Page 29 of Milo
“It’s okay. I won’t bite. little one.” He’s jolly and gives me a wink.
I look back to Daddy Clay, and he nods, so I crawl into Santa’s lap.
“And what would you like this year?”
Despite looking forward to tonight, I never actually gave the question much thought. I just wanted to be here with or without a Daddy.
“A forever Daddy,” I whisper. I don’t add someone to love me forever, just as I am.
Santa taps his nose twice as he’s looking at Daddy. Daddy Clay nods and I have no idea what’s happening.
“Be good, and I think you’ll just get that wish.”
“Thank you, Santa.” I take the small candy cane he hands me as I hop off his lap. I rush back to Daddy Clay and take his hand.
“Would you like me to open that for you, sweetheart?”
I give him the candy cane and bounce anxiously for him to open it. “Thank you, Daddy.” I drag him to a group of Littles playing with stuffed animals in a circle.
“Careful, Milo. You don’t wanna choke.”
I nod and drop to my knees. “I’m Milo, can I play too?”
“Yeah!” Missy cries out and passes me a polar bear that matches my shirt. “Look! He likes your pajamies.”
“What’s his name?” I ask looking the toy over.
“Poley the polar bear,” someone says. “I’m Mikey.”
“So manyMs!” Missy says.
“M is a good letter,” I say. Mikey nods in agreement.
The other Littles introduce themselves, and we all get lost in our play. Daddy Clay watches with the biggest smile on his face. He gets me juice and cookies and some more tiny candy canes, but he cuts me off after three of each.
One by one, my new friends leave and I’m sad, but I got so many new phone numbers for playdates it’s hard to stay sad for long.
“Sweetheart, are you ready to go home?”
I nod. “Sleepy. Not sleepy.”
Daddy Clay chuckles and pulls me into a bridal carry. I snuggle into him, because it’s just perfect. The cold air hits me on the way out, but I’m warm because of Daddy.
“You’re the bestest best Daddy.”
He gets me in the truck and buckled again. For some reason, I’m wired and every house lit up for Christmas has me bouncing in my seat. “So pretty Daddy! Look! Look!”
“I see, sweetheart.” He’s so patient with me. So kind. So understanding. He knows me more than someone that met me less than a week ago should and I don’t feel weird about it.I don’t feel awkward or upset. He’s seen the true Milo. The one where I let me be Little when I need to and Big when I need to. He hasn’t shied away from anything. And we’re dating. Officially. I don’t have to separate Daddy from my love life anymore like I had to with my temporary Daddies. The thought startles me out of Little space and I shake my head.
“Are you okay over there?”
“Yeah. I… Just having Big thoughts and I’m not freaked out.”
“Oh?”
“Just need to keep processing a bit, though.”
He nods. “I’m here if you need to talk.”
