Page 24

We did it.

Like, really, officially, signed the papers and gave the money, did it.

"Now we just have to figure out how we're going to move everything in," Brandt says as we stand in the middle of what will be our living room.

Our.

We're going to be living together.

I get a burst of energy and throw my arms around him excitedly. "We're going to be living together, Daddy."

I don't say the words loud because the realtor lady is still in the apartment. I wiggle side-to-side, not sure how else to get rid of this energy.

We're living together. I think the words over and over in my head.

We had to sit and figure out the bills before we officially signed anything.

It's a nice apartment in a good part of the city, but the rent is not as much as I thought it would be.

Plus, with Daddy helping me apply for financial assistance with the hospital, I no longer have a couple thousand dollars bill to pay.

That was a huge relief off of my plate when I got that email.

Not only that, but they're going to be covering all my medical bills within the hospital system for the next year. Then I'll just have to reapply.

"We are going to live together, baby." Daddy kisses my nose and then my lips. "I'm excited."

"Me too," I say, even though I know he can see that. The realtor lady comes back in and we part. I don't want to. I want Daddy to take me into one of the two bedrooms and do all the naughty things we can. Screw a bed.

"Calm down," Daddy whispers in my ear. I look over at him and I know he can tell what I'm thinking about. He gives me a wink. "We'll have plenty of time in here."

"Okay, you two. Here are the keys to your apartment.

We can make replacements, but it's fifty dollars.

Brandt, I know you're just coming from downstairs, but a reminder that the pool is open for another month and a half and then we close it down for the winter months.

The rooftop is open year round as long as the weather allows for it.

Other amenities are listed in your welcome packets and our number is there as well if you have any questions. "

"Thank you so much," Brandt says. He shakes the lady's hand and I do the same. She gathers her things and leaves us in the apartment alone.

Daddy wraps his arms around me from behind and kisses the back of my neck. "Welcome home, baby."

I smile, even though he can't see it. I fell in love with the apartment when we saw it on Tuesday.

The door opens to a long hallway that ends with the living room and a small balcony overlooking the back of the apartment where the river is.

It's all trees and water, with a mountain on the other side, despite being in the city limits.

At the beginning of the hallway, you have the first bedroom to the right and the bathroom to the left.

Both of the bedrooms are spacious and have their own closets with sliding doors.

The bathroom has a shower/tub combo, which was a pro point for me because my parents' house doesn't have a tub.

As you continue into the apartment, there is a closet just past the bathroom that has the stackable washer and dryer.

The kitchen area is on the far right side, an open concept style with the living room.

It's in an L-shape and has a stovetop, oven, and dishwasher.

The living area has the sliding glass door to the balcony and another window to the left of that.

The second bedroom is off the left side.

It has a walk in closet with another door that leads to the bathroom as well.

A secret shortcut that I'm sure will get good use instead of having to walk out and around.

"Can we sleep here tonight?" I ask, turning around in his arms. I wrap my arms around his back and we stand there, holding each other. "We could at least move a mattress?"

"I don't know if we have time to move anything today, baby." He kisses my lips softly. "We have to get ready for your playdate."

I don't fight the smile that takes over my expression. "This is the best day," I say. "We get the apartment and I get to show off my amazing new Daddy to all my friends."

"You're adorable, baby." He hugs me closer and I can feel his breath against the shell of my ear. "I promise that we'll get our stuff moved this week. We'll sleep here soon enough. You also need to decide how you're going to set up your room."

We talked about that as well. I'm going to set up my bedroom like I would if I was sharing an apartment with anyone else, but since it's almost twice as big as what I'm used to, I'm going to keep a portion of it as my play area.

Daddy surprised me with the rubber mat tiles to lay down after I mentioned wanting an area just for my Little side.

Of course, I fully plan on sneaking into his bed, or having him sneak into mine, every night I can.

"Let's go get ready for tonight, okay?"

I nod and take Daddy's hand as we walk to the door.

He hands one of the keys to me and lets me lock the door behind us.

It's only an apartment, empty rooms right now, so I don't know why I'm so excited about this.

Daddy takes my hand again as we walk down the hall to the stairs.

