Barnaby Bear was getting ready for bed. The moon was peeking through the trees, and the stars were beginning to twinkle. He yawned a big, sleepy yawn. “Daddy,” he mumbled, “Can you tuck me in?”
Papa Bear smiled. He loved tucking Barnaby in. It was their special time. He gently scooped Barnaby up and carried him to his cozy little bed. The bed was covered with a patchwork quilt made by Grandma Bear.
“Tonight,” Papa Bear said, “Let’s talk about all the fun things we did today.” Barnaby’s eyes lit up. “We went to the berry patch!” he exclaimed. “And we splashed in the puddles!”
Papa Bear chuckled. “That’s right! And you were so brave when you saw the little bumblebee. You didn’t even cry!” Barnaby giggled. He *had* been a little scared, but Papa Bear had held his paw, and that made everything okay.
“I love you, Daddy,” Barnaby whispered. Papa Bear’s heart felt warm and fuzzy. “I love you too, my little bear. More than all the berries in the patch, and more than all the puddles in the world.”
Papa Bear carefully tucked the quilt around Barnaby, making sure his little paws were warm. He smoothed Barnaby’s fur and gave him a gentle kiss on the forehead.
“Do you know what I’m grateful for?” Papa Bear asked. Barnaby shook his head. “I’m grateful for you, Barnaby. You make every day an adventure.”
Barnaby snuggled deeper into his pillow. He felt safe and loved. “I’m grateful for you too, Daddy,” he mumbled sleepily. “You always make me feel better.”
Papa Bear sat beside Barnaby’s bed for a moment, watching him drift off to sleep. He quietly hummed a little tune. He knew that even when he wasn’t right there, his love would always be with Barnaby.
“Sweet dreams, my little bear,” Papa Bear whispered. He turned off the little nightlight and tiptoed out of the room, leaving Barnaby to sleep soundly, knowing he was loved and safe with his daddy.