Page 36 of Lacey's Daddy
“Come. Let’s go get you changed.”
I look at no one, and I’m beyond grateful we don’t pass anyone else Daddy knows on our way to a changing station.
After Daddy cleans me up, we head to the giraffes. After that, we see the polar bears. Next are the alligators before Daddy declares it’s time for my treat.
To say I’m excited is a huge understatement as we head for a concession stand. I wonder what kind of treat he’s going to get me. There are a lot of people sitting at outdoor picnic tables. Most of the caregivers are eating burgers or hotdogs and fries. Most of the Littles are in highchairs either eating soft foods, finger foods, or taking a bottle.
Daddy guides me to a separate line off to one side, and I look up to see it’s a popsicle line. I giggle and clap my hands. “I can get a popsicle?” He hasn’t let me have anything besides bottles since I arrived, so this will really be a treat.
“Yep. Keep in mind, everything on the island is healthy. The popsicles are made from real fruits. They don’t have additives or sugar, but I can tell you firsthand every flavor is delicious. What flavor do you think you’d like?”
“Do they have lemon?”
“They sure do.” We’ve reached the front of the line, and Daddy orders me a lemon popsicle. He pays for it and carries ittoward a high chair before handing it to me. “Can you hold it while I lift you up?”
“Yes, Sir.”
He settles me on the chair, pushes the tray in, and chuckles. “You may eat it, sweet girl. You don’t have to wait.”
I lean in and lick all the way up the side. It’s so good that I moan. My tastebuds are very happy. I moan after the second lick, too.
Daddy is chuckling. “You’ve only been on the island a few days. Surely it’s not that shocking to eat something that isn’t formula.”
I meet his gaze.
His face falls. “Shit. When was the last time you had a special treat, sweet girl?”
I shrug. “Before my mother died.”
Daddy swipes a hand down his face and looks away. “I’m sorry. I should have thought of that.”
I lick the popsicle faster so it doesn’t have time to melt down my hand. “It’s okay, Daddy. You didn’t know. Besides, I don’t want you to be sad every time you ask me something about my past. I’m here now. I’m so happy.”
He sets a hand on my legs and strokes my skin. “I’m so damn glad you’re here, Baby girl.” His voice is husky.
We sit in silence while I savor every drop of my popsicle, and then Daddy throws the stick away and uses a wipe to clean off my mouth, my chin, and my fingers.
After he removes the tray, I reach for him to pick me up. I need to be close to him.
He lifts me into his arms, and I wrap my legs around his waist. I hold him very tightly with my hands around his neck. “Thank you,” I tell him.
He rubs my back. “It was just a popsicle,” he teases even though I’m certain he knows I mean much more than the treat.
I shake my head anyway. I want to be sure he understands. “Thank you for being patient with me for so long at the Dungeon. Thank you for finally forcing me to admit I needed help. Thank you for saving me and bringing me here. I love you, Daddy. I want to be yours forever.”
I know it’s fast, but I don’t care. I know my feelings. I never want to go back to the mainland. Not just because my father is there but because I belong here.
Daddy kisses me gently. We’re in public after all. “I’m so glad, sweet girl. I love you so much. I never want you to leave.”
“Can I take classes at the daycare when you have to go to work? I want to get my GED and learn everything I missed out on.”
“Absolutely. We’ll get you set up next week.”
I beam at him. My heart is so full. “Can we go home now?”
“You don’t want to see more animals?” His eyes are dancing.
“I want to see all the animals, but we have our whole lives to see them. I want to go home now.” Home. To Daddy’s house.
