Ducky and Daddy - Snippets

One week check-in

She found him on the back patio.

He was seated in his favorite chair, boots up, coffee in hand. Ducky stepped outside, wanting nothing more than to be close to Daddy. He glanced up from his book — and smiled. She could feel that smile all the way down.

"C'mere, girl."

She padded over. Once she was within reach, he pulled her straight into his lap.

He twirled his fingers in the ends of her hair. "One week. Checklist. Meals. Sleep. Full marks."

Her chest bloomed with satisfaction.

"You didn't whine when you were tired. You messaged me when your head got noisy. You even put yourself to bed last night without me having to tell you."

She look down, smiling to herself.

"You proud of yourself?" he asked.

She nodded.

"Good," he said. "Because I am."

He tipped her chin up and kissed her lightly once. Twice. Three times.

He pulled back just enough to rest his forehead against hers. "I know following rules isn't always easy," he says. "Especially when you're tired, or lonely, or want to spiral."

She nodded.

"But you didn't. You held your ground. You leaned into the structure. You made me proud this past week."

"Thank you, Daddy. I tried hard."

"I know you did, baby. Now it's time for your reward. What does my baby girl want?"

Thinking, she bit her lip in concentration. After a moment, her face grew pink before she leaned in and whispered in his ear.

A hungry look passed over his face. In one solid movement, Daddy wrapped his arm under her bottom and stood up, holder her to his chest and he walked into the house toward the bedroom.

His girl deserved a reward he was more than happy to give.