Page 72 of Jasper

He lays me on the changing table, the vinyl cover cool against my back. He dries me with patient care, dabbing along my arms and legs, then opens a small drawer and holds up a pacifier. Pink, with a rainbow on the shield.

“Open.”

I part my lips. The silicone slips into my mouth, and I instinctively start to suckle. I still feel shy sucking on my pacifier in front of him—but it’s soothing, like everything else fades to the background.

He dusts baby powder across my stomach and thighs, the scent instantly pulling me into a smaller headspace. Then he lifts my legs and slides a thick, crinkly diaper beneath me. The rustling echoes in the quiet room, and I’m glad the lights are dim because my cheeks are surely bright red. He fastens it snugly, his fingers grazing my hips.

I shift slightly. The bulk between my legs feels strange… But safe. Soft.

He pulls a pale-yellow onesie over my head. It snaps at the crotch, and then he pulls fuzzy socks onto my feet—pink ones with little polka dots.

By the time he’s done, I don’t feel like the girl who lived in a camper, who stole to eat, who slept with a knife under her pillow.

I feel like someone new.

Someone cherished.

I feel small.

I feel safe.

And I’ve never felt happier.

* * *

Iburst through Jasper’s open office door, barely able to contain the words bubbling in my chest. My heart is pounding, my cheeks ache from smiling, and I can’t hold it in any longer.

“I got a job!” I practically yell, my voice echoing off the walls.

Jasper looks up from his laptop, his brows lifting in surprise. His mouth opens, but before he can say a word, I’m already in his arms. He catches me effortlessly, pulling me onto his lap, his work on his laptop forgotten.

“You got a job?” he repeats, his voice thick with pride and disbelief.

I nod quickly, my legs bouncing on either side of his thighs. “Yes! I got the call just now.”

He cups my face in his hands and kisses me, full and hard. “That’s amazing, baby. Where?”

I practically squeal. “The coffee shop. The one where we met.”

His grin deepens, and I can feel his chest puff with pride beneath me. “You’re kidding.”

“Nope,” I say, breathless. “I start in two days. They said I was sweet, and they liked my energy.”

He tucks a strand of hair behind my ear, his thumb brushing my cheek. “I’m so damn proud of you.”

I suck in a shaky breath as the emotion wells fast and full in my throat. “Thank you,” I whisper. “For supporting me. For helping me get here. I know you don’t love the idea of me being away from you, but?—”

He cuts me off with a soft kiss to my temple. “I’d do anything for you, rainbow. Anything, as long as it’s safe. And a job in a coffee shop? That’s pretty safe. Doesn’t mean I won’t be there watching over you, but I’d do that anywhere.”

Tears burn at the corners of my eyes, but I nod and lean into him, soaking in the moment. I’ve never felt this proud of myself before. Not once. But now? I feel like I’m glowing.

“I want to go tell Cassian!” I exclaim, jumping off his lap. “He told me at breakfast this morning he had a strong feeling I’d get a call today about a job.”

Jasper laughs as he stands, grabbing his keys from the desk. “Then let’s go tell him.”

We walk together to Cassian’s house, and I’m practically skipping beside Jasper. The moment the front door opens, I blurt, “I got a job!”

Cassian blinks at me, stunned for a beat, and then his entire face lights up. “Fuck yes! Way to go, Little one.”

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