“Never,” I promised. “It’s perfect.”
She nodded, opening her mouth obediently for the next bite.
"All done," I announced when she'd finished the last bite. "Such a good girl for eating everything."
She beamed at the praise, her whole face lighting up. "Can we... can we watch a movie now, Daddy? Please?"
It was a wonder my heart didn’t just stop. "Of course we can, baby girl. What would you like to watch?"
“The princess one,” she said and pointed to her onesie with a cheeky giggle.
I led her to the living room, settling her on the couch with a soft throw blanket. "Would you like Barnaby to watch with us?" I asked, already knowing the answer from the way her eyes lit up.
"Yes, please!" she nodded eagerly.
I retrieved the bear from her room, presenting him with a small bow that made her giggle again, and I resolved to try to coax that noise from her every day.
"Here you go, princess. Barnaby was waiting for you."
She clutched the bear to her chest, nuzzling her face against his fur. "Thank you, Daddy," she whispered, the name coming more naturally now.
As the movie began, Emily curled against my side, her head resting on my shoulder, Barnaby tucked securely under her arm. I draped my arm around her, occasionally stroking her hair or dropping a kiss on the top of her head.
"Flynn Rider is so handsome," she commented during one scene, then immediately glanced up at me. "But not as handsome as you, Daddy."
"Good save," I teased, tickling her side gently and delighting in her squeal of laughter.
As the movie progressed, her eyelids began to droop, her body growing heavier against mine. By the time the lantern scene played, she was fighting to stay awake, her thumb drifting unconsciously toward her mouth.
"I think it's bedtime for little girls," I murmured as the credits began to roll.
"Not sleepy," she protested automatically, even as she yawned widely.
"I can see that," I chuckled, standing and scooping her up into my arms. She made a small sound of surprise but immediately curled against my chest, Barnaby clutched tightly in one hand.
"Can stay up longer," she mumbled against my neck, her words slurring with exhaustion.
"Tomorrow," I promised, carrying her up the stairs. "Tonight, my little girl needs her rest." It was very early, but she looked exhausted.
I hesitated, glancing between my bedroom and the Little room. After a moment's consideration, I headed for my room—I wanted her with me every night, and I was starting right now.
I laid Emily gently on my bed, her eyes fluttering open as her back touched the mattress. She looked up at me, her expression shifting subtly from the sweet innocence of her Little space to something more knowing, more adult.
"Stay with me," she whispered, her fingers trailing down my arm.
"I'm not going anywhere," I assured her, sitting on the edge of the bed.
Emily's gaze traveled over me, a flush rising to her cheeks. "I like both sides of this," she said softly. "Being your little girl and..." She bit her lip, suddenly shy.
"And what, sweetheart?" I prompted, brushing a strand of hair from her face.
In answer, she reached for the zipper of her onesie, slowly pulling it down to reveal a strip of bare skin beneath. My breath caught as she continued, her movements deliberate, holding my gaze with newfound confidence.
"And being your woman," she finished, letting the onesie fall open.
I swallowed hard, watching as she shrugged the soft fabric from her shoulders. "Emily..."
"I need you," she whispered, reaching for me. "Not just as your Little girl. As me. As all of me."
