“One of them is a rewards and punishment chart. I’m going to set it up while you’re resting today. I’ll explain how it works later.”
A rewards and punishment chart? Yeah, she didn’t like the sound of that.
“I’m not sure I feel like eating anything yet.” While her head felt a lot better, she still felt a bit queasy.
“Did you like the drink last night? It’s a protein shake with added vitamins. Thought it might be good for you to start drinking it regularly.”
“I did. Thank you.” That was so thoughtful. “Will it be in the same bottle? Like last night? Is it my old bottle?”
It had been in the same box as her sippy cup.
He’d been walking towards the door, but he turned at that question and looked down at her. “I bought you a new one, actually. That old one hadn’t been used in a while. Would you like that again?”
She took a deep breath. This was still hard, but she wanted to try. She wanted to reclaim that part of herself. “I’d like it in my bottle, please, Daddy.”
He cleared his throat, and something filled his face. If she had to guess she’d say it was a mix of pleasure and relief.
“Sure thing, baby doll. Daddy will go get that ready. You stay in bed and wait for me to come back.”
“Umm, Daddy?”
“Yes?”
“I gots to go,” she whispered.
“Silly Daddy,” he quickly said. His facial expression didn’t show any hint of disgust or embarrassment. Seemed she was the only one who found talking about bodily functions embarrassing.
He walked over to the bed and pulled down the covers. “It’s a bit chilly in here. I’m going to keep the door open to let the heat from the fire in.” He picked her up, cradling her against his chest as he carried her into the bathroom.
“Daddy, I can walk.”
“Not today, you don’t. Today, you’re getting the full baby girl treatment. You haven’t been well and you’re going to let Doctor Daddy take care of you.”
“Doctor Daddy?” She giggled.
He winked as he set her feet on the floor. Brr, the tiles in here were cold. He frowned at her feet. “You need some socks on.” He reached under her nightie and whipped down her panties before she even knew what he was planning to do. Then he pressed her back, so she sat on the toilet.
“Here, you go potty and I’ll go grab some warm socks. Do not move until I get back here to help you. I need to give you a check-up too. Can’t believe I haven’t done that already.”
A check-up? Oh no. She was very glad he hadn’t done that already.
She quickly peed. She’d just tidied herself up when he returned. Her panties were still around her ankles. He helped her stand then drew them back up.
“Daddy! I can do that myself.”
“‘Course you can. But why should you when Daddy is here to take care of you?”
Jesus. How did he do that? How did he just suddenly find the perfect thing to say? He lowered the lid on the toilet and sat her back down before pulling on a pair of bright pink, fluffy socks. They had eyes and a nose round the toes. They were super warm and soft, and she fell instantly in love.
“These aren’t my socks.”
“They’re one of the presents I bought you,” he explained before he helped her stand then turned her to the counter. He ran the water and squirted some soap on his hands before he started to wash her hands. He ran his hands over hers, scrubbing every inch.
She didn’t know what it was. They were just her hands. It shouldn’t feel special. But it did. After drying them, he picked her back up.
“You really don’t have to keep carrying me, Daddy.”
“I don’t want you getting dizzy and falling over. Besides, I’ve waited a long time to carry you.”