After several rounds of me tossing the ball, Tristan tackled me into the ball pit, making me squeal. “What—” My words were cut off when Zeke joined in, pouncing on top of me like an excited... well, puppy.
I broke out into a fit of laughter and started flapping my arms and legs, making the balls go everywhere. The move worked as intended, and Tristan and Zeke jumped off me and after the balls.
The ball pit was so much fun, and we stayed in until Daniel came over to tell us it was time to get ready to leave.
“But Dada, pway,” Tristan whined, his face contorting into the most dramatic pout I’d ever seen.
Zeke let out a disappointed whine. It made sense that Zeke was a puppy because his pleading puppy-dog eyes were so good they even started to get to me. I’m not sure how he did it, but somehow Daniel managed to stay strong. “I know it sucks. But please be good and get out. It’s getting late. There’ll be plenty of chances for us to come again, and Zeke can join us anytime.”
All three of us cheered and then crawled our way out of the ball pit. I loved playing with Tristan and Zeke, but I definitely wasn’t as upset about leaving as they were. Throwing a ball to an excited dragon and puppy was exhausting. I couldn’t wait to come back and play with them again, but for now, I just wanted a bedtime story and my Daddy.
As if he could read my mind, Daddy was at my side, his hand resting on the small of my back. “Hey, princess, did you have fun?”
“I did!” Just then my face split into a huge yawn. “But I’m tired now.” Daddy pulled me into his side and kissed the top of my head.
“I can tell. You played really hard.” I hummed in agreement, then buried my face into his chest. I inhaled deeply, letting Daddy’s warm, cozy scent wrap around me like a blanket. “I love you, Daddy.”
My heart felt so incredibly full. I’d spent an amazing night playing with my friend, and now I got to go home and snuggle with my Daddy.
It was unbelievable how much my life had changed in just a couple of months. It had all happened so fast and was a bit terrifying, but as I looked around the room and saw the smiling faces of those I cared about, I realized I wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I love you too, princess. Let’s go home.”
Epilogue
Three weeks later
“Are you ready, princess?”
“I can’t wait, Daddy! We’ve already been waiting soooo long.” Ellery bounced up and down on the porch of our new home, looking like they could explode at any moment.
“I know, princess, I know. We’ve both been waiting very patiently, but it’s time now.”
It had been a very busy few weeks. Daniel and Tristan were also helping pack up the apartment since Tristan hadn’t officiallymoved out yet, even though he hadn’t been living there for over a month. Even Jack and Zeke had stopped by a few times to help us move everything.
It was hard to believe that just a few months ago, it was just me and Daniel, two lonely bachelors looking for their perfect subs. Now Daniel had Tristan, and I had Ellery. Daniel and I had known Jack for years, but never really managed to connect outside the club. Our little ones had changed that, and I’d be forever grateful for my new friends and family.
Ellery’s whole body vibrated with excitement; it was becoming impossible to ignore. After we got the keys, we spent the first two weeks moving as much furniture as possible. Most of our belongings were still in boxes, but at least we had all the furniture and wall decorations in place. All we needed to do now was unpack everything and put it where it belonged.
The last time Ellery was here was a week ago, when Daniel asked them to stop by and see how the custom pieces in their sewing room were coming along. Ellery had loved it and thanked Daniel immensely for his hard work. In the week since Ellery had been here, I’d been working secretly with Daniel, helping him prepare the king-sized princess bed. I also managed to get the finished illustrations to Cameron in just enough time for him to get everything put together and order the sample copy.
Cameron had asked me if he could publish the book, and I agreed. I was thrilled that others might have the chance to find a book in which they saw themselves. Besides, I had a princess to spoil, and I wasn’t about to turn down an extra opportunity for some income. Especiallysince a hefty chunk of my savings had gone to buying us our beautiful new home. It was so worth it, though.
When I finally turned the knob and opened the door, Ellery charged in and spun around in circles, looking completely overjoyed. “Welcome home, Daddy!”
My heart nearly burst out of my chest as I picked Ellery up mid-spin and hauled them against me. Ellery squealed in shock but quickly wrapped their legs around me. “Welcome home, princess. Can you believe it?”
My sweet princess shook their head, their eyes already wet with oncoming tears. “No, I can’t, but I don’t have to because it’s actually happening, isn’t it?”
I smiled and kissed each of their cheeks, loving the way their skin heated under my touch. “It is, princess. This is our home now. Would you like to see your surprise?”
Ellery cocked their head in confusion. “You got me a surprise?”
“I sure did, darling. Come on, let’s go look.” Ellery squealed in excitement as I carried them down the hall to our bedroom.
The door was wide open when we approached, and Ellery’s reaction was immediate. “Daddy! Is that what I think it is?” Ellery’s legs let go of my waist, and I helped them to the floor. The second my princess’s feet touched the soft carpet, they were running toward our new bed.
“Daddy... You got us a princess bed?” Tears streamed down their face as they spoke.
