He stilled, staring down at her. End? She was already thinking of when this would end? She yawned and he continued to rub her back, liking the way she nestled into his lap.
“Somehow, it seems easier to always be Little, but I know I can’t.”
Ahh. That’s what she’d meant. That knot in his stomach unraveled. He didn’t know what the future would bring. They both lived very different lives. But he’d gone into this relationship knowing that. Compromising wasn’t something he was used to doing.
But for her, it would be worth it. Even if he only got a fraction of her time, it would be worth it.
He’d half-expected her to throw a tantrum earlier when he’d taken Melly away to help her focus on eating. So he’d been surprised when she’d pulled back.
He had to judge where the line was. How hard or easy to go.
“Come on, baby. Time for bed.”
“It’s not bedtime!”
“It’s naptime.”
“Nuh-uh. I’m a big girl. I don’t need a nap.”
“You’re not a big girl. You’re my baby. And you very much need a nap. You were nearly asleep on my lap.”
“I was relaxin’, Daddy. I’m all better now. See? Wide awake.” She pushed her eyes open with her fingers.
He snorted. “Nice try, angel. But it’s naptime. Go use the bathroom, then I’ll help you put your PJs on.”
“But I don’t wanna nap, Daddy.” Her face grew mutinous.
He pointed at the bathroom, making sure he kept his face stern. “Bathroom. Now. Or do you want to have a nap with a red bottom?”
Her eyes narrowed. Here it came. He was certain she was going to refuse and end up over his knee. But she stood and stomped her way towards the bathroom. “Come on, Melly. Daddy says we gotta take a nap even if we don’t think we need a nap. Yeah. . .I know. . .silly, huh?”
He shook his head at her antics then he got her pajamas ready. When she moved back into the bedroom, he was sitting on the bed. He crooked a finger at her. She dragged her feet as she moved towards him.
He tilted up her face. “Daddy just wants you healthy, all right? Don’t like that you sleepwalk because I’m worried that something might happen to you. I also don’t like how tired you look. All right?”
“Yeah, Daddy. I’m sorry.”
“Good girl. Now, put your arms up. Let’s get you changed.” He stood and whipped off her sweater. She was dressed in just a tank top underneath. Then he sat and started to pull down her pants. He heard her indrawn breath, but she didn’t say anything as he drew her pants off. Then he grabbed her pajama bottoms. He figured she could sleep in the tank top comfortably.
“Hold onto my shoulders, angel. I don’t want you falling over.”
He helped her into the pants. Then he stood and walked over to grab her sleep sack. “Want to try it?”
She nodded eagerly. He laid it out on the bed and helped her climb in. She mumbled something happily.
“You like?”
“Uh-huh, feels like my whole body being hugged.”
He kissed her cheek gently. “Good. You can sleep in it each nap time and at night.”
Her eyes closed as he started to lightly massage her scalp.
“If you need to go potty, you can get up but otherwise I want you to stay in bed until I come get you, understand?”
“Yes.”
“Yes, Daddy,” he prompted.