Page 17 of Kiren

I knelt beside him. Softly, “Show me.”

“I never thought I’d ever show anyone stuff like this. My own private baby stuff.”

“I’m going to be the exception, all right?” My words were low, easy, not demanding. I wasn’t an arrogant daddy. If I was arrogant about anything, it was about my job because I was so good at it and made a good salary. My daddy self didn’t need to brag. It was a firm trait of my true core, solid and authentic.

“I always thought people would laugh at me.”

“I won’t laugh, Kiren. I promise.”

He pulled out pajamas with feet, all one piece. They were adorable.

“May I touch?” I asked.

He nodded.

“They’re flannel. They must be very warm and cozy.”

“They’re my favorites. I wear them around my condo all the time.”

“I can understand why. They look so comfortable I want a set for myself.”

Kiren let out a puff of air. “I don’t believe you.”

“No? Daddies can’t be comfortable?”

He sat back on the floor. “I picture you in dark blue silk pajamas with black slippers, more elegant.”

“Is that what you’d like to see?”

He shrugged.

I would wear anything to please him, this boy of my dreams.

Kiren brought out another garment. This one was a bib. It had red and blue and yellow polka dots all over it.

“That’s very cute. And serves a very good purpose.”

“Yeah, but I look ridiculous in it,” Kiren said. “I only wear it at home.”

“You can wear it here, too, now. It appeals to me.”

“If there’s anything I have that you don’t like—" Kiren began.

I held up my hand to stop him. “I enjoy giving boys what they want and need. If you like it, I will like it unless it’s somehow bad for you or will hurt you. Then I will put my foot down.”

“Like what’s something you don’t like?”

I tilted my head, thinking. “I don’t like toy guns. That would be a rule for me. No guns, toy or otherwise.”

“Squirt guns?” he asked.

I shook my head no. “There are other toys you can have that squirt water if that’s what you like. And to be played with in a pool or tub.”

“Oh!” He exclaimed. “That’s what I forgot. My tub toys.”

I tried not to grin. “You like baths?”

“A lot. With bubbles.” He grabbed his lower lip between his teeth.

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