Page 187 of Guardian Daddy

Which was his job. And he needed to do it better. “You can tell me anything. I want to ensure you’re happy and healthy. But I also need you to talk to me.”

“I know. I will try.”

And he would watch her even more closely.

“Was it Samantha being in your room that upset you? Or her screeching? Or her nearly getting into your closet?”

“D.”

“Huh?”

“All of the above.”

He let out a sigh. “I’m so sorry that happened, baby.”

“It’s not your fault. And she’s not wrong, is she? I should give her and Rhodes the main suite. But I just . . . this is my safe place.”

“Hey, no one is taking your safe place. Understand? You think Rhodes would want that?”

“I don’t think so.”

“I know so. She’s just being a bitch. Don’t pay any attention to her. I wish I’d known how to help you, though. We should have discussed this. Maybe I should even talk to your therapist about how to best help you.”

“You did really well. Normally, I can deal with it myself. But I was worried about if you . . . if you’d leave me. If you found it all too much.”

He swore quietly. “I will never leave you. Is there anything else I could have done?”

“Sometimes, I find it good to have something to squeeze—like a stress ball or a toy. Different textures. But what you did worked. Normally, I don’t like to be touched, but it’s all I wanted with you.”

“I’ll remember that next time.” He leaned her back so he could brush her hair off her face. His poor girl, she looked like she was completely done in. “Are you tired, baby?”

“Exhausted. I just wanna have a nap.”

“All right. We can do that. I’ll lie down with you. We can have dinner later, if you like.”

“That would be good. I feel kind of nauseous,” she admitted as he stood with her cradled against his chest.

“Is there anything else you need?” he asked.

“No. Just you.”

“You have me,” he replied.

“Ethan?”

“Yes, baby?”

“What is in all of these boxes? What did you shop for?”

“Just a few bits and pieces,” he replied. “I’ll show you tomorrow when you’re less overwhelmed.”

She grumbled a bit.

“If you’re a good girl, I’ll show one thing to you. You can wear it now if you like it.”

“Wait. You bought something for me?” she asked.

“It’s all for you, baby girl.”

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