Daddy's Precious Little Girl

The Talk

Ashlynn's POV

The dorm door clicked open, and I bounced inside, my excitement bubbling over. Grandpa followed behind me, carrying the bag of leftover snacks we'd picked up on the way back from the pottery shop. My hands still smelled faintly of paint, and I couldn't stop thinking about the plate I'd made for Daddy.

"Daddy!" I called, my voice carrying through the quiet dorm.

Ethan appeared from the kitchen, wiping his hands on a towel. A warm smile spread across his face as he spotted me. "Hey, sweet girl. How was your day?"

Before I could answer, Grandpa gave a chuckle from behind me. "I think you're about to find out," he said, setting the bag on the counter.

I ran straight to Daddy, my words tumbling out in a rush. "It was so fun! Grandpa took me to this place where you get to paint pottery, and I made a plate! It has my handprints on it, and it's for you!"

"For me?" Daddy asked, crouching down to my level. His smile widened, and his eyes lit up with pride. "That sounds amazing, sweetheart. I can't wait to see it."

"You'll have to," I said with a playful pout. "They have to fire it in the kiln. Grandpa said it takes two whole weeks before we can pick it up!"

"Two weeks?" he teased, pretending to gasp. "I don't know if I can wait that long. Are you sure it's worth it?"

"It's worth it," I said confidently, nodding. "It's so pretty, Daddy. I painted it all by myself, and Grandpa helped me put my handprints on it. Oh, and guess what? Grandpa made a mug for Grandma Emma. It's got flowers on it, and her name too!"

Daddy chuckled, ruffling my hair. "It sounds like you had an incredible time."

"I did!" I said, bouncing on my toes. "Grandpa even told me about the colors—how they change in the kiln. Isn't that cool?"

"Very cool," Daddy said. "And I'm so glad you got to spend time with him. You know, he really loves you."

I turned and smiled up at Grandpa, who was leaning against the counter with a content expression. "I love Grandpa too."

"And you know what?" Grandpa said, crouching beside Daddy so we were all at the same level. "I think that plate of yours is going to be something really special. Your Daddy's going to love it."

"Thanks, Grandpa," I said, giving him a big hug before turning back to Daddy. "And I love you, Daddy."

"I love you too, sweet girl," Daddy said, pulling me into a hug. His arms wrapped around me tightly, and I snuggled into his chest, feeling safe and happy.

As Daddy stood, holding me in his arms, I couldn't help but think about how lucky I was. Daddy, Grandpa, my friends—everything was perfect. And even though I had to wait two weeks to see my plate, I knew it would be worth it.

Daddy carried me to the couch after Grandpa left, settling me on his lap like he always did when we needed to have a "talk." I leaned into him, my head resting on his chest. The steady beat of his heart calmed me, making me feel safe.

For a while, we just sat there, enjoying the quiet. Daddy's hand gently ran over my hair, and I started to feel sleepy from the rhythmic motion. Then, his voice broke the silence, soft and careful.

"Ashlynn, sweet girl," he began, "can I ask you something?"

I tilted my head back to look at him, curious. "What is it, Daddy?"

He hesitated for a moment, his eyes searching mine as if he was trying to find the right words. "Have you ever wondered about your... biological father?"