Melissa didn’t care about the name. The ruffled lace that matched her dress perfectly made her feel so cute. The color was bright and cheerful. It was impossible to be unhappy in that dress.
“You look very cute, Lissy. I have a question for you. Would you like to go visit Zoey and show her your new dress?”
Automatically, she knew he wouldn’t negotiate any changes in what she wore. Besides, the fancy pants wouldn’t fit on her without the diaper underneath. And, while the dress was pretty, the impact came from the combination of the two. She hadn’t gotten to talk to Zoey much, but Melissa guessed the Little girl would be fun to spend time with.
“Like a playdate? With Zoey. Not to see Dr. Richards.” Melissa felt it was important to ask.
“You will see Dr. Richards, but not as a patient. I will talk to him, and you will have fun with Zoey.”
She counted to five as she tried to see anything negative to his suggestion. Nodding, she said, “I’d like that, Daddy. Can I take Rwahr Rwahr?”
“Yes. Go grab him off our bed and we’ll go—unless you need to potty first?”
Melissa looked at him and shook her head wildly. She hadn’t used a diaper yet. That was not in her plans. “No, I’m good.”
“Then walk to get your stuffie and I’ll let Dr. Richards know we’re on our way.”
A few minutes later, he buckled her into the seat securely before rounding the hood and climbing in to join her. Rocky wrapped his hand around her thigh and squeezed. “Let’s go have some fun.”
He turned on some fun music and Melissa chair danced as much as her seatbelt would allow her. It didn’t take long to get to the big imposing gate. Her Daddy pushed the button and announced their names. The gates opened slowly, like magic.
She leaned forward to peer around the curve as they drove onto the beautiful grounds. The large white mansion came into view as they emerged from the turn. Immediately, a petite figure seated on the steps popped up to her feet and waved enthusiastically. Zoey.
As soon as Rocky opened his driver’s door, Zoey rushed down the steps to dance outside the passenger window. “Hi, Melissa. Hi!”
Zoey shook her head frantically when Melissa reached for the door latch. Remembering that her Daddy always insisted on opening her door, Melissa tried to be patient as he walked around the hood.
“Hi, Zoey. How nice of you to invite Lissy over to play.”
“I’m so excited I get to spend time with her first. The other Littles are going to be so jealous!” Zoey assured him as he opened the door.
When Melissa stood next to the car, Zoey rushed forward and screeched to a halt next to her.
“Hugs? No hugs?” Zoey asked. “Do you need your personal space?”
“Hugs,” Melissa told her with a definite nod. Instantly, she was engulfed in a bear hug that made her happy. It was impossible to resist Zoey’s enthusiasm and excitement to see her.
“That is the cutest outfit. I am so jealous!” Zoey told her without a hint of that emotion. “It is perfect with your brown hair and green eyes. The color makes your eyes even more striking.”
“It’s new. Daddy just got it for me.”
“He has excellent taste,” Zoey said with a grin.
“He does. Thank you for inviting me over,” Melissa said politely and added, “Can I bring Rwahr Rwahr inside?” as Rocky handed her the stuffie.
“Of course, Rwahr Rwahr is invited. Let’s go introduce him to my Daddy and then we can decide what we want to do,” Zoey suggested.
As if on cue, Dr. Richards walked out the big door and called his hellos. He shook hands with Rocky and held a palm out for Melissa. “Give me a gentle high five if your arm is better.”
She grinned and followed his instructions. “It feels better every day.”
“I’m glad,” the doctor said with a kind smile. “Come in. Zoey thought you might like to play in her nursery, but there are swings out back and so many toys.”
Melissa looked at Zoey, who not subtly at all signaled she should choose the number one choice by raising her index fingers on both hands and waving them over her head. “I think I’ll take nursery.”
“Yes!” Zoey took Melissa’s left hand, obviously remembering which arm was recovering.
“No skates,” Dr. Richards warned.
