Page 18 of Rekindling Little River (Littles of Rawhide Ranch #14)

Dave

He was so fucking proud of River. They’d done so beautifully.

Now, if he could just get himself under control again, he’d be doing good.

Watching them as they squirmed, seeing their cheeks heat pink, then bright red as they relieved themselves.

He’d never felt anything like it. He couldn’t wait to see it again.

Now, however, he was cleaning River up, and while he was trying to be as impersonal and professional as he could, it was really fucking hard not to get turned on when the person he was more than a little attracted to was naked and laid out before him.

It had been easier earlier, putting the diaper on.

He’d been able to keep his attention short and sweet as he worked.

Cleaning them up was a whole other matter.

Not only did he have to pay more attention when looking at all the area he wanted to devour, his hands were running over them, only separated from contact by a wipe.

If ever there was a form of torture, this would be it.

He wasn’t going to do anything to mess this chance up though.

So, he grit his teeth, willed his hard-on into submission, and got the job done, fitting River with a new diaper, diaper cover, and adorable overalls covered in rainbow clouds and unicorns.

He fitted their feet with a pair of white socks and some canvas shoes.

River had asked to go to the Littles’ Wing that afternoon. They wanted to play with their friends in the pre-school. He knew they were nervous though because they weren’t used to placing their trust in strangers. Especially not to the extent that would likely be required if they went to pre-school.

As he packed a bag, he tried to think of anything River might possibly need to feel more comfortable.

He was likely over packing, but it was better to be over- than under-prepared.

River’s binky was attached to their overalls, Rhett was snuggled in their arms, and all the supplies he could possibly think of were in the bag.

Feeling as prepared as he could, he took River’s hand and led them from the room and toward the Littles’ Wing.

River

They were a bundle of restless energy. They’d woken up feeling Littler than they’d ever felt, so Little, in fact, that they were having a hard time forming words.

They’d kept their binky in their mouth to cover the fact that they couldn’t seem to speak.

Never having encountered this situation before, River wasn’t sure how to react.

As Daddy led them to the place they wanted to be most, their nerves grew to astronomical proportions.

Would he be able to stay with them? They didn’t know if they could handle being left with strangers.

Even with their new friends being there, this feeling they had was just too new and they were far too nervous. They needed their Daddy.

After what felt simultaneously like forever and the blink of an eye, Daddy stopped in front of a door with a beautiful butterfly on it. Taking a deep breath, River steeled themself for whatever was going to happen.

Before opening the door, Daddy turned to them and asked, “Ready, baby?”

They didn’t want to lie and say yes because they didn’t feel ready, so they shrugged their shoulders in response.

“Can you give me a verbal answer?”

Panic clutched at River’s chest as the question floated between them, but what could they do besides be honest? So, with growing dread they shook their head.

“I see.”

Their Daddy didn’t seem to be upset, so they clung to that with hope.

“Since you can’t verbalize at the moment, I am going to ask yes and no questions. Okay?”

River nodded as their lungs released all the pent up air in a great whoosh.

“Are you nervous?”

River nodded.

“Are you scared?”

River nodded again.

“Do you still want to do this?”

River shrugged.

“Is there something in particular that you fear?”

River nodded.

“Okay, is it the strangers?”

River wasn’t sure how to respond to that question because the answer was not a simple yes or no.

They didn’t fear the strangers themselves.

They feared being left alone with them. Apparently, they’d paused long enough for their Daddy to realize what they were thinking, because his next question was spot on.

“Is it me leaving you there?”

They nodded their head vigorously.

“I’ll speak to the teachers and see what we can do, all right? If I can’t stay, we’ll find something else to do.”

The tension drained from River’s body so quickly it made them feel almost lightheaded and they swayed just a bit.

Daddy quickly reached out and steadied them, saying, “I’ve got you, baby. Daddy’s got you.” He pulled them into a warm hug and whispered close to their ear, “Always. Daddy won’t let you fall.”

River tried not to think about how much they wanted those words to be true.

They didn’t want to think about what it would be like to have Daddy always.

They’d learned that lesson already. They didn’t do full-time Daddies or relationships for a reason.

But, god, the fantasy of it was so enticing and, for a brief moment as they entered the Butterfly Room tucked under their Daddy’s arm, they couldn’t help but imagine that this could really be theirs forever.