also been naughty today. “I’ll be good all night if I have juice. Pinky promise.”
I picked up the remote and turned on his cartoons. He reached for his blankie, pulling it under his
chin so he could rub the satin edging against his cheek. If I didn’t hurry, he was going to fall asleep
before dinner arrived. I filled his sippy cup with juice, but also grabbed a bottle for later.
Sammy eyed the drinks when I set them on the end table. “Two drinks, Daddy? If I drink all that
I’m gonna have a soggy bottom.”
“Then it’s a good thing Daddy has more diapers, isn’t it?” It was a shame we’d have company this
weekend because I longed for a time when he could be little for more than a few hours or a night.
Eventually, using his diaper would be second nature rather than something that embarrassed him.
“You know Daddy loves when you need me to change you.”
“I know, but isn’t it icky for you?”
I lifted Sammy off the couch and settled into the spot where he’d been before pulling him onto my
lap. He snuggled against my chest as he started sucking down his juice. “Take it easy, Sammy. If you
ruin your appetite, you might not get treats before bed. As for your question, it’s not icky or gross, or
any other adjective your busy brain might come up with. As your Daddy, I love nothing more than
when you put your total trust in me for even your basic needs. It takes an immense level of trust to
make yourself that vulnerable.”
“Okay,” he responded sleepily. Dinner needed to hurry up and get here. I had a boy to feed and
then get to bed. It was going to be an exhausting weekend, both physically and emotionally.
15
Sam
As soon as I woke up on Saturday, I felt a shift. It was like my brain was already screaming at me to
get out of bed and quit playing. I tried being as careful as possible sneaking out of the bed, but Daddy
tightened his arm around my waist and pulled me back to him. “Sleep, Sammy.”
“I need to get ready.” When I tried lifting his arm, he tucked his fingers between my side and the
mattress. “Daddy, they’re going to be here soon. I need to get dressed and then make sure none of my
toys are out where they can find them.”
“Already taken care of.” He kissed the back of my neck. “Sleep. I have an alarm set so we’ll have
time for our morning routine before they get here.”
“But what about my cups and plates?” Daddy swore it wouldn’t be a problem, but he’d never met
