Page 29 of Hearing Little Hadley

He helped her step out of the shower and wrapped a soft towel around her. Despite the heat, the cold air made her shiver. Finn rubbed the soft material over her, before guiding her into the nursery. Picking her up, he settled her on the changing table.

“What kind of diapers? Grumpy, green Christmas man, or candy canes?” he asked.

She pulled the towel over her face and body. “Candy canes,” she mumbled.

“Poor baby, I know you’re cold. I’m sorry. I’m hurrying.”

He applied a diaper, then took it off, and reapplied.

“Sorry, Peeps. Third time is a charm,” he said, finally getting it on her right.

Hadley was smiling into the towel, not wanting him to see her giggle. Poor Finn, he was trying his best.

He worked her into a penguin pajama set before picking her up and settling her into his bed. She yawned as he covered her up.

“Sleepy girl,” he teased, rubbing her back.

She was so tired.

“Go to sleep, baby, I’ll be here when you wake up,” he promised.

Hadley fell asleep with a full heart.

Hadley woke up surrounded by warmth. She stretched before snuggling into the firm body behind her.

Finn kissed the back of her head.

“I love you, Daddy.”

“I love you too, sweet girl.” His growly morning voice was extremely sexy. Hadley turned in his arms and snuggled into his chest. His large hands rubbed her back. His warm body felt so good.

“How are you feeling this morning?” he asked. “You feel a bit warm.”

“Better, Daddy.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yas-huh.”

“No more itchy throat?”

“No, Daddy. I feel lots better.” Her head hurt a tiny bit, but she still felt much better.

“Good,” he said, hugging her tighter. “Maybe you’re just warm from being so snuggled. Daddy held you the whole night.”

“I love sleeping with you, Daddy.”

“Me too, Peeps, but we need to get up soon, so you can go to preschool.”

Hadley didn’t want to go to preschool. She wanted to stay with Finn all day.

“Maybe my throat still hurts a bit.”

“Oh?” Finn moved one of his arms from around her and reached on the nightstand behind him. Flipping on the flashlight on his phone, he told her to open her mouth. She did, allowing him to shine the flashlight in her mouth.

Hadley felt silly, but she didn’t want him to know she told a story so she could stay home with him, so she opened her mouth, hoping to buy some time.

“Shit, Hadley, your throat looks awful.”

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