Page 41 of Hearing Little Hadley

He hugged the girl, making her yelp in surprise before she started laughing.

“I hope you don’t mind me saying so, but you two are adorable, Master Finn.”

“Thank you, Erika. I couldn’t have done this without you all.”

“We’re glad to help, Master Finn. I’ll ring you when the package comes and then again when it’s given toSanta.”

Finn left the lobby excited his plan was going to work out. This was going to be the best Christmas ever.

Finn smiled when his Little one waved at him from the area she was playing in. He waved back and waited patiently while she obediently picked up the toys she’d been playing with. She hugged her Little friends goodbye and collected her things from her cubby.

Miss Samantha hugged her and helped her into her jacket before allowed her to tackle her Daddy.

“Hi, Peeps. I missed you so much today,” he said, bending and lifting her into his arms.

She kissed his cheek when he set her feet back on the floor.

“Did you eat your lunch today?”

She nodded and beamed when he praised her.

“I heard you were a sweet girl to a new friend today,” he said. He slid her backpack on his shoulder and took her hand.

She nodded.

“I’m so proud of you, little one. You’ve been through a lot this month and I know some people were really unkind to you, but you were still brave enough to show kindness to someone new. I don’t know many people who could have had that strength.”

Hadley was quiet as they walked through the halls, but he knew that just meant she was processing.

Once they got back into their room, Finn went to unpack Hadley’s backpack, but she stopped him with a shout. He froze and raised his eyebrow.

She grinned sheepishly as she dug something wrapped from her bag. “Is a surprise for you, Daddy,” she said, taking the package and placing it under the tiny tree where a few other presents were laid.

He chuckled and pulled one of her curls when she came back to him and wrapped her arms around his waist. “You’re so damn sweet, Hadley.”

“I love you, Daddy.”

“I love you too, Peeps. Let’s get you changed so you can have a good rest before tonight. Are you so excited to see Santa?”

“Yas-huh, Daddy. So excited. Do you think I’m on the nice list?”

“Iknowyou’re on the nice list. You’re the nicest little girl I know.”

Finn lifted her onto the changing table and removed her shoes, leggings, and wet diaper. He wiped her clean and put on another Christmas diaper. “Do you want elves or reindeer?” he asked, holding up two sleepers.

“No jammies.”

“No jammies? Are you sure? You might get cold in your crib.”

“Your bed.”

“Oh, you wanna sleep in Daddy’s bed?”

She nodded.

“What if you get cold in Daddy’s bed?”

“You’ll just hasta keep me warm,” she declared with a confident nod.

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