Page 27 of Cherishing Little Charlee

“There’s been a lot of back and forth to get to this point. Not necessarily with a Daddy or a Caregiver but sometimes with yourself.” Haven patted my non-injured hand then returned to her seat across the table. “I ran away from home, making Colton chase me all the way to the Ranch. It was silly because he was taking us here on a trip. Anyway, you don’t have to apologize for something that isn’t a problem. I’m honored that you are exploring another side of yourself around me. I have lots of fun with you, so it’s just a whole ’nother way to have fun.”

I couldn’t argue with that. Her gentle acceptance made it so much easier for me to agree with her. Besides, we all had to start our journey somewhere. I was lucky enough to have a supportive Daddy and a great friend who encouraged me to do so. Five distinctive raps to the rhythm of “Shave and a Haircut” sounded on Haven’s princess room door, interrupting us.

Haven smiled and gave two sharp raps against the table’s surface to finish the tune before she called out, “Yes, Daddy?”

I smiled at the sweetness of witnessing what must be their special knock.

Colton opened the door, stepping inside. He glanced between the two of us. “Everything okay in here, butterfly?”

“Yup. We were talking about some Big topics but we’re okay now, Daddy. Aren’t we?”

Haven glanced at me waiting to see where I was at mentally.

“I’m much better. Thank you for asking. Is it time to go already?” I fretted my lip. The night had started out under the guise of playing pretend and forcing myself to have fun but I wasn’t ready for it to end yet.

“No, sweetie,” he said, shaking his head. “Not quite yet. Heaven Leigh is here.” He moved to the side allowing Heaven Leigh to bound past him and into the room.

In the midst of our deep conversation about heavy emotional gunk, I’d all but forgotten that Heaven Leigh was also coming over. Plus Haven mentioned treats which were always welcome.

“Hi, Haven! Oh my goodness, Charlee! You look so pretty!” Heaven Leigh exclaimed while jumping up and down, or rather it was more like weaving and wiggling about without her feet leaving the ground due to the huge box in her hands. The three of us giggled as she joined us.

“Hi! Thank you,” I said sweetly while Haven hugged her.

“You won’t believe what I made today,” Heaven Leigh walked to the table to set her offering down. “I baked the most delicious dessert ever. You must try it!”

“If we are careful, may we eat in my room?” Haven asked her Daddy.

“Yes, you may. Thank you for asking. Please keep the noise level at a tolerable level, little girl.” He raised an eyebrow.

“Yes, Daddy!”

“Yes, Haven’s Daddy,” Heaven Leigh and I parroted.

“Don’t eat too much sugar this late,” Colton said sternly.

As if we’d practiced it, but hadn’t, we all put on our cheesiest grins.

“One each! Or one really big bite,” I said excitedly. I couldn’t wait to see what Heaven Leigh brought for us to share.

“Silly girls. Come downstairs when you finish your treats.” He kissed Haven on her nose before patting Heaven Leigh and I on our heads and leaving the room. I admired the ease they interacted with each other. I wondered if Pierce and Colton ever sat around talking about us the way we did with them.

Haven cleaned up the art supplies while Heaven Leigh and I spread out napkins. She opened the box and we peered inside. I gasped. The most incredible cupcakes sat there looking delicious. They had icing swirled around and were bigger than a typical small cupcake. Chocolate and gooey bites of yumminess that I couldn’t identify were sprinkled on top. The reason for her modified bouncing became clear as I could easily picture how her perfect creations would have been rather smushed against the lid of the box if she’d jumped around for real.

“You totally outdid yourself! Can I order these for the crew on opening night?” I asked her as she set one in front of each of us. We glanced at the size of the cupcake. I was mentally thinking about the repercussions of eating that much sugar close to bedtime.

“I can! But this is a new flavor! You are the first to try it. You might not like it, but you probably will,” Heaven Leigh said proudly.

“Hmmm. As much as I want to stuff this whole thing in my mouth, maybe we could all share one. Is that okay?” Haven asked. She was the voice of reason.

“They came out way bigger than I expected,” Heaven Leigh said laughing. “Yes, I just realized how late it is. I’ll leave the other two for you and Colton to share.”

“Thank you so much! Isn’t having a friend who loves to bake, the bestest?”

Though she meant for herself, I realized Heaven Leigh really had become a good friend to me too. “Mmmhmm, it’s the bestest,” I said, agreeing.

Cutting one cupcake into thirds we all waited until we each had a piece in our hand before taking a big bite. Haven’s eyes rolled back in her head, and she groaned. It was a solid reaction since I made the same noise.

“This is the most incredible thing I’ve ever put into my mouth,” I said sincerely.

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