Page 6 of A Daddy of the Heart
Eli’s heart melted. “Really?”
“Of course.” He nuzzled the side of Eli’s neck. “We didn’t get our morning snuggles today.”
Eli sighed. “Sorry, Daddy. I know you like to start out our day…”
“Shhh.” Willem rubbed his hand down Eli’s side. “…shit happens, boy. As long as you’re by my side each morning when we wake up, and when we go to bed, I’m a content man.”
The back of his eyes prickled. What had he ever done to deserve a man like Willem? “Love you, Daddy.” He buried his face in Willem’s chest, savoring the scent of him, even though his heart still ached at the loss of his brother. He needed to forget for a while – to be little. “Daddy?”
“Hmmmm.” Willem sounded half asleep, almost content.
“Can we go to the playroom?” He held his breath, waiting for Willem’s answer.
“Does my boy need some Little time?” Willem kept his arms around Eli.
“Maybe…” His cheeks flushed. He hated asking for it, even though he knew Willem would never look down on him for it. And then there were Raelynn and Jeremy. What if they needed him or Willem? The playroom was soundproof.
“No, maybe’s Eli.” Willem slowly released him, drawing his attention back to him. “If you need some Little time, we’ll go upstairs.”
He nibbled his lower lip, his earlier worry still at the forefront of his mind. “Am I bad, Daddy? I know I should wait…in case the kids need me.” He glanced at the closed door.
“Nonsense.” He used a knuckle to lift Eli’s chin. “If you need to escape for a bit, but are afraid we won’t hear them, go upstairs and grab your colors and supplies, then bring them back down here. You can color Daddy a picture down here. If the kids get up, they won’t think anything about their uncle coloring.”
He nodded. Daddy always had the best ideas. “Okay, Daddy.” He scrambled off the couch, already slipping into Littlespace. Daddy said he could color downstairs.
“Walk, Eli.” Willem called out after him. “Daddy will be upset if you trip up the stairs again.”
“Yes, Daddy.” He called over his shoulder, slowing down. He was already focused on what he would color for Daddy. Maybe a giant panda or Komodo dragon. He had a giant color book that had nature scenes in it, and he’d seen a picture in there that might work.
