Page 24 of Small Town Daddy

He disappeared into the depths of the house, returning with a box. "I... uh, I've never used these before. But I got them for...someone else. They might be a bit dusty, but the magic should still be there."

I peeked inside, and my jaw dropped. Blocks, colorful and inviting, books and stuffed animals spilled out.

"Marcus, were these for Emily?"

He nodded, a touch of sadness in his eyes. “They day I showed them to her was the day she told me she wasn’t a Little. So, I, uh, hope you don’t run off.”

“Of course I’m not going to run off. Thank you for sharing this with me. It must be hard.”

Was it weird that found his vulnerability so damn sexy? Here he was, sharing the most private part of himself with me, telling me, that he was nervous, and I found it so brave and masculine.

He blushed, running a hand through his dark hair. "I’m glad that you’re the person I’m showing this to. They were meant to be for someone else, but the important thing is, they're yours now. And I hope they bring you joy."

Heat crept into my cheeks, but I couldn't stop the grin from spreading across my face. "Thank you, Marcus. This means the world to me."

We cleared a space in front of the fireplace, and soon enough, I was lost in a world of make-believe, engulfed by the innocence and joy of Littlespace. The blocks clicked together with a satisfying sound, creating whimsical structures that defied the constraints of reality. Stuffed animals became animated companions, their button eyes twinkling with mischief as we embarked on fantastical adventures.

Marcus sat beside me, content to observe or join in when asked. There, in that cozy room, the weight of the day evaporated, leaving only the warmth of his company and the unspoken promise of tomorrow.

As I began to play, arranging the blocks into a wonky tower, I felt a shift inside. The weight of adulthood evaporated, replacedby a carefree lightness. I balanced on one foot, hula hooping around the room, giggling with abandon. The child in me had found her way home.

I sat cross-legged on the plush rug, arranging the blocks in front of me. As I stacked them carefully, I felt a shift inside - like sinking into a warm bath. The edges of the world softened, worries fading to background noise.

I hummed softly as I built, lost in the simple joy of creation. The blocks seemed to glow, vibrantly red and blue and yellow. When had colors last looked so alive?

A giggle bubbled up as I placed the final block atop my tower. I clapped my hands, delighted.

"Look!" I exclaimed, pointing. "I made a castle!"

Marcus chuckled warmly from his armchair. "It's wonderful, sweetheart."

The term of endearment sent a pleasant shiver through me. I hugged the stuffed rabbit to my chest, breathing in its comforting scent.

For the first time in years, I felt truly free - safe to be small and vulnerable and joyful. The grief and stress melted away, if only for a little while.

I looked up at Marcus, my eyes shining. "Will you color with me?"

He hesitated only a moment before joining me on the floor. As we bent our heads over the coloring books, crayons scratching softly, I felt a surge of affection so strong it nearly overwhelmed me.

In that moment, I knew I was falling for him—this kind, patient man who saw me and accepted all of me. And for once, I allowed myself to hope.

I giggled mischievously, eyeing my tower. With a dramatic flourish, I swept my arm through it, sending blocks scattering across the floor.

"Uh oh!" I squealed, clapping my hands. "It fell down!"

Marcus raised an eyebrow, but his eyes crinkled with amusement. I scooped up a soft plush bear, tossing it playfully in his direction. It bounced off his chest as I dissolved into peals of laughter.

"Gotcha!" I crowed, my inhibitions melting away in the warmth of his acceptance.

I scrambled to gather more toys, my movements becoming increasingly energetic. A plastic car zoomed dangerously close to the coffee table's edge.

"Careful, Lucy," Marcus cautioned, his tone gentle but firm. "We don't want to break anything."

His words wrapped around me like a comforting blanket. I nodded, slowing my movements.

"Sorry," I murmured, a hint of shyness creeping in.

"It's okay, sweetheart," he assured me. "Just be mindful, alright?"

---