27. Bodie
Bodie
Two Months Later
“Okay… juice boxes are… good to go,” I giggle. “And now for the candy stash!”
I take a look around and drink in my new surroundings.
My new home. Or, mine and Henry’s new home to put it more accurately…
The beach house smells like coconut sunscreen and fresh paint, a cozy mix that wraps around me like a hug from my Little side.
It’s been two months since it all went down on the pier, since Vince’s arrest, since Henry and I carved out this new life down the coast from the safehouse.
Our little slice of paradise is a weathered bungalow with big windows that drink in the ocean’s blue, the waves a constant lullaby outside.
It’s definitely a doer-upper, but I’m more than up for the challenge…
I’ve gone full Little decorating—pastel throw pillows shaped like starfish, a shelf crammed with stuffies—pride of place for Poot, Billy when they’re not with me— and I’ve got a special new stuffy too, a seahorse named Bubbles.
Henry even lets me bring the stuffy family down off the shelf and set them up on the living area rug whenever I want. The one rule is that I have to put them back on the shelf before bedtime, or else I go over his lap for a spanking.
I’ll let you in on a secret, sometimes I leave them out overnight on purpose!
Anyhoo…
Back to the decorations. Fairy lights twinkle over the couch, and my sketchpads are scattered in the special craft area, dolphins and waves spilling across the pages.
But Henry’s Daddy style is here too—dark wood furniture, a sleek coffee table that screams “I’m in charge,” and his jazz records stacked neatly by the turntable, Miles Davis humming softly even now.
Weirdly, I’ve actually started to like jazz.
It’s kind of like surfing when you think about it.
Feel the notes, let them guide you and work in harmony with your mood, just like you’d do with the ocean.
But whether you like Little décor or jazz, I know one thing. This place is perfect for us, an ideal blend, and every time I step inside, my heart does a happy flip.
Right now, I’m in the kitchen, barefoot on the cool tiles, my romper dotted with paint from touching up the stuffy shelf. And I’ve got work to do to get the food and snacks ready for a little fun.
Cole and Richie are here for the weekend, their laughter drifting from the living room where Richie’s sprawled on the rug, his stuffy Fizz in his lap.
Cole’s hulking frame fills the armchair, his eyes soft as he watches his Little, his Daddy vibe as strong as Henry’s.
They’re staying over before Henry, Cole, and Connor head out tomorrow on a Guard mission—some out-of-country op that’ll keep them gone for two weeks.
I can’t lie, my stomach twists thinking about it… but my Little side’s trying to be brave, focusing on the sunset picnic we’re prepping for, baskets piled with sandwiches, juice boxes, and cookies shaped like surfboards.
Richie bounces into the kitchen, his arms swinging and swishing.
“Bodie, need help with the baskets?” Richie asks, his eyes full of mischief, Fizz tucked under his arm. “Fizz says we need extra cookies for the beach party. And he also says we should sneak a couple right now!”
I giggle, handing him a stack of napkins, my Little side perking up.
“Fizz’s got the right idea,” I say, winking. “But we gotta save some for Daddy and Cole. They’ll be grumpy without their sugar fix.”
I nudge Richie, and he laughs, his eyes bright, but there’s a flicker of something else… worry, maybe, about the mission.
We work side by side, packing the baskets, the kitchen warm with sunlight and the clink of glass bottles. Richie’s quiet for a moment, folding napkins, then looks at me, his voice softer.
“Bodie, does it ever get easier?” Richie says.
“I hope it does.” Richie fingers fidget with Fizz’s ear, his Little side showing his nerves.
“I know I’ve been in this world longer than you, but I miss Cole so much when he’s gone.
It’s like… half of me is missing. But I wouldn’t change him, not ever. He’s my Daddy, you know?”
I nod, my heart squeezing, and set down the juice box I’m holding.
“Yeah, I know,” I say, my voice small, my Little side feeling the same ache.
“Henry’s only been away once for a quick reconnaissance mission.
But it’s super tough, isn’t it? I get all antsy, like I’m waiting for a wave that won’t come.
I hug Poot and Billy extra tight, sketch a ton, but it’s not the same without Daddy’s rules, his voice calling me his baby boy.
” I lean against the counter, focusing myself and remembering everything Henry and I have discussed about his life.
“But I wouldn’t trade him either. He’s a Night Ops Guard, all brave and badass, and that’s part of why I love him.
We just gotta be brave too, right? For our Daddies. ”
Richie smiles, his eyes misty, and hugs me, Fizz squished between us.
“Right,” Richie says, his Little side bouncing back. “We’re tough Littles. We’ll have sleepovers, color, maybe even surf! Keep each other company till they’re back.”
“Deal,” I say, grinning, hooking my pinky with his. “You, me, Fizz, Poot, Billy, and Bubbles—best Little squad ever.”
We giggle, the worry easing, and finish packing, the baskets overflowing with picnic goodies. My Little side’s buzzing, excited for the beach, but my grownup side clings to his words…
Being without Henry will hurt, but with Richie, I won’t be alone, and that makes it bearable.
