Page 10

Ollie

The truck comes to a stop, and I blink, realizing I must’ve drifted off at some point. My body feels heavy, but I force myself to sit up, my stuffie still clutched in my arms.

“We’re here, baby boy,” Ryker says, his voice softer than before.

I look out the window, and my breath catches. The house is beautiful. Two stories, with dark gray siding and white trim. The porch stretches across the front, lined with rocking chairs and hanging plants. Warm light spills from the windows, making it look like something out of a dream.

“This is your house?” I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.

“It’s our house now,” Ryker tells me, climbing out of the truck. He walks around to my side and opens the door, holding out a hand. “Come on, baby.”

I take his hand, letting him help me down, and my feet feel unsteady as we walk up to the door. Inside, the house smells like cedar and something faintly spicy, like cinnamon. The entryway is open and inviting, with hardwood floors and a cozy rug.

Ryker doesn’t let go of my hand as he leads me through the house. The living room is warm, with a large, overstuffed couch and a fireplace that makes me want to curl up and stay forever. The kitchen is spotless, with dark cabinets and sleek countertops. Everything feels sturdy and safe, like Ryker himself.

“Let me show you to your room,” he says, steering me up the steps and toward a hallway.

We pass a couple of doors before stopping at the last one. He pushes it open, revealing a room that feels both simple and comforting. The bed is made up with soft gray blankets, and there’s a dresser, a nightstand, and a small armchair in the corner. The walls are a soft, creamy white, and the window overlooks a garden in the backyard.

“This is your room,” Ryker says, stepping aside so I can take it in.

I hover in the doorway, unsure. “This is for me?”

He nods, his expression gentle. “Of course, baby. I want you to be comfortable.”

I sit Mr. Cheetah down on the bed, my fingers trailing over the soft blanket. It’s more than I’ve ever had.

“Let’s get you settled,” Ryker says, pulling the bag off his shoulder and placing it on the bed. “I’ll heat up some food while you unpack, okay?”

I nod, my throat too tight to speak, and he gives me a small smile before leaving me alone.

After unpacking my few things, I wander back to the kitchen, where Ryker is setting two plates on the table. It’s grilled cheese and tomato soup, and it smells amazing.

“Sit, baby,” he says, pulling out a chair for me.

I slide into the chair, and he sits across from me, watching as I take my first bite. The food is warm and comforting, and for a moment, I forget all the bad things.

When we’re done, Ryker takes my plate and washes up while I sit at the table, feeling too full and too tired to move.

“Time for bed, baby boy,” he says, coming back to me. Instead of asking me to stand, he simply picks me up and cradles me against his hard chest.

Safety.

Once I’m tucked into the soft bed, he sits on the edge, brushing my hair back. “Sleep tight, Ollie,” he murmurs, leaning down to kiss my forehead. “I’ll be just down the hall if you need me.”

“Okay,” I whisper, my heart aching as he leaves the room.

I stare at the ceiling, trying to let the warmth of the blankets and the safety of this house soothe me, but it’s no use. I need him. My Daddy. My safety.

I clutch Mr. Cheetah to my chest, curling up into a ball. The bed feels too big, too empty, and I can’t stop wishing I was in his arms again. But I’m too scared to ask. What if he says no? What if he’s already regretting bringing me here?

Tears prick my eyes, and I press my face into Mr. Cheetah. I’m too tired to think straight, but I can’t stop myself from wishing for him. Wishing for the one thing I’m too afraid to ask for.

Ryker

Lying in bed, I stare at the ceiling, my arms crossed behind my head. The guest room. I shouldn’t have put him in the guest room. It felt like the right move at the time. I was giving him space to breathe and adjust, but now it feels like I’ve abandoned my Baby when he needs me most.

I’ve been here for over an hour, but sleep isn’t coming. My body feels restless, like it knows something’s wrong.

Then I hear it. A muffled noise. I sit up, straining my ears.

There it is again. Quiet and soft but unmistakable. Ollie’s crying.

My chest tightens, and my jaw clenches. No. Absolutely not.

I’m out of bed in a flash, my feet carrying me to the guest room without a second thought. I open the door quietly, and the sight makes my heart ache.

He’s curled up in a ball on the too-big bed, his stuffed cheetah pressed against his chest. His shoulders are shaking, and I can hear his soft sniffles in the silence of the room.

“Oh, my baby boy,” I whisper, my voice cracking.

I move to the bed, scooping him up without hesitation. He gasps, his teary eyes snapping to mine, but I don’t let him protest. I carry him to my room, tucking him under the covers before climbing in beside him.

His small body melts into mine as soon as I pull him close, his head resting against my chest. My arms tighten around him, one hand cradling the back of his head.

“I’ve got you, baby,” I murmur, kissing his temple. “Daddy’s got you now.”

Ollie lets out a soft sigh, his body relaxing completely. His thumb slipping into his mouth. My heart squeezes at the innocent gesture, and I can’t help but smile.

“Is this what you wanted, baby?” I ask softly.

He nods, but he doesn’t take his thumb out to answer.

“Why didn’t you just tell me you needed me?” I press gently, brushing my hand down his back.

He shrugs, his face burying deeper into my chest.

“Were you afraid I’d say no?”

Another nod.

“Oh, sweetheart,” I whisper, my lips brushing his hair. “I would never say no to you, Ollie. Not when you need me like this. I’m your Daddy, remember? My job is to take care of you, to love you, and to give you what you need. Always.”

He lets out another soft sigh, and the sound tugs at my heart. I reach down, gently pulling his thumb from his mouth and replacing it with my own.

“Here,” I whisper, my voice tender. “Use me instead, baby boy. Daddy’s got you.”

Ollie makes a small, content noise, his eyes fluttering closed as he sucks softly. I hold him tighter, feeling the weight of the moment settle in my chest.

This is it. This is everything.

His breathing evens out, and it isn’t long before I follow him into sleep, my Baby boy safe in my arms where he belongs.