Page 56 of Tinley's Daddy
“W-why are y-you s-sorry?” She hiccupped.
“Because, sweetie” —I lifted her face— “I didn’t find you sooner.”
“But you didn’t even know me.” Her grip tightened on my calf.
“I know it sounds ridiculous.” I shook my head. “Just as ridiculous as you blaming yourself for what happened to you.”
She huffed and searched my face. I scooted to the floor and held her to me.
“Remember my promise.”
Tinley nodded.
“Part of keeping my promise means I won’t let anyone around you who would hurt you either.” She felt good in my arms.
“You and Rayna have a lot in common and what happened to both of you is the least of your bond.” I kissed the side of her face. “But you don’t have to meet them now. They will understand.”
“I want to meet them,” Tinley whispered. “I want to meet the people who are special to you.”
I hugged Tinley tighter and kissed her cheek.
“Kissies,” she whispered.
I turned her face and kissed her lips. Little Tinley gets what she wants.
CHAPTER 18
TINLEY
“How do I look?” I managed not to fight with my hair today, but I wanted to look nice when I met Rayna.
“Adorable.” Josh squeezed one of my braids and patted my shoulder. “I’ll meet you in the office.” He kissed the side of my head and walked away.
I stared at my reflection. It was getting easier to see myself and my little. Josh was right. She was fighting to come out more. Especially after therapy, when I was super vulnerable, my little was practically in charge. I was skipping and jumping around like I had ants in my pants, but it helped heal my mind and allowed me to sleep at night with only a few nightmares.
The phone rang in the next room. My eyes grew wide. I grabbed some lip gloss that showed up in my bathroom along with a few other items of makeup. I straightened my collar under the green dress I found in my closet. It matched Josh’s eyes.
“Tinley,” Josh called.
I shut off the light and ran to the office. My favorite pastime was sliding across the marble floor.
“Woo.” I slid right past the office door.
“Tinley.” Josh glared. “You’re going to hurt yourself.”
“I’m sorry.” He stood up and set the computer on the coffee table. He reached out his hand and I took it. He led me to the couch and sat down next to me. Mr. Kyler’s face appeared on the screen.
“Hi, Tinley.” His permanent frown greeted me, but there was a lightness in his eyes I hadn’t seen before. “How are you?”
“I’m fine.” I nodded. “How are you?”
“Better now.” His lips tried to smile.
“Daddy.” Rayna’s voice came from his left. “Help.”
Kyler stood up and went off screen.
“Josh,” I whispered. “Kyler smiled. I saw it.”
