Ducky and Daddy - Snippets

Tucked in

The bedroom lights were already dimmed when she padded in, quiet and barefoot, wearing the oversized sleep shirt he called her "snuggle uniform." She rubbed her eyes with the back of her hand and let out a tiny yawn she hadn't meant to make out loud.

Daddy looked up from the bed — reading glasses low on his nose, book in his lap. And when he saw her face, everything in him softened.

"There you are," he murmured, reaching out a hand. "Come here, my sweet girl."

She didn't even try to argue. She crossed the room and climbed straight into his side of the bed, curling into his chest.

He pulled the blanket up over her back and pressed a kiss to the top of her head. One of those kisses that didn't just touch her skin — it settled into her. Like weight. Like safety.

"Long day," he said.

She nodded against his chest.

"Did so good for me today. Took care of yourself. Did hard things even when they weren't fun."

She nodded again. A small hum left her throat.

He ran one hand up and down her back, slow and steady. His voice dropped to that bedtime gravel she loved best.

"My good girl," he murmured. "You've earned your rest."

She melted into him. A small, sleepy sound left her — not even a word. Just a noise, soft and needing.

He understood it anyway.

"I've got you," he said. "You don't have to think anymore. Not about anything."

His palm flattened between her shoulder blades, warm and wide and sure.

"I'll wake you in the morning. I'll keep you safe tonight. I'll hold you close 'til then."

She tucked her hand under his shirt, just to feel his warmth. He kissed her temple.

"Sleep, Ducky," he whispered. "Daddy's right here."

And that was all she needed.