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“That’s it. You’re doing so well for Daddy.” He rubbed her bottom cheek. “Such a good, brave girl. Later, Daddy might give you a reward.”
He drew it out and checked it. “All clear.” He turned her over. She was looking everywhere but at him.
That wouldn’t do. Grasping hold of her chin, he drew the pacifier from her mouth, then leaned in to kiss her. “Thank you for letting me take care of you.”
She relaxed and smiled before he returned the pacifier to her mouth.
“Time for lunch.”
She didn’t fuss as he got a new pair of training pants and put them on her. Then he carried her back to her cushion.
“Stay here, baby. I’m going to get you some lunch.”
There was a lightness to his movements as he prepared a fruit platter in the shape of a face. Sliced banana made up the smile, a strawberry for the nose. Cut-up grapes for eyes and orange segments for ears.
Reuben also made them both a sandwich, eating his as he made his way back to her.
That familiar thump of urgency was strumming through him. Telling him to go back to her. Watch her. Keep her safe. But it wasn’t as overwhelming as it had been.
When he walked into the study, she was where he’d left her, filling him with a deep sense of satisfaction. He sat in front of her, turning the plate around on the floor so she could see the fruit.
She clapped her hands but didn’t say anything, even when he removed her pacifier.
He put a bib around her neck. It was something else he’d bought the other day at the toy shop, but he hadn’t been sure he’d use it.
“Do you like the smiley face, Little Blossom?” he asked, testing whether she’d really slipped into being nonverbal.
She nodded, smiling.
“Good girl.” He slowly fed her by hand. After she’d eaten most of the sandwich, he lifted her up and into his lap, where he cradled her close while feeding her the bottle of water.
This . . . this was exactly what he’d needed.
And somehow, she’d known.
Because she was made for you. The other half of your soul.
At one stage, he’d thought he no longer had a soul, but this girl in his arms was proof that he did.
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Daddy was so snuggly.
And he felt really warm. Faith could just cuddle with him all day. So, when he went to put her back on her cushion, she latched onto him with her good arm and held on tight.
Perhaps she should tell him what she wanted.
But no, Daddy would know.
Faith was firmly in her happy place. Daddy would take care of her.
“Not ready to let go, huh?” he murmured.
He got it. She wriggled in happiness.
Standing, he cradled her against him and patted her bottom gently.
“It’s nearly time for your nap.”
