Page 15 of Protect Me Daddy

"Good morning, little one," he said, his deep voice gentle. "I've got a special day planned for us."

I felt a blush creep up my cheeks. "It looks wonderful . . . Daddy." The word still felt new on my tongue, but it sent a thrill through me.

Dwight's eyes crinkled with approval. He gestured to a cozy nest of blankets and pillows he'd created in the living room corner. Carefully chosen toys peeked out—a delicate porcelain tea set, pristine coloring books, and Red Rabbit propped up as guest of honor.

"Breakfast first," Dwight said, offering his hand. "Then we'll go over the rules for our little day together."

In the kitchen, the scent of vanilla and cinnamon made my mouth water. Dwight had outdone himself—heart-shaped pancakes adorned with plump strawberries awaited me. As I settled into my chair, he poured a glass of milk, his movements measured and sure.

"Today is about feeling safe and small," Dwight explained, sliding into the seat across from me. His piercing gaze held mine, grounding me. "We'll have rules, but they're to help you feel secure. Do you understand?"

I nodded, warmth blooming in my chest at his care. "Yes, Daddy."

"Good girl." Dwight's praise sent a shiver of delight through me. "First rule - you'll use 'Daddy' when addressing me. You’re acing that one so far! Second, ask permission before leaving the room. And third, follow my guidance. Can you do that for me?"

The rules felt like a comforting blanket wrapping around me. "I'll try my best," I promised softly.

Dwight reached across the table to squeeze my hand. "That's all I ask, little one. Now eat up—we have a big day ahead."

As I savored the sweet, buttery pancakes, I felt myself slipping into a place of safety and surrender. Today, I didn't have to be strong or in control. Today, I could simply be Daddy's little girl.

After breakfast, I got dressed, with Dwight’s help.

I stood before the full-length mirror, barely recognizing the girl who gazed back at me. Dwight's gentle hands wove ribbons through my dark hair, his fingers caressing my scalp with each careful braid. The soft yellow sundress he'd chosen hugged my body, making me feel delicate and cherished.

"Being little isn't about going backwards, Tilly," Dwight murmured, his breath warm against my ear. "It's about finding peace in the present."

I nodded, watching his reflection as he worked. "It feels . . . different," I admitted, my voice small. "Like I'm safe, but also vulnerable?"

Dwight's eyes met mine in the mirror, a tender smile playing on his lips. "That's trust, little one. You're allowing yourself to be open with me. It’s beautiful. Just like you."

As he tied the final ribbon, something shifted inside me. The girl in the mirror looked protected, cared for—loved, even. I felt a lump form in my throat. It was strange that I felt such strong feelings for Dwight, but we hadn’t even kissed.

Did he want to kiss me? Was he interested in me romantically? It felt like hewas, and he was calling me beautiful, but a part of me worried that he just wanted to heal me, then he’d forget me. Like had happened with Sarah.

"Ready for our tea party?" Dwight asked, his tone light but watchful. I pushed my worries aside.

I nodded, suddenly eager. "Yes, Daddy!"

We settled into the cozy corner he'd prepared, surrounded by stuffed animals. Red Rabbit sat in a place of honor, and I hugged him close as Dwight poured imaginary tea.

"Would you like one lump or two, Mr. Elephant?" Dwight asked in a comically posh voice.

A giggle escaped me before I could stop it. "Daddy, you're silly!"

"It’s the only way to address a plush pachyderm." He winked, then adopted a gruff voice for the bear. "Well, I'll have you know that proper tea etiquette is very serious business, young lady!"

I dissolved into laughter, feeling the last of my tension melt away. As Dwight continued his playful voices, I found myself sinking deeper into a headspace where worries didn't exist—where I was simply Daddy's cherished little girl, safe in a world of make-believe.

I saw a shift in Dwight's eyes as he reached for my favorite stuffed bunny. His expression was gentle yet determined.

"Let's try a new game, little one," Dwight said softly. "This is Brave Princess Red Rabbit, and she has a Royal Guard to protect her."

“Oooh, nice, Red Rabbit has always secretly wanted to be a princess.”

He picked up the big teddy bear I'd named Mr. Fluffles, his large paws enveloping the smaller bunny. Something about the way he held them made my chest tighten.

“I had a feeling Red Rabbit might like that.”

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