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The ease in which he claimed the space made my heart soar. Everything I had also belonged to him. “That sounds perfect, baby bear.”
Chapter Seven
Weldon
I placed Tatum's creations on the counter, where sunlight spilling in from the window would help them dry quicker. After storing the rest of the dough in a cabinet for later, I asked him, “How are you feeling?” Though he seemed to be fully cured, I wanted to check on him.
“I feel great! Thank you for making the PlayDoh for me. It was so much fun!” He wrapped his arms around my middle and I hugged him back tightly. “And it was so special to share it with you.”
He made me want to give him the world. While that may be out of my reach, there was something I was excited to show him. I kissed the top of his head and told him, “You're so welcome. Come with me; I have one more special thing for you.”
I took his hand and led him down the hall to a closed door. I gripped the knob and turned to face him. “Over the years, I've been preparing this room, knowing one day I'd share it with my boy. Everything inside is yours.” I pushed the door open, and Tatum gasped when he looked inside - his nursery.
He let go of my hand and rushed into the room, bouncing from item to item, as if trying to take it all in at once. He ran his fingers along the shelf that was stacked with books. He squealed at the toy trucks parked along the wall. He tested the cushion of the rocking chair before hurrying to inspect a container of blocks.
There was no crib in the room, as I wanted my boy to sleep in bed with me, but there was a large, long dresser which held his clothing and diaper supplies. On top was a soft mat he could lay on to be changed.
Once he'd inspected everything, Tatum stood before me, his eyes shimmering with moisture. “This is everything I've always dreamed of; more than. It's not just the toys, either. It's…it's…everything.”
I heard the words he couldn't find. He was grateful to find someone who understood and accepted his needs. He was happy to be seen and cherished. “As far as the toys go, if there's something I missed, I'm happy to get you anything you like. I wanted to have the basics, but-”
He quieted me by propping up on his toes to kiss my lips. “It's perfect.”
“You're perfect.”
Tatum giggled and kissed me again. “Can I play now, Daddy Bear?”
“Go for it.”
He squealed and rushed to the trucks, falling to his knees in front of them. I took a seat in the rocking chair, content to watch him play as long as he wanted.
Tatum pushed around his firetruck for a while before hustling over to the box of blocks, saying he had an idea of who the fireman could save. I wasn't sure if he was talking to me or himself, but I watched intently as he began stacking the wooden blocks on top of one another.
At first, I thought he was building a house, but the creation ended up being a tree. Tatum dug through his toy box of stuffed animals until he found a plush gray kitten, who climbed up the tree trunk and became too scared to get down, so it was stuck.
But never fear, the firetruck was there to save the day. Its ladder extended, and the kitten climbed down to safety. Then, in a surprising turn of events, the cat decided to become a firefighter. It drove the truck around, helping other animals in need.
After the kitty saved the town, it went back home to its toy box. Then, Tatum built a castle with his blocks, only to mow it down with another truck. He played for hours, leaving me in awe of his imagination.
Every once in a while, he would look up at me and smile, but other than that, he stayed immersed in his games. I loved it. After all, this time was for him; to free his mind of whatever worries it had pent up, and to find happiness. My happiness came from seeing him so peaceful. I wanted for nothing.
Eventually, Tatum let out a wide yawn. Whether it was from his strenuous play or the deep relaxation of letting go, he needed rest. But before I could suggest that we go lie down, Tatum crawled over to the bookshelf and pored over the stories. He chuckled to himself as he took a book and brought it to me.
“Goldilocks and the Three Bears,” I read aloud, and he giggled again.
“Will you read it to me?”
“Of course.”
Tatum climbed onto my lap without a second thought. He was instinctively drawn to me, and I wouldn’t have him anywhere else. He scooted around until he was comfortable, and then curled up against my chest. Once he was settled, I opened the book and began to read.
He only made it about halfway through the book before his breathing slowed, and he fell fast asleep. I rocked him back and forth, gently patting his bottom, and thanking Fate for my perfect gift.
*****
Tatum
I blinked awake and sighed in relief when I felt Daddy’s arms wrapped around me, and his soft body beneath me. I was worried that I would wake up to find everything had been a wonderful dream. But it was real, he was real, and I was really here with my mate.
