Page 63 of Their Little Helper

Delivered?

“Don’t you have nuggets? You’re a Papa.”

Didn’t they all have nuggets?

“I have nuggets.” Daddy lifted his head and kissed my cheek. “We’ll get Papa sorted out. Don’t worry. He’s got stuff to play with, though, and a big TV for cartoons. I bet he gets lots of channels and streaming services. He can probably find us all kinds of cartoons.”

“Of course I can.” Papa huffed and puffed like a big bear. “I even have books we can read to Harley. My focus last night was for practical things like cups and coloring books because I can always get food delivered once I knew what he wanted.”

That was smart.

I gave Papa a cheek kiss and smiled. “You’re a good planner, Papa.”

Oh, I was so smart too because Papa stopped being mad. “Thank you, sweetie.”

“Alright, we’ve got this covered.” Daddy sat up, wanting to be a good planner too. “Pokey’s going to order chicken nuggets for you and a burger for me. Then we’re going to get a shower so we can play without being messy.”

“You’re sticky.” And he made me sticky too. “Are youbigsticky?”

Daddy giggled and started climbing off the bed. “I’m sticky everywhere and I don’t think Pokey wants me to make a mess on his sheets.”

Papa rolled his eyes, snuggling me closer. “Sheets can be washed.”

Daddy snorted. “Cuddle Harley. Order nuggets. Join me in the shower. This isn’t rocket science.”

Daddy was bossy.

“Somehow he’s a bigger pain in the butt when he’s satisfied than when he was demanding to come.” Papa huffed, pressing his face against my neck. “I’m going to ignore it because I’m feeling very generous.”

And probably too tired to spank Daddy again.

Papa looked like he needed a nap.

“You’re a good partner, Papa.” He was so good I gave him head kisses too. “You gave Daddy what he needed and you’re going to get me nuggets.”

Hopefully before he fell asleep.

“And you’re going to get me not-sticky.” Daddy made a mess. “And you got me coloring stuff.”

Papa chuckled and gave me a snuggly cuddle. “And I got you some sippy cups and some pajamas with animals on them.”

“Oh.” I liked animals. “I like animals, Papa. Do…do…pajamas mean sleepovers?”

I didn’t know but Papa and Daddy liked questions, so I knew I should ask.

“Can I have my cup? Does my cup have animals on it? What else did you get me?” No one had ever bought me special stuff. “I have a cup with rainbows on it and one with cars at my ’partment. What do I have here, Papa?”

I was going to get stuff here and there and everywhere.

Ha. I was funny like Dr. Suess.

Oh, Papa got me books.

And cups and pajamas and coloring stuff…having a Papa and a Daddy was going to be great.

18

SANTOS

---