Chapter 16
Max jerked instantly alert. Pressure on his chest made him freeze and open his eyes a sliver to scan the area. The sweet scent of Saylor’s hair filled his nostrils as his bedroom appeared in his view. His alarm faded as he prevented himself from squeezing her tightly.
“She needs her sleep,” he reminded himself as he curbed the desire to explore her sweet body again. Coming home to find his little girl in her nursery had cemented his need to have her permanently in his life. He smiled at that thought. Like he’d ever let her escape.
Her hand lifted from his chest to smooth over his lips. “Waking up happy?” she asked.
“With you in my arms, I’m waking up in heaven. Did you think about what I asked?”
“Moving in here with you permanently?”
“Yes.”
“That’s a big step. What if you get tired of me?” she asked, studying his face.
“Not going to happen.”
“Then I’d love to live here with you.”
“Good choice. I wasn’t going to let you choose anything else. You’re mine, little girl.”
A soft, joyful sound escaped from her as Saylor propped herself up on one elbow to look more directly at him. “I’m so glad you’re here. I missed you.”
“Even if I arrive stinky?”
“That was bad,” she said, shaking her head. Saylor pursed her lips as if she was considering his question.
She grinned at him a second later and said, “You clean up pretty well.” Saylor ruffled his hair and winked. “I’ve never seen you with bangs.”
Max blew a puff of air upward, sending his overly long locks flying. “A haircut is on my list for today.”
“I could braid it to keep it out of your eyes.”
“Baby, do you know how many pushups I’d have to do if I show up on base with braided hair?” Max shook his head, not even wanting to imagine the effort.
Her fingers stroked over his biceps. “I think you already do enough exercise now.”
He wrapped his hand around the back of her head and pulled her lips down to meet his. Kissing her softly, Max treasured this quiet moment with Saylor. “I love you, baby.”
“I love you too, Daddy,” she answered quietly, tangling her fingers in his chest hair. She tugged softly. “I love my nursery.”
“Had you explored the room before?”
“No. I figured it was an office or a workout room. The mermaid almost made me cry. You’re making it an underwater haven, aren’t you?”
“Haven. I like that term. Your nursery should be the place where you can be yourself more than anywhere else. When you mentioned how much you love to scuba dive, I thought you might enjoy that theme.”
“I’ve seen Brooklyn’s. Even before she told me you’d created the characters, I loved them. I haven’t seen that side of your talent before.”
“Turning classmates into naked cartoon characters wouldn’t have pleased you, baby,” he teased.
“You’re right. I was suspicious of you in the beginning. I don’t get a lot of military guys in a nude figure drawing class who actually have enrolled to learn and practice.”
“Thank you for giving me a chance,” he said softly.
“You took care of me when I needed you. Very few men would concern themselves with someone with…” She swallowed hard before finishing, “With trauma.”
“Are you thinking about talking to someone?”
“I have an appointment today. Will you go with me? Do you have to report to the base?”
“I will go sit in the waiting room if you’ll come to the base with me afterward to get a haircut and sign some paperwork?”
“I don’t have to get a buzz cut, do I?” she asked, laughing.
“I love your hair.” He tangled his fingers in her silky blonde hair and drew it to his nose. “I don’t sleep well after a mission. Relaxing my guard usually takes a few nights. Each time I jerked awake to check on the team’s safety, I could smell your shampoo. I knew I was home with you.”
Tears welled in her eyes. He brushed away one that cascaded down her cheek. “Thank you for being here. When you didn’t answer, I worried.”
“I’m sorry. I was involved in adding to your decorations.”
“You were. I’m sorry, I was focused on you and didn’t look. What did you draw?” he asked, loving the faint blush on her cheeks.
“You made me a mermaid, so I made you a merman,” she said proudly.
“Did you give me a big codpiece?” he teased.
“Daddy! I didn’t draw that!”
“I’ll add some shading when I paint it.”
“Maybe I should take care of enhancements?”
“I’ll let you do that.” Max’s stomach growled loudly.
“Oh, my God. I hope you ate more than you showered!”
“We stayed fueled, baby. I am ready to chew on my boot if I don’t get some food. How about if I scramble some eggs for us?”
“I think we only have one egg left. I’m sorry. Today, I’d planned to go to the grocery.”
“Let’s wash our faces, and I’ll take us out for breakfast.”
“Can I go without makeup?” she asked.
“Only if I can.” When she laughed, he added, “You’re beautiful, little girl. Wear makeup if you wish, but I like the natural you.”
“You mean that,” she said, staring at him in wonder.
“Of course I do. Be prepared. I plan to stare at you a lot.”
“Is that all you’re going to do?” she asked with a suggestive smile.
