Page 12 of Daddy's Firm Hand

As I ate, content as a cat in a sunbeam, David produced a box. "I have one more activity in mind, if you're up for it."

Curiosity piqued, I leaned forward. He lifted the lid, revealing a jigsaw puzzle, pieces gleaming invitingly. A garden scene, riotous with color.

"Oh!" I gasped, already itching to dive in. "It's beautiful!"

“Sometimes, all we need for a little self-confidence is a reminder that we can do simple things, well.”

“You think I can do the jigsaw?” All of a sudden, my voice sounded small, quiet.

“Of course. I believe in you. Now, why don't we take this to the rug? More room to spread out."

I nodded eagerly, gathering the box. The plush carpet welcomed me, soft beneath my folded legs. I upended the pieces and began sorting edge from center.

David knelt beside me, companionably close. He worked quietly, handing me bits of blue sky and green leafy border. I pieced together vermilion petals, golden sunbeams, a hummingbird's jeweled breast.

We moved in synch, a dance of give and take. David praised my keen eye for patterns, I admired his methodical approach. Shared smiles, gentle hands grazing as we met in the middle.

Time lost meaning amid scattered cardboard and blossoming victory. The outside world shrank away, narrowed to this cozy haven and the puzzle taking shape before us.

As the final piece snicked into place, I sat back and surveyed our combined efforts with unfettered pride. "We did it!" I said, triumphantly, glancing sidelong at David.

He met my gaze, his own warm with quiet approval. "It was mostly you, Babygirl.”

“But you gave me the pieces, Daddy. I couldn’t have done it without you.”

A pause, weighted with unspoken understanding. "You've done wonderfully, Candy. How do you feel?"

I considered, taking internal inventory. Muscles loose, mind placid. Belly full and heart... heart aglow with tentative joy. Unguarded and content, in a way I hadn't known I'd needed.

"I feel . . . safe. Happy." I dropped my eyes, suddenly bashful. "Cared for."

Strong fingers cupped my chin, tilting my face back to his. Blue eyes blazed with sincerity. "You are. Cared for. Cherished. Protected."

His thumb stroked my cheek, a butterfly's breath of sensation. "I'm so very proud of you, sweetheart. For trusting me. For letting yourself have this."

Tears pricked, blurring my vision. I swallowed hard, voice emerging thick. "Thank you, Daddy. For giving me a place to . . . to just be."

"All of you is welcome here, always."

I believed him. In that shimmering instant, defenses lowered and masks discarded, I utterly believed him.

I nuzzled closer, nose pressed to his chest, savoring the spice of his cologne. Drowsy and pliant, I could happily remain here for hours just soaking in his solid warmth. The soothing rumble of his voice vibrated through me as he spoke.

"Such a good girl, being so open and brave." His praise washed over me like a benediction. "I know it's not easy, but you're doing wonderfully."

I hummed, a wordless sound of contentment. The usually restless tempo of my thoughts had gentled, anxieties released for blessed peace. Wrapped in tranquility, I let my eyelids droop, surrendering to the lassitude settling in my limbs.

David's chuckle reverberated in my bones. "Someone's sleepy, hmm?" His fingers combed through my hair, a hypnotic tempo. "It's alright, sweet pea. You can rest now."

Part of me wanted to protest, to cling to consciousness and prolong this perfect moment. But his caress and the burgeoning heaviness pulled me inexorably downward. I could only manage a muzzy mumble. "Don't wanna move."

"Then don't," he assured, smile warm in his words. "I've got you. I'll always catch you when you fall."

Permission granted, I yielded at last, muscles slackening as sleep crept in to stake its claim. Secure in my Daddy's hold, I let the silken darkness cocoon me.

The peace didn’t last long.

I awoke from my sleep, squirming slightly. For a moment, I didn’t know what was going on. Then, I realized—there was huge pressure growing in my bladder. Surely I could hold it a bit longer. David must think I was still asleep.

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