“I don’t wanna have a nap, though.”
“Be a good girl and have a nap then afterward, I’ll grab some snacks and we can have them in your fort.”
She wiped her eyes then stared up at him. “Hm, I’m not sure, Papa. Usually, my forts are girls only.”
“Girls only? No Daddy’s or Papa’s allowed?”
“I guess I might make an exception. But, see, Angelique isn’t keen on boys. She says they smell.”
“I don’t smell. And when was the last time Angelique had a bath?” he asked, feeling slightly offended.
“Papa.” She cupped his face in her hands, giving him a chiding look. “Angelique is a doll.”
“Does she know that?”
She broke into giggles that made him smile, feeling like he’d won the lottery.
Being in a relationship meant being vulnerable. It was letting someone see all of you, not just the good parts. The safe parts. It was messy and sometimes confusing.
And fucking rewarding when you did it right.