Most of my things are at his place anyway.

Not having to keep a stash in my closet and hope that my family respects my privacy is another weight off my chest.

I run ahead down the stairs in a one-man race to get to the door first. I'm standing there for a whole ten seconds while Daddy meanders from the stairwell to the apartment. He has the key for this apartment so I have to wait.

"Didn't think that through, did you?" He asks when he finally gets to the door.

"I still won," I grumble.

"Whatever you say, baby."

"Ty!" Orion greets us at the front door. He's wearing a onesie with 'Daddy's Favorite' written across the chest and a pair of navy blue shorts to match the stitching. There is a pacifier clipped on the shoulder portion of the onesie. "You made it. Thanks for coming!"

Orion steps aside and lets all three of us inside. Daddy is holding Fluff's carrier and my bag while I'm just holding my stuffie. He wouldn't let me carry anything in. "Orion, this is my Daddy, Brandt."

"Uh, hi." Orion gives a quick wave. I know that Orion is shy around new people, but once you hang out with him for a bit he's so funny. I was like that too when I first joined them. "Everyone is in the back of the house. You can follow me."

I'm greeted by Riley first when we walk in behind Orion.

He comes up with his tail wagging and sits by my feet.

I kneel down and get a solid lick to my cheek.

I giggle and push his head away. His tail is wagging in a full circle, something I love about him.

Riley must catch a whiff of Sir Fluffikins, though, because his head whips over to the carrier.

"I promise he's a gentle giant," Garrett says. "I wouldn't have let you bring the cat if I wasn't one hundred percent sure."

I smile when Daddy Garrett and my Daddy shake hands.

I know they've met before, but I love that he's here now and fits in with the others.

He sets the carrier down and Riley is in full investigation mode.

I hear a faint meow coming from inside. Orion, and then Austin, join me in front of the carrier.

"This is Fluff," I say proudly. I stick my finger through the small bars. The tip of my finger barely fits, but Fluff notices and licks it. It makes me laugh. "He's Daddy's cat, but now that we're living together, he's my cat too."

"Ty, he was your cat from the first day you came over." My Daddy kneels down beside the carrier and we all look up at him. "I'm going to let him out, but we need to be easy, okay? He might be a little scared at first."

We all wait patiently once Daddy opens the door.

Fluff doesn't come out immediately and I hold my hand out for him.

I don't reach into the carrier, though. Riley lets out an impatient whine that makes all of us sitting and standing laugh.

Orion reaches over and scratches behind his ear to calm him down.

Fluff finally steps out and swivels his head between all of us. He stares at Riley for a full ten seconds before stepping closer to me. I pick him up and cuddle him to my chest. Austin and Orion both reach out to pet him, too.

"He's so soft," Aussie says. "Pretty orange, too."

I finally loosen my arms and let Fluff stand on his own.

He goes to Riley and sniffs him. Riley drops his head and butts it against Fluff, but not hard.

They're just getting to know each other.

When Fluff meows again, Riley takes that as a symbol to play and he drops down to his stomach, sliding a bit on the hardwood flooring. Fluff jumps back, but doesn't run away.

Remington comes into view and I watch Aussie stand up and wrap his arms around him. "Can we please get one, Daddy. Pretty please? I'll take such good care of it."

"You knew this was going to happen," Rachel says in a sing-song voice. It makes me laugh. I look around and see Luke and Quinton outside at a table. It looks like they're coloring, or painting. It's beautiful out today and I want to go play.

"Can Fluff go outside?" I ask, looking at my Daddy. He's standing up, still close if he's needed, but seems to be listening to Garrett say something. He turns his attention to me and nods.

"I brought Fluff’s leash and harness. If you want to go outside, I'll bring him out in a few minutes."

"Okay!" The three of us head outside together. I check once more before the door shuts. Daddy gives me a nod and I know that today is going to be a great day.

"Hey, Ty!" Luke says with a wide smile. They are painting and it looks like so much fun. I sit between Quinton and Orion, trying to decide what I want to paint. An idea pops into my head and I reach for a piece of paper. I want a picture of me, Daddy, and Fluff to put in my play area.