We both burst out laughing, and I was thrilled that Tristan no longer looked panicked. His face scrunched up with disgust, and his voice was soft, his little side coming back to the surface. “Dada, I feel icky.”
Daniel’s eyes were soft and caring as he turned them to me. He was in full Daddy mode. “Ellie, would you mind waiting in the living room while I get us cleaned up. Feel free to turn on the TV and grab the coloring books. We’ll be there shortly.”
“Okay!” I took one last glance at the mural on the wall, letting its beauty calm me, and then left the room.
The couch felt like a fluffy cloud as I sank into its plush material. Not knowing how long they’d be, I decided to find something for us to watch, and I decided on one of Tristan’s favorites, hoping it would help lift his spirits.
Looking around the room, I tried to find something to keep me occupied besides the TV, and noticed the coffee table had a drawer. When I opened it, I cheered in triumph. There were coloring books, and all sorts of crayons, markers, and colored pencils filled the wide drawer.
Pulling out a few books and a pack of crayons, I placed them on the table and got to work. All my big thoughts fell away as I began coloring.
Just as another episode started, I heard a loud squeal. I chuckled as Tristan squirmed in his Daddy’s arms, excited to watch the show.
Daniel hurried over and plopped a wiggly Tristan on the rug next to me. Before I could even blink, Tristan had grabbed the dragon coloring book I set out for him and started coloring away as if his life depended on it.
I barely registered Daniel walking away as I nudged my bestie with my shoulder and shot him a smile. We both giggled and got to work on our coloring pages.
We colored in silence, just happy to be together, watching TV. When Daniel brought our food, we quickly put our coloring supplies away and tore into our meals.
“After this show is over, would you boys like to build a fort and watch a movie before bed? Since Ellery is staying the night, I figured you could both sleep together in the fort.”
I got up and bounced excitedly. “That sounds so fun! Bestie, let’s do it!” I looked over to Tristan, and my excitement wavered when I saw the apprehension on his face.
“But wha bout Dada?”
Daniel’s face softened, and he picked Tristan up, popping him on his hip. “Oh, sweet boy, I wouldn’t leave you two alone when you’re little. I figured we could use the back of the couch to anchor the fort, so it’sinside the tent, and I can sleep there, and you little ones can sleep on a mountain of blankets.”
Tristan’s shoulders sagged in relief, his eyes widening with excitement. “That’s the bestest idea ever. Wight, Ewwie?”
“That sounds like so much fun. You have the best Daddy. But just until I get my own Daddy, then he’ll be the best Daddy ever.” I looked over to Daniel, slightly embarrassed. “No offense, Daniel.” Daniel barked out a surprised laugh, making me giggle.
“Thank you, Ellie. No offense taken.”
After our laughter died down, Daniel’s face turned thoughtful, but then hardened into something determined and serious. “I have a very important mission, and I need a princess and a dragon. Do you little ones know where I can find them?”
I instantly felt myself sink further into my little headspace. I loved being a princess; it made me feel so small and carefree. I loved it.
Tristan was excited as well, letting out a roar and then pretending he was breathing fire, like the mighty dragon he was. Excitement coursed through me as I let out my reply. “Me! Me! Me! I’m a princess, and this is my fire-breathing dragon.”
Daniel wiped his forehead with the back of his hand and let out a massive sigh of relief. “Oh, thank heavens. I need help building a magical fort. The material is enchanted, so it only allows little ones and Daddies inside and keeps out anything that isn’t happy or fun. The problem is that you can only touch it if you have a princess and their mighty dragon. Will you please help me build the enchanted fort?”
I swayed side to side, the material of my dress swishing as I moved. Tristan and I giggled before I put on my serious princess face. “We would be honored to assist you, good sir.”
Daniel bowed before me, his voice full of gratitude. “Thank you, Princess Ellie, I am forever in your debt. Please follow me.”
Tristan and I followed Daniel as he led us to the hall and showed us where to gather the magic materials for our special fort.
“We need to grab as much of the enchanted materials as we can carry and take them to the living room.”
Daniel helped us load up with various blankets and sheets. Everything he handed us was so soft I was beginning to think it really was enchanted.
We carefully transported the fort supplies, then set everything down so Daniel could get some clothespins and move the furniture around. It didn’t take long, but even so, Tristan and I were practically vibrating with anticipation by the time Daniel was ready.
“Princess Ellie, please hold this side of the sheet.”
I curtsied playfully and took the sheet from him. “Of course, good sir.” Tristan roared with excitement as Daniel handed him his side of the sheet.
Daniel pinned our sheet to his and secured them to the coffee table and couch, making a canopy over the large space.
