“Got it,” Lazlo says, a look of wisdom in his eyes. “And the same applies to you, my friend. If you need to talk to me, I’m always here.”
Back inside, the group's breaking up—staff heading to morning tasks or home. Danny's finishing his fresh-squeezed OJ, his adorable romper from yesterday peeking from his bag.
I slide back beside him, ruffling his hair. "Ready for an adventure, boy?"
Danny looks up, curious. "Always, Daddy."
"We're going to the Dancing Daisy. It’s a daytime play center for Daddies and Littles. I think you'll like it."
His eyes widen, excitement bubbling. "Really?Yay! Lexi's gonna love it!" He bounces a bit, grabbing his bag.
We say goodbyes—Antonio fist-bumps Danny, promising to share a recipe they were gossiping about—and head out.
The walk's short, the area awakening around us: cafes opening, joggers passing, the faint scent of bakeries wafting. It’s almost too wholesome to be real.
But what makes it so special is who I’m walking alongside.
Danny chatters about site stuff, the various Daddies he’s heard about from Taylor, Mikey, and Xander. Honestly, it’s so much fun to be in the presence of a boy like Danny. He’s got no agenda other than being himself, having fun, and looking at the world with a big, beating open heart.
And his hand in mine feels right, grounding and enriching in a way that I haven’t experienced before. The food industry is a tough, uncompromising place. You learn how to be fierce, ruthless at times. There truly isn’t much space for holding hands or allowing your defenses to drop. But with Danny, that’s all in the rearview mirror when it’s just the two of us. And I love it. In fact, I think I might just love him.
The Dancing Daisy sits on a quiet side street, a quaint building with a cheerful daisy sign above the door. It’s discreet, but definitely obvious for anyone in the Daddy and Little world, that’s for sure.
Inside, it's a Little's paradise… the cafe area up front with kid-sized tables, sippy cups of juice, and animal-shaped sandwiches and fruit skewers.
Playrooms branch off— one with arts and crafts stations stocked with crayons, glitter, and stuffie-making kits. Another for quiet time with bean bags, books, and soft lighting.
The big open-plan rumpus area dominates the back… colorful mats covering the floor, ball pits, climbing structures safe for big Littles, toy chests overflowing with blocks, trains, and dress-up clothes. Murals of playful scenes—dragons, castles, space adventures—cover the walls, and soft music pipes in, upbeat and fun.
Daddies and Littles dot the space, all with smiles on their faces and love in their hearts. Some coloring, others building forts, laughter echoing without judgment. It's warm, welcoming, and all scented with vanilla and playdough.
“So, what do you think, baby boy?” I chuckle, keen to hear Danny’s first take on the Dancing Daisy.
Danny's jaw drops. "This is... awesome!" He clutches Lexi, eyes darting everywhere.
"The changing room's that way," I say, handing him his bag. "Burgundy romper time?"
“Of course, silly!” Danny squeals, evidently excited and ready to have some true Little playtime with me, his Daddy.
He nods eagerly, then disappears.
When Danny emerges—snug burgundy romper hugging his massive frame, looking utterly adorable with its snap crotch and playful pockets—I can't help grinning.
"My handsome dragon boy," I say, my eyes tracking over Danny’s strong thighs as they fill out his romper in a way that gets plenty of attention from the other Daddies in the room.
But Danny’s mine.
Allmine.
And we’re here for some real fun.
We dive in, heading to the rumpus area.
"Let's be dragons!" Danny declares, Lexi as our sidekick.
I roar playfully, chasing him around mats as he flies with arms outstretched, giggling wildly. We build a cave from foam blocks, hoard treasure in the form of shiny toys, and breathe fire by blowing raspberries.
We must be having fun because soon enough other Littles join— a game of tag evolves, Daddies watching fondly.
