Page 44 of Small Town Daddy

Wasn’t I doing exactly what I always did? Ignoring the potential issues? Letting myself be blinded by my feelings?

I’m so glad you’re a Little.

Doubt crept in. That all-too familiar foe. I felt the doubt coil its tendrils around my chest. Was I falling too fast again? Making the same mistakes? I sat up, hugging my knees.

I needed to talk this out. Grabbing my phone, I texted Marie: "Coffee at The Daily Grind?" Her response pinged back immediately: "Always!"

Relieved, I got dressed and headed out, hoping Marie's perspective would help untangle my jumbled emotions. The scent of fresh coffee and pastries enveloped me as I stepped into the cozy cafe. Marie waved from our usual corner table.

"Hey girl," she smiled as I slid into the chair across from her. "Good time at the carnival last night? When I saw you and Marcus, I got all excited."

“You did?”

“Mmhmm. I figure I’m going to be collecting on my bet sometime soon.”

I sighed, fidgeting with a sugar packet. I didn’t know what to say.

Suddenly, Marie’s eyes were full of concern. “Oh love, I’m just kidding around. Sorry. Is everything okay?”

"I don’t know. I think so. There’s literally nothing bad except for my stupid brain.”

“I’m here to listen.” She gave my hand a gentle squeeze.

“Well. Last night with Marcus was . . . amazing. But I'm scared, Marie. I’ve been here so many times. Thinking that I’ve met the perfect guy, only for it to all fall apart. What if I'm rushing into this like I always do? I don't want to crash and burn again."

Marie smiled, kindly. "Lucy, you've grown so much. Trust yourself. And Marcus seems like a really good guy. Don't let past hurts stop you from something potentially wonderful."

“You know,” I said. “Marcus knows I’m a little.” I didn’t want to out Marcus as a Daddy Dom, but I was comfortable talking about myself.

“That’s great. He’s okay with it?”

“I think he likes it,” I said. “Or at least he likes me.”

“That’s wonderful,” she said. “You must feel good to be able to be yourself around him.”

I swirled my latte, watching the frothy patterns dissolve. The air in The Daily Grind felt heavy, like it was pressing down on me, demanding I voice the thoughts swirling in my head.

"I do," I started, my voice barely above a whisper. "But, I can't help but wonder—does Marcus like me for me, or is itjustbecause I'm a Little?" The words tasted bitter as they left my mouth. I turned to look out the window, avoiding Marie's gaze. The street outside buzzed with life, a stark contrast to the storm inside me. "I sometimes wonder if he would still be with his ex-wife if she had been one? What if I'm just a replacement or filling a role he wants?"

Silence hung between us, thick and tense. I could feel Marie's eyes on me, her concern almost tangible. Finally, she reached across the table and gently touched my hand, grounding me.

"Listen," she said, her voice full of warmth and certainty. "From what I've seen, Marcus cares about you deeply. It's not just about your identity as a Little." She squeezed my hand, drawing my attention back to her. Her brown eyes sparkled with sincerity. "He appreciates you—your humor, your kindness, your strength."

I wanted to believe her, to let her words wrap around me like a comforting blanket. But doubt was a persistent shadow, lurking just beyond the edges of my mind.

"Think about the moments you've shared," Marie continued, a smile playing at her lips. "The way he looks at you, Lucy. It's genuine. Those aren't things you can fake, not for long."

I nodded slowly, trying to absorb her reassurance. Maybe she was right. Maybe there was more to Marcus's feelings than just our dynamic. But the fear of being used, of being a mere placeholder, clung to me stubbornly. I hoped, desperately, that I could find the courage to trust him—and myself.

"You're not the same person you were before," Marie said, her voice steady as she held my gaze. "You've grown, and you're more aware of what you want and need. Trust yourself to make the right choices." The corners of her lips lifted in a reassuring smile. "And maybe give Marcus a little credit too. He seems like a good man who genuinely wants to be with you."

I absorbed her words, feeling their weight settle inside me. They were simple, yet they carried a truth I hadn't allowed myself to see. I nodded, letting out a slow breath. "Thanks, Marie," I said. Her support was like a lifeline, pulling me from the murky waters of doubt.

We parted ways outside The Daily Grind, Marie's laughter lingering in the air as she disappeared down Main Street. I turned in the opposite direction, my feet guiding me along familiar paths through Small Falls. The town buzzed with life—shopkeepers setting out displays, children playing tag on the cobblestones, the gentle hum of conversations blending with the distant sound of the waterfall.

As I walked, I tried to untangle the knot of thoughts in my head. Marie's words echoed within me, challenging the doubts that clung stubbornly to my heart. Could I really trust myself this time? Could I trust Marcus?

I paused by the riverbank, watching the water cascade over rocks, its rhythm steady and sure. It reminded me of the moments I'd shared with Marcus—the easy conversations, thecomfortable silences. The way he listened, his eyes attentive and sincere.

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