Page 33 of Maddox

I dressed her like she was the most precious thing in the world, which she was. I carefully brushed and blow-dried her gorgeous hair. When I was done, I gathered her close again, pressing a kiss to her forehead.

"Better?" I asked softly. She nodded, her trembling finally subsiding. "How about some hot tea to warm you from the inside?"

"Okay," she agreed quietly.

I helped her downstairs to the kitchen, settling her at the island with a thick blanket around her shoulders. As I prepared the tea, I kept glancing at her, worried about her withdrawn state.

"Clare," I said gently as I placed the steaming mug in front of her. "I think it might be a good idea to call Anna. Would that be okay?"

She looked up, her eyes still haunted. "I already did. Before...before the shower."

"Oh?" I tried to keep my voice neutral, though I was surprised. "What did she say?"

Clare wrapped her hands around the mug, absorbing its warmth. "She said I don't need her permission to be happy. That I need to accept that without the bad things, I would never have met you."

I reached across the counter, covering one of her hands with mine. "She's right about that last part. Though I wish we could have met under different circumstances."

"Me too," she whispered and looked up at me. “I’m sorry.”

So was I."You have nothing to apologize for, Clare. I understand this is all new and scary for you."

"That's just it," I said, my voice trembling slightly. "I don't want it to be scary anymore. I want...I want to try. To let you take care of me. To be my...my Daddy all the time.”

Holy fuck.

I wasn’t expecting that. It took me a few seconds but then I saw her trembling and knew how much courage that had taken. I was going to look after her. Show her how pleased I was, and make sure she never regretted her decision. I stepped closer, opening my arms in invitation. "Come here, princess," I said softly.

Clare hesitated for just a second before hopping off the stool and stepping into my embrace. I held her gently, one hand cradling the back of her head.

"I'm so proud of you," I murmured. "Thank you for trusting me with this."

I felt her relax slightly in my arms, her breath hitching. "I'm scared," she whispered.

"I know, sweetheart. And that's okay. We'll take this as slow as you need. There's no rush."

I pulled back slightly, looking into her eyes. "We’re going to start with a breakfast you actually eat, then enjoy some playtime. Nothing intense, just some coloring or maybe watching a movie."

Clare nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. "That sounds nice."

"Good girl," I said warmly, delighting in the way her cheeks flushed at the praise. "Now, how about you sit at the table while Daddy finishes making you some pancakes?"

Her eyes lit up a little as Clare settled at the table, I turned back to the coffee machine, my mind whirling. I’d referred to myself as Daddy and Clare hadn’t reacted. Because saying she wanted something and being faced with the reality of it were completely different.

I finished making my coffee and glanced over at Clare. She was sitting quietly at the table, fidgeting slightly with the hem of her sweater. I could see the nervousness in her posture, but also a glimmer of excitement in her eyes. I thought she might balk when I mentioned the playroom, but she hadn’t. It was important for her to see that room as a sanctuary. Her safe space. Not somewhere threatening, so we’d start in there and see where we went. As I whipped up the pancakes I planned our day.

Gideon would be at home with Abby later, so they might even enjoy a playdate.

"Here we go, princess," I said softly, setting a plate in front of her. "I made some with chocolate chips, just for you."

Clare's eyes widened slightly. "Thank you," she murmured.

I sat down next to her, my own plate in front of me. "Would you like some syrup?" I asked, holding up the bottle.

She nodded shyly. "Yes, please."

I drizzled a bit of syrup over her pancakes, then cut them into small, manageable bites. Part of me wondered if this was too much too soon, but I wanted to ease her into being cared for.

I picked up her fork and speared a bite-size piece, then held it out. "There you go, sweetheart. Eat up now."

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