Page 16 of Her Gentle Daddy

Gabby nodded and shook her finger at Patches.

“You’re a lazy boy, Patches.”

Sean chuckled, “It’s about time to go to your therapy appointment. Why don’t you bring Patches with you?”

She tensed but nodded. The thought of talking to a stranger about her life scared her, but Sean had assured her that Savannah was very professional and wouldn’t judge her at all. It still made her uneasy. Grabbing Patches, Gabby came to her feet and followed Sean downstairs. The only time she left his house was for work, so that was another thing that was making her feel unsure. Anything out of her routine threw her off.

Luckily, the drive was short, and when he opened the car door for her, she looked up at him and then down at Patches, unsure whether she should bring him with her.

“You can bring Patches, baby girl.”

Smiling up at Sean, she held Patches under her arm and got out of the car. When Sean turned to start walking, Gabby couldn’t resist reaching out to hold his hand. He froze and looked down at her, and for a brief moment, she thought she’d made a mistake, but then he grinned and squeezed her hand gently before leading her into the office building.

As soon as Dr. Savannah Tolland walked into the waiting room and called Gabby, all the jealousy she had pushed aside came rushing back. The woman was beautiful. She was tall, blond, blue-eyed, and had the type of curvy figure that Gabby could only dream about. She gave Sean a hug which made Gabby want to claw her eyes out, which was silly because Gabby had no say about who Sean dated or Daddied. But she didn’t like the idea of him Daddying or dating anyone else.

What is wrong with you? Stop being jealous.

When she got to Dr. Tolland’s office, the doctor told Gabby to sit anywhere she felt comfortable. Except Gabby wouldn’t be comfortable anywhere in this stranger’s office, so she just sat on the leather couch.

“Gabby, you can call me Savannah. I’m not sure what Sean has told you about me, so I want to give you a little information about me and the type of therapy I offer. Does that sound like a good way to start?”

Gabby nodded and hugged Patches closer. Savannah probably thought she was ridiculous for bringing a stuffed animal with her. It was evident that the woman was sophisticated and well educated. She would be the perfect match for someone like Sean.

“I’m what’s called a sex-positive therapist. I specialize in therapy topics related to sex and BDSM, but I am qualified and experienced in providing any type of therapy my patient needs. Some people come because they want to talk about vanilla topics and some people come because they want to talk about their sex lives or things related to them. There is no topic off limits here, and I will always keep what we talk about confidential unless you talk about self-harming or suicidal thoughts. Do you have any questions about that?”

“Are you and Sean dating?”

Gabby’s eyes widened as soon as the words came out, and she slammed her hand to her mouth in mortification. Savannah smiled gently and shook her head.

“No. Sean and I are only friends. I’m not sure what he told you about me, but I’m a Mommy, and I’m sure you know that Sean is a Daddy. We wouldn’t be compatible even if we tried. Besides, from what he told me, he already has a little girl named Gabby in his life that he seems to care for very much.”

Sean had told Savannah that he cared for her? Did he really like her that much? Maybe he was serious about wanting to be her Daddy.

“Sorry I asked. I didn’t mean to.”

Savannah grinned, “That’s quite alright, Gabby. You can ask me anything you’d like when you’re here. I always promise to be honest with you, just as I hope you’ll be honest with me. Sean is a good friend. I’ve known him for many years. He’s a wonderful man and a very sweet Daddy. You found a good one when you met him.”

She nodded and looked down at her hands nervously, although the knot of jealousy and worry in her tummy had dissipated at Savannah’s reassuring words.

“Sean told me you’ve been experiencing panic attacks. How long have you been experiencing those?”

“For as long as I can remember,” she said quietly.

Savannah nodded, “What is your dog’s name?”

Gabby blushed, “Patches. I’ve had him since I was a kid.”

“Do you hold Patches when you have a panic attack?”

“If I can. Sometimes he’s not around when I have one, but I hold him if he’s close by. It seems like my panic attacks aren’t as bad when I’m able to hold him and pet his fur.”

Savannah smiled, “I bet it does help. Dogs are known for helping people with anxiety, and I bet even stuffed dogs have the same effect. Have you ever had a real dog?”

“No. I’ve always wanted one. I love dogs. They are my favorite animals. And cows. I love baby cows. Especially those really furry ones.”

Gabby stopped when she realized she was rambling, and Savannah was grinning at her.

“Those little hairy cows are the cutest, aren’t they?” Savannah asked warmly.