Henry’s voice booms from the living room, deep and warm.
“Little One, you and Richie ready? Sun’s not waiting for us!” Henry steps into the kitchen, his black tee hugging his shoulders, his scar catching the light, his Daddy vibe in full force.
Cole’s behind Henry, a duffel slung over his shoulder, both of them looking like they could take on a militia single-handed. My heart does that flip again, love and pride swelling for my Daddy.
“Ready, Daddy!” I chirp, grabbing a basket, my heart fluttering.
Richie grabs the other basket, and we follow them out, the screen door creaking as we step onto the porch.
The beach stretches before us, golden sand kissed by the setting sun, the sky a blaze of pink and orange. The waves roll gentle, whispering promises of freedom, and I feel it—that surfer boy spark, mixed with the safety of Henry’s rules, his love.
We trek down the path, my flip-flops slapping the sand, Henry’s hand brushing mine, his fingers warm and rough.
Cole and Richie are ahead, his giggles carrying as Cole swings their basket, his deep laugh rumbling.
I steal a glance at Henry, his profile strong, his eyes soft as he watches the horizon. My Little side wants to skip, to twirl, but I know that I need to say something, to anchor this moment before he’s gone for two weeks…
“Daddy,” I say, my voice quiet, tugging his hand to slow him.
He stops, turning to me, his dark eyes locking on mine, all Daddy attention.
“I’m gonna miss you so much. Two weeks is forever in Little time.
” I pout, my Little side peeking out, but I smile, squeezing his hand.
“But I’m so proud of you, being a Guard, keeping people safe. Just… come back to me, okay?”
Henry’s face softens, and he pulls me close, his arms wrapping around me, strong and warm.
“Bodie,” Henry says, his voice low, rough with emotion, “I love you more than anything in this world. I’m proud to call you my Little, my Forever boy. I’ll always come back to you, no matter where the Guard takes me. Promise.”
Henry’s lips brush my forehead, and I melt, my Little side glowing, my heart of hearts believing every word.
“I love you too, Daddy,” I whisper, my voice small but fierce, my heart full. “My Forever Daddy. I’m proud you’re mine.”
I stand on tiptoes, kissing his cheek, his stubble tickling, and he chuckles, ruffling my hair.
“Damn right,” Henry says, his Daddy tone playful but firm. “Now let’s get to that picnic before that sonofagun Cole eats all the cookies.”
I giggle, grabbing his hand, and we catch up to Cole and Richie, who’ve spread a blanket on the sand, the baskets open, the sunset painting everything gold.
We settle in, the four of us, a little family of Daddies and Littles, the ocean our backdrop...
Richie’s passing out juice boxes, his Little side in full bloom, while Cole’s carving sandwiches with a knife that looks like it could fell a tree.
Henry’s beside me, his arm around my shoulders, his warmth grounding me as I lean into him, my flip-flops kicked off, toes digging into the sand.
We eat, laughing as Richie tells a story about Fizz’s “surfing adventure” that ended with a crayon explosion, his hands waving, Cole’s deep laugh booming.
I chime in, recounting how Billy tried to “guard” my brownies, only to get chocolate on his sunglasses.
Henry’s smirking, his Daddy pride clear as he watches me, his hand brushing my knee, a silent good boy .
The sun dips lower, the sky a riot of colors, and I feel it—home, not just the beach house but this, us, together.
As the light fades, Richie and I sprawl on the blanket, our stuffies in a pile, sketching in my pad, waves and stars taking shape.
Henry and Cole talk low, their Guard voices serious, probably mission details, but their eyes keep drifting to us, their Littles, their anchors.
I catch Henry’s gaze, and he winks, his Daddy vibe wrapping around me even from a few feet away. My Little side hums, content, but I know tomorrow he’ll be gone, off to some dangerous place with Cole and Connor.
I can’t lie…
It scares me.
But I trust him, my Daddy, to keep his promise.
“Time to pack up, Littles,” Cole says, standing, his bulk casting a shadow, his Daddy tone gentle but firm.
Richie pouts, but hops up, hugging Fizz, and I follow, tucking my sketchpad away, my Little side reluctant to leave the beach.
Henry helps me fold the blanket, his hands steady, and we load the baskets, the four of us trudging back to the house, the sand cool now, the first stars peeking out.
At the porch, I pause, the sunset’s last glow fading, the ocean a dark shimmer. Henry’s beside me, his hand in mine, and I look up, my Little heart full.
“This is perfect, Daddy,” I say, my voice soft. “You, me, Richie, Cole. Our home. I’m gonna hold onto this while you’re gone.”
My Daddy pulls me close, his lips brushing my hair.
“Hold onto it, Little One,” Henry says, his voice gruff but full of love. “I’ll be back before you know it, and we’ll have more sunsets, more picnics. You’re my everything, Bodie. You make me a better man, a better Guard, and I’ll never, ever stop protecting you for as long as I live.”
And with that, we kiss—Little and Daddy, together forever.