Zeke worked in marketing and web design, helping small businesses establish their online presence. We had stumbled across him online when we were desperate for help getting our website off the ground. From the moment we started workingtogether a few years ago, he had been more than just a brilliant consultant—he had become a true friend.
Back then, Ellery and I shared a single site for all our creations, but it leaned heavily toward littles. Zeke had suggested a separate site for patterns, which would allow me to reach a wider audience. It was such a simple idea, but it changed everything.
“A purple dinosaur that sounds so cute! You should give him green spikes.”
“Ooo purple and green, that’s cu-”
A knock sounded at the door. That must be Daddy! I looked down at my project and frowned. Ellery stood from the couch and chuckled. “Don’t worry, I’ll go let your Daddy in. Finish that row, I know it’ll drive you crazy if you don’t.”
I sighed in relief; they knew me so well. “Thanks, Ellery.”
As I finished the last few stitches, I listened as Ellery let Daddy inside. “Hey, Daniel! Tristan’s in the living room finishing the row he’s working on. He hates stopping in the middle of one, but he’s fast, so it shouldn’t take very long.”
“Hello, Ellery, it’s good to see you again.”
“Same. I’m so glad you’re here. He’s been pouting nonstop, waiting till he could see you again.
“Hey. I did not pout.” I shouted as I finished my last stitch.
Ellery entered the living room with his hands defiantly on his hips as Daniel followed behind him.
“You did too.”
“Hmpf.” I stuck my tongue out at him as Daddy walked over to me and brushed my curls out of my face to place a soft kiss on my forehead.
“Hey, sweetheart. I missed you too… I’m sorry I had a lot of work to catch up on this week after the fair, but I promise we’ll see each other more often. Okay?”
My cheeks hurt from smiling as I looked up at him. “It’s okay, I know you’ve been busy, and I had some catch-up of my own to do, so it worked out.”
“Thank you, sweetie. I was wondering if it was okay with you if I ask Ellery for their number so they can contact me if they need anything while you’re little.”
I was already falling harder and faster than I thought possible, but the care he showed not only for me but for Ellery as well made me feel like I was falling down the cliff at breakneck speed.
“That’s perfectly fine with me. Thank you for thinking of them.”
“Of course, sweetheart.”
Daniel turned to Ellery to make sure it was okay with them and exchanged numbers. Ellery looked so happy and gave me a nod of approval.
“Are you ready to go, sweetie?” I loved it when he called me ‘sweetheart,’ but ‘sweetie’ was even better and made my little side want to burst free.
“Yeah, I just need to put this away and grab Ember.”
He ruffled my hair and planted a quick kiss on my lips. “Whydon’t I go grab Ember while you put that away and get your shoes on?”
“Otay!”
We quickly got ready and said goodbye to Ellery. Daddy made quick work of helping me into the truck and buckling me in with Ember secured safely in my lap. Only fifteen minutes later, we were pulled up to this beautiful ranch-style home with a wrap-around porch.
“We’re here!”
“Wow, your home is so pretty.” As we pulled in, I saw a huge shed in the back of the house that I assumed was his workshop.
“Thank you. Once we get you inside and settled in, I’ll give you a tour.”
Daniel parked the truck, came around, and unbuckled me. He led us to the front door, his hand in mine, while I gripped Ember with the other. The minute we stepped inside, I knew this was his home; it fit his personality so well, and I immediately felt welcome and safe. The furniture was rustic and beautiful. I wondered how many of the pieces he had built himself. The living room had a fireplace and a huge rug that looked so soft I immediately imagined myself lying on my stomach, the smooth fibers cushioning me as I colored.
“I love it, it’s so warm and cozy here.”
