Page 23 of Daddy Bear

“You make me brave.” While I may have given him confidence to speak up, he was braver and stronger than he gave himself credit for.

“Are you okay?” Even though he was brave and strong, that was still a hard situation.

“I am. I already knew I wouldn’t have a relationship with my dad. It feels kind of nice to have some closure and the last word. Plus, seeing him pee his pants was the icing on the cake.” His lips cracked with a naughty smile. “Maybe he needs a diaper too.” I snorted a laugh and hugged him tighter. “I can’t believe Stone and Wren came to help.”

“They’re our friends. They’ll always protect you, just like I will.”

“Does Stone always carry a knife?”

“Yes.” I highly doubted that was the only weapon on him at the time.

“Huh.” He was quiet for a moment before looking up at me. “Thank you for protecting me, and defending me. I love you so much, and I’m so happy you’re my Daddy.”

“I love you too. Now, how about you let Daddy take you home and give you a nice warm bath? Then I’ll snuggle you and love on you all night long.”

“That sounds perfect.”

It did, though everything sounded perfect when it came to Tatum. He and I had an eternity of perfect nights awaiting us.

The End