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Picking her up, he set her on his hip.
Whoa, he was strong.
“Come on, little one. Let’s answer the door.”
“I can do it!” Marcus said.
“No, that’s my job. You may come with us, though.”
“No, I’ll stay here with the toys. Someone has to look after them. They’re lonely.”
She rested her head against Eliot’s chest as he opened the door and let a man in with the tray of food. She was feeling pleasantly sleepy. She yawned around her pacifier.
“Poor baby, you’re tired, aren’t you? Let’s get you some lunch so you can have a nap. Now, I have to get your special chair, so you lie on the floor for a bit.”
He laid her down on the floor.
Where was Sophie? Shoot. Had she left her in the playroom? She rolled over. She could stand up and walk to get her. But she felt the urge to crawl.
Would that be weird?
“Whoa, where are you going? Were you going to crawl?” Eliot asked. “Might have to keep an eye on you, huh?”
He set down a wooden chair by the dining table. It was higher than the other chairs and had a piece that went across the front.
A highchair for big Little boys and girls.
He picked her up and set her in the chair, and she let out a murmur of protest.
“What is it, little one? What do you want? Do you need the potty?”
She felt herself flush. Potty? She hadn’t heard that word in forever.
“I think she wants Sophie the sloth!” Marcus appeared with Sophie and she smiled, grabbing her.
“Silly me. I should have known. Let’s get you ready for lunch.” He put the tray in and then placed her bib around her. “Marcus, come sit down.”
“I’m playing!”
“Little boy, come sit or you’ll get that already sore bottom rewarmed.”
Marcus sat with a plop, then winced. “Ouch.”
She kicked her feet slightly. She had to admit to liking the sensation of being high up. Of not being in control.
Of worrying less.
“What’s for lunch, big sexy teddy?” Marcus asked, reaching for the covers.
Eliot lightly smacked his hand. “Let me do it.”
Marcus pouted but sat back as Eliot revealed all of the dishes.
“Dino nuggies!” Marcus crowed.
“Yes, and some cut up veggies with ranch sauce. I want you to eat some veggies as well.”
Marcus sighed. “Have you got a deal with veggie growers or something? If you make me eat a certain amount, do they give you a kickback?”
Eliot shook his head. “If they did, I wouldn’t be earning much.” He put a plate in front of Marcus. Then placed a napkin on his lap.
To her surprise, Marcus started eating a carrot stick first.
He did dip it in ranch dressing before taking a bite. Which ended up all over his mouth.
So cute.
“Here we are, little one. Open up.” She opened her mouth as Eliot held up a piece of celery with peanut butter on it.
Yum. That was really good.
Eliot fed her until she turned her head away and picked up her pacifier, putting it back in.
“Well, it’s not as much as I would like you to eat, but you didn’t do too bad. I’ll get you a bottle in a moment.” He dug into his own sandwiches as Marcus flew a piece of carrot around his plate before putting it in his mouth.
“I’m finished!”
She giggled as she took in his messy face.
“How many veggies did you eat? Wow, look at you eating most of them! I’m very proud of you, little boy.”
Marcus grinned, looking proud of himself. “Can I play?”
“Let’s just get you cleaned up. You can play for a bit while I get Isla ready for her nap. Are you feeling tired?”
“Nope. I’m a big boy.”
“Hmm, well, perhaps you can stay up and play. But if you get too tired, you’ll need to start having naps, too.”
“Pfft. I don’t need naps.”
Eliot moved into the bathroom, and Marcus turned to her. “You okay? If there’s something you don’t want to do, just say.”
She drew her pacifier out. “No, I’m good. Really good.”
“Promise?” He held out his pinky.
“Promise.” She wrapped her finger around his. “You?”
“I’m always good when I’m with you.”
Eliot returned with a wet cloth and crouched to clean Marcus up. “Good boy. Go play.”
He turned to her, wiping her mouth and hands even though she hadn’t touched the food. “Stay in there for a minute with Sophie while I get your bottle ready.” She watched him warm up some milk in the microwave before he returned to let her out. He put her on his hip. “Do you need the potty, little one?”
Did she?
That would be a yes.
She nodded shyly, hoping he didn’t need a verbal response. But he seemed okay with her Little being mostly non-verbal. He carried her to the bathroom.
“I’ll give you some privacy, but I want you to call out once you’ve finished and I’ll come back to get you.”
