Total pages in book: 28
Estimated words: 27008 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 135(@200wpm)___ 108(@250wpm)___ 90(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 27008 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 135(@200wpm)___ 108(@250wpm)___ 90(@300wpm)
Dinner?
“You need…” And another yawn got him. “You need a hamburger.”
It sounded delicious since dinner had been hours ago and cereal wasn’t that filling, but he’d already started to doze off when we’d been reading for the second time. He wasn’t going to make it much later without falling asleep at the wheel.
“Can we make dinner for me next time?” As he pouted, I leaned over and kissed his forehead. “Oh, ketzel, you’re tired and it’s late.”
He huffed but didn’t argue with me, so I knew he agreed with me on some level. “Daddy…”
“Come here, ketzel.” I pulled him onto my lap as he half-heartedly helped. When he was settled against my chest, I leaned back against the overstuffed chair that we’d read books in and hugged him tight.
I wasn’t sure how to end the night or if he even wanted to end it, but I decided honesty was the best policy with my kitten. “Next time we play, how about we do play dough more and paint? I think that sounds like fun.”
He sighed, resting his head on my shoulder. “And more books?”
“Of course.” With his love of languages, I was starting to wonder if I remembered enough Yiddish to read him some children’s books in that language.
My grandfather would be pissed that it was even a question, but in my defense, it wasn’t something I used very often anymore. Most of my family had passed away or I just wasn’t close with them.
“Lots of books and more cereal?” That had him giggling and nodding against me.
“Yes, Daddy.” Whatever he was going to say next was cut off again as he yawned. As it faded, he huffed and seemed to take personal offense that his body was betraying him. “I’m not that tired, Daddy.”
“But I worry, ketzel.” That had him sighing again, but it was enough good old-fashioned guilt that it worked like a charm.
Not that I wanted our night to be over.
“We’re going to pick out another time to play.” When he didn’t immediately turn big or disagree with me, I took another chance. “You can even come over to my house. We’ll watch movies and I’ll make you tomato soup and grilled cheese.”
He was definitely a comfort food eater because that had him going still. “With lots of cheese?”
Food was going to be the way to this special little’s heart.
“Yes, we can even make lots of sandwiches and put a different cheese in each one.” For some reason, he thought that was funny and giggled as he cuddled against me.
“I like cheesy sandwiches, Daddy.” He sighed like cheese was the best thing ever, leaving me fighting not to laugh. But as his voice dropped, I wondered what he was going to say. “When do we want to do cheesy sandwiches, Daddy?”
Was this a trick question from a little?
Was tomorrow too soon or was it what he wanted to hear?
“Well, I like making things for you, so I don’t want to wait.” I gave a dramatic sigh. “Daddies aren’t very patient sometimes.”
And I got another giggle.
“So you have to be nice to Daddy and not make him wait.” That had my cute little going quiet for a few long moments.
“I don’t want to make Daddy wait.”
Was that a hint?
“Hmm, then maybe we should do it tomorrow? Just so I don’t have to wait too long.” He nodded against me before I had a chance to worry about pushing him too fast.
“Sad Daddies don’t get surprises for their boys.” His logic was impeccable.
Grinning, I nodded. “You’re very smart, ketzel. Should we talk about what we’re going to play tomorrow?”
I was hoping for a peek into what he wanted to do, but he quieted and stretched his legs out. As he studied his feet, he sighed and I could almost feel the grown-up side inching closer to the surface.
When he shifted and lifted his head, I knew he thought he should get off my lap, so I hugged him tighter and huffed. “Nope. I’m not done.”
He snorted out a laugh, settling back into my arms. “You’re not, huh?”
“Nope.” I carried on with the drama since he didn’t seem to mind and laughter wasn’t his safeword. “Daddies make the rules and my rule is that I’m not done.”
Barely holding in his delight, he rested his head on my shoulder again and lifted one hand to absentmindedly stroke my chest. “That’s not how it works.”
Scoffing, I rolled my eyes as his fingers traced over my heart. “Yes, it is.”
Because I said so.
Quiet laughter escaped before he pinched his lips together. After a few seconds, probably when he thought he could control himself, he let out a breath. “So…you’re planning on keeping me?”
Oh yes.
“Of course.” Giving him a dry answer, I nodded. “I’m glad we’ve settled that.”
He giggled, the cheerful half-little, half-big sound making it hard not to smile. “How about if I promise to come have dinner with you tomorrow and we can play? Then can I get up?”