes me into the bathroom for the first time to bathe me. The claw-foot tub is amazing, and after he washes me, he lets me play for a few minutes in the warm water.
He smiles at me from his spot sitting on the toilet seat. He looks content. I feel the same.
Daddy lifts me out of the tub, dries me, and pats my naked bottom. “Head into your nursery, baby girl.”
I’m not sure what time it is, but it’s not late. I start to think about what Anabel told me about her nighttime bottles. I don’t think it’s a secret. I’m pretty sure I can ask Daddy about the formula without breaking a confidence.
I’m standing naked in my room, putting a nightgown on one of my dolls when Daddy joins me. He sets a very full bottle on the shelf, takes my doll, and sets her on the shelf too.
I have questions. I wonder if he’ll be receptive to answering them as he lifts me onto the changing table.
As usual, my wandering mind calms when he straps me down. He includes the second strap this time too. “How was your playdate with Anabel, baby girl? We didn’t discuss it when I got home.”
“It was fun.” I squirm as he parts my legs and presses my knees wide. I suck in a breath when my nipples rub the strap.
He smooths his hands up and down my inner thighs, his gaze on me. “You did so well today, baby girl. I’m so proud of you.”
“Thank you, Daddy.” My voice is breathy.
“Tomorrow morning we’re going to the pediatrician. You need a full physical. You haven’t had one in a long time. I want to be sure you’re healthy, and you stay that way.”
