Page 25 of The Captain's Little Girl

“I’m too old for a bedtime story, Daddy.”

“You’re never too old. I have a book I’ve wanted to read. Will you try it with me?”

Wrinkling her nose, Cricket really didn’t want to, but she wanted to please him. “Can we try it for a bit and see if we like it? We could always watch a movie.”

“No movies this late.” Mark put his foot down on that suggestion. “But if you don’t like the story, you tell me.”

“Okay.”

“Let’s get you a snack. Sit at the counter. Do you like peanut butter toast?”

“Yummy!”

Cricket chattered about the interesting and weird people she’d met that night. One couple had caught her eye. They were older than she was. She’d watched them dance all night. When they’d ordered drinks during one of the band’s breaks, she’d asked them how long they’d been married. “Turns out, it was their first date. I hope they’re really as perfect together as I thought.”

“I think my little girl has a romantic heart.”

Cricket nodded enthusiastically as she took a bite of her toast. It was the perfect late-night snack, even with the milk he’d poured her. “I like to think everyone ends up happy.”

“The world would be a better place if that happened,” he commented wisely. “I’ll go start your bath.”

She took another bite and basked in his attention. Going home to her empty apartment each night had seemed fine after the music and crowds at the bar. Cricket hadn’t realized how lonely it was until now. Having someone to talk about your day with was so much better.

Popping the last bite into her mouth, Cricket chewed contentedly. She was so happy. Crossing her fingers under the counter, she wished this could last forever.

“One last sip of milk, baby, and then it’s time to hop in the tub. I’ve got a couple of bubble bath concoctions I picked up for you. You’ll have to make the tough decision between lavender and bubble gum.”

“Bubble gum,” she answered without a delay.

“How did I know that would be your favorite?” Mark rinsed out her dishes and stowed them in the dishwasher before helping her slide off the stool.

In the bathroom, he showed her two bottles of bubbles—one large and one small. Cricket laughed when she saw the labels. The bubble gum mixture was twice as large as the other. Her daddy knew her well.

He poured a small amount into the tub, and the sweet fragrance filled the air. Before she could get in, Mark put toothpaste on her brush so she could clean her teeth. With that done, he helped her undress. Cricket giggled when she got tangled up in her T-shirt as she tried to help.

“Daddy’s job,” Mark corrected her as he tugged it over her head.

“Everything is Daddy’s job,” she protested as he finished undressing her.

“Everything but being Daddy’s little girl. That’s completely your job.”

“That’s not very tough.”

“I searched for a very long time to find the perfect woman for that position,” Mark corrected her as he knelt at her feet to untie her sneakers and slip them off. “Put your hand on my shoulder to balance.”

Soon, he helped her step into the tub. Cricket settled against the tub back with a sigh of delight. The water was the perfect level of warmth. She wiggled her toes happily as he rubbed a soft loofah over her skin.

“I need toys, Daddy.”

“Okay.” Mark didn’t make small talk as he bathed her.

Cricket suspected he was trying to let her calm down after working so she’d go to sleep. “What’s this about me having a bedtime?”

“All Littles need a bedtime.”

“I like staying up late,” she protested.

“Mmm,” he hummed vaguely.

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