Page 35 of Eloise's Daddies

He lifts my hips and slides the thick material under me before securing it around me. He leans over and kisses me next, taking my mouth in a heated kiss that we didn’t take the time to experience earlier.

When he finally lifts his lips to stare down at me, he’s smiling, but there are lines between his eyes. “Do you know how much we love you, sweet girl?”

I nod. “Yes. Papa. I love you bunches too.” I reach for him, wanting him on top of me, smothering me with his warmth and his love.

Papa drops down on the opposite side of me, and both of them wrap their arms around me and kiss me all over my face and neck and chest. They whisper sweet words of love until I fall asleep with a smile on my face.

ChapterFourteen

One week later…

“Are you sure?” Papa asks me. He’s standing above me, smiling down at me indulgently.

Daddy is too. “It’s an important decision.”

I’m sitting on the floor in the middle of the shelter while the cutest puppy I’ve ever seen in my life climbs all over me, trying to get to my face. I giggle when he licks me. I want to hug him, but he’s too squirmy to let me.

Daddy is holding a tiny kitten. She’s so little that she’s sleeping in his arms.

“We’ve had those two together several times,” the employee helping us says. “They seem to have taken a liking to each other. Even though that puppy is only a few months old, he’s very sensitive, kind, and gentle with the little kitten.”

Daddy squats down in front of me, and instantly the puppy clambers over to sniff at her.

“She’s very young still,” the kind employee tells us. “Do you think you can bottle feed her for a few more weeks until she’s able to eat food on her own?”

I nod rapidly. “I can do it,” I tell my Daddies, glancing from one to the other. “I promise. I’ll take care of her. I’ll even feed her in the night.” I reach for her.

Daddy sets her in my arms. She’s so teeny tiny she seems fragile, and she burrows her little head in the crook of my arm. The puppy follows as if he’s making sure he can trust me with his friend.

“We can’t separate them,” I declare. “They’re like brother and sister. It’s fate. We were meant to find them and take them both.”

My Daddies chuckle. “Fate, huh?” Papa teases. “Okay then. I guess we have no choice. It’s going to be total chaos at our house for a while. I don’t think anyone is going to get much sleep.”

I can’t stop grinning. I’m getting not just one but two pets today. A kitty and a puppy. I don’t even know what I’ll name them yet, but that’s okay. We have plenty of time to figure out what their personalities are. That’s important when naming a pet.

I’m also going to start classes, but not until the fall. I have five months before that happens. If I work really hard with these two little rascals, I should be able to get them trained enough that they won’t be a constant distraction by the time my classes start.

When the puppy curls up against the kitten in my lap and plops down to take a nap, I know I’m their mama. I’m bursting with happiness. It’s coming out of my pores.

When I look up into the indulgent faces of my Daddies, I know I’m deeply loved. They aren’t like anyone I’ve encountered in my life so far. They won’t leave me. They will always be by my side to nurture me and take care of me and encourage me to be the best me I can be.

“I’ll get the paperwork started,” the woman says before leaving our new expanded family alone to snuggle with the smallest members.

Tears fall down my cheeks. I’m all choked up. “Thank you,” I murmur.

Both my Daddies stroke my cheeks. “We love you, Eloise,” they say at the same time. Their love glows. It’s bright and permanent, and it’s mine.

I’m going to be okay. I’m going to be better than okay. I’m going to be amazing.