“That’s for me to know and for you to find out.” Max smacked her bottom sharply. “Let’s go. You’ve got five minutes.”
“No way!” she said and immediately rolled out of bed.
Max bent an arm and propped up his head to watch her scurry nude across the bedroom. Her sweet curves jostled enticingly before she disappeared into the bathroom. He threw back the covers, ignoring his cock. A cold shower would take care of that. Hopefully.
* * *
After breakfast, Max drove them to the doctor’s office. He could feel her body tense next to him. Max picked up her hand and linked their fingers together without saying anything.
“Thanks for going with me. I’m scared.”
“What’s the worst thing that could happen?”
“I don’t know. I guess she could laugh at me and think I’m crazy,” Saylor mused.
“Are you?”
“Crazy? No, I don’t think so.”
“I don’t think so either. I bet she’ll think you’re pretty smart in getting some help so you can move on,” Max suggested, squeezing her fingers.
“I hate getting so upset. My heart pounds, and I become hyper aware of all the sounds around me. Noises bombard me like physical blows,” Saylor shared.
“That sounds awful. I’m sorry, baby. I wish I had a magic wand to erase the trauma you experienced.”
“Me, too.”
“Just talk to her. If the doctor doesn’t help or you aren’t comfortable talking to her, we’ll find someone that you mesh with better.”
“Oh, that’s a great thought. She’s not the only counselor in town.”
Max glanced over at her face. Saylor looked much more comfortable and her shoulders had settled down from her ears. His concern for her eased a bit. “How did you find her?”
“Artists have a reputation for being high-strung or completely laid-back. I asked a few of the more anxious staff members I know well enough. Three out of the four recommended this counselor.”
“What a great way to find someone. I’m proud of you, Saylor,” he told her as he pulled into the parking lot.
“Oh, we’re here,” Saylor said, looking around.
Glad he had distracted her, Max said, “We have the perfect amount of time to park, potty, and put our butts in the waiting room. The PPP trifecta.”
“What are you going to do while I talk to her?”
“I’m going to chip away at my email. That’s my least favorite chore to do after being deployed.” He’d also order a delivery of groceries to arrive in the afternoon.
“Don’t sprain your finger, trashing all the messages. We have class tonight,” Saylor reminded him.
“We do. I wouldn’t miss it. Are you okay with having the team over tomorrow to put the furniture together?” he asked quietly as they walked to the entrance.
“Can the girls come?” she asked eagerly.
“The guys won’t come without them. Want to make it dinner together? You all can play board games or color,” Max suggested.
“Yes, please. That sounds fun.” Her worried look had evaporated, and excitement had replaced her drawn face.
“Then we’ll do it. I’ll get it arranged.” Max parked the truck and squeezed her thigh when she automatically reached for the door handle. “Daddy’s got the door, little girl.”
“I can open it.”
“I know. That’s not the point. I want to take care of you. Let me.”
“Yes, sir!” Saylor said, saluting.
“Good girl,” he complimented and chuckled. Getting out, he circled behind the truck to escort her out. To his surprise, she walked eagerly to the entrance. Pride filled him at the strength of his little girl.
The office welcomed them with calming, pale blue walls and comfortable chairs.
Max took a seat with his back to the wall, where he could see the entrance and the door into the inner spaces.
The receptionist welcomed Saylor and handed her a form to complete.
Good. That will keep her from thinking for a bit.
Saylor turned and smiled when she spotted him. Gratitude that he could be here for her filled Max. She would have been fine without him, but was more relaxed with support.
She checked the last box on the paper and stood to return the clipboard to the desk when the door opened, and a pleasant-looking woman in her late thirties and funky glasses called Saylor’s name. Saylor turned to look at him.
“You’ve got this, baby,” he said softly and watched her straighten her shoulders. When she disappeared through the door, Max sent good vibes after her. He loved her so much.
Pulling out his phone, Max slogged through all his messages and emails as he kept an eye out for Saylor to return. He sent a message to the team notifying them of the gathering and got thumbs up from everyone but Hank. That bastard must be on base, working out.
When the door opened and Saylor appeared, Max stood.
His little girl’s face was blotchy like she’d been crying, but she looked good.
Like the visit had gone well even though it was tough.
She thanked the therapist and flew across the waiting room to throw herself into his arms. Max noticed the therapist and receptionist smiling. Saylor was in good hands.
“Coming back?” he asked.
“Next week,” she confirmed.
“Go make your appointment.”
She almost skipped back to the desk. When she came back, Saylor unwrapped a small sucker. “Barb says sugar helps your brain settle after an appointment.”
“That makes sense.” He held his hand out for the wrapper and shoved it into his pocket before taking her free hand. Then he escorted his precious Little out of the office.