I was debating whether I was allowed to get up on my own when the bedroom door opened.
Daddy stepped in, dressed in soft sweats and a t-shirt, carrying a tray like this was the most normal thing in the world.
“Morning, cherub,” he said quietly.
My eyes went immediately to the tray.
Chocolate chip waffles. Two of them. Perfectly golden. A swirl of whipped cream piled high in the center, already melting just a little. There was also a little bowl of strawberries and a mug of hot chocolate.
“You didn’t have to—” I started, smiling, my mouth watering.
“I wanted to,” he said simply, crossing the room. “Scoot up for me.”
I obeyed without thinking, pushing myself back against thepillows. He carefully set the tray over my lap, adjusting it so it was balanced just right, then sat on the edge of the bed.
“How do you feel?” he asked, eyes already scanning me.
I considered the question honestly. “Sore,” I admitted. “But… okay. And hungry,” I giggled.
He smiled, like that was the answer he’d been hoping for. “Eat up then, baby.”
I picked up the fork, but before I could take a bite, he reached out and wiped a bit of whipped cream from the edge of the waffle where it was about to drip and painted it on my lips.
“There,” he murmured. “Didn’t want it getting everywhere.”
My tongue flicked out immediately to lick it up. “Oh, it’s so yummy!”
I used the side of my fork to cut off a small piece of waffle, then took a bite. It was warm and soft, chocolate chips just melted enough to be messy. I couldn’t help but moan at the taste. It was amazing.
“So good,” I told him.
“There’s enough for seconds if you’re still hungry after these.”
“Thank you, Daddy.”
I ate slowly while he watched, occasionally prompting me to take a sip of hot chocolate, adjusting the tray when I shifted.
Eventually, I glanced up at him. “You’re being quiet. Are you okay?”
“I just hope I didn’t scare you too badly last night,” he said cautiously.
I shook my head. “No. I just… didn’t expect it to be that intense. Or for you to switch back so fast.”
His gaze softened, and he reached out, brushing his thumb against my cheek. “After breakfast, I’m going to check youover again. Make sure everything’s healing okay. Then you’re staying on the couch with me all day. No walking around unattended.”
I smiled, feeling small and warm. “Yes, Daddy.”
“Good boy,” he said, leaning in to press a kiss to my temple. “Eat up. You’ve got a long day of being taken care of ahead of you.”
I stayed in bed until the last bite was gone and the mug was empty, mostly because Daddy didn’t move to take the tray away right away. He watched me finish like it mattered—like this was the most important thing on his to-do list.
When he finally stood, he leaned down and kissed my forehead again. “Good job, cherub. You’ve become such a good eater for me. I’ll be right back, just going to take this to the kitchen.”
He returned shortly with a soft blanket and a water bottle, then helped me swing my legs over the side of the bed. His hands were steady at my waist.
“Okay, baby. Up you go,” he said, lifting me from the bed.
I rested my head on his shoulder, breathing in his scent as he carried me down the hall and to the front of the house. The living room curtains were half open, sunlight spilling across the couch.
