Page 14 of Snowbound Princess

Kayleigh darted her eyes to the closet and back to him, then shrugged.

"When Daddy asks you a question, I expect a verbal yes or no answer in reply. Am I understood?"

Butterflies did somersaults in her tummy at the tone of his voice. She nodded several times, "Yes, Daddy. I do have a dress at the back of my closet in one of those plastic bag thingies."

"I can't wait to see it."

Bastian moved to the closet and emerged a few moments later with the garment bag. Unzipping the bag carefully, he reached in and laid the dress out on the bed. Kayleigh gasped as she stared at it, a gorgeous crimson colored velvet dress with a huge silver sash around the middle. The lacy sash could be looped into a bow just like the dresses she used to dream about when she was little. Kay had stared at the gown for hours on the computer screen over the course of several weeks before working up the nerve to purchase it, but when it arrived, she’d never even looked at it. Bastian took care to pick out a camisole, plain panties, and a pair of black knee-high stockings: accessories she had added to the purchase. To her incredible surprise, he picked up each item and assisted her into them. She wasn’t sure how to process all of the emotions barreling through her, so she remained quiet. She loved every second of it, wondering if they could recreate this moment again. He brushed out her hair until it fell in waves down her back, curled on the ends from being trapped in a bun. She remained quiet until Bastian turned her around toward the full-length mirror. Tears pooled in her eyes, but she willed them away.

"I look beautiful."

"Yes, sweetheart, you do. Come on. Let's go enjoy the rest of our day."

* * *

Kayleigh had the most magical time coloring and crafting while Bastian worked hard in the kitchen. After they'd eaten, he had escaped for a little while to take a shower and get dressed himself, but now the house fell quiet. All of the food had been put away, and she enjoyed the calm atmosphere. They had cuddled on the couch, drinking hot cocoa, and watching holiday cartoons. For the first time in over a year, she felt relaxed.

"It's getting late," Bastian announced, breaking her out of her daze. "Go get ready for bed, and I'll come tuck you in."

"What are you going to do tonight?"

"I'm actually going to bed as well. I was up very late last night, but tomorrow is another day. The snow is supposed to stop around noon or so. You're trapped with me a little longer."

"Okay, I'll call you when I'm ready." She kissed his cheek then got up from the couch and headed to her room. Today had exceeded all of her expectations, and she couldn't wait until tomorrow.

* * *

Kayleigh carefully hung the dress back up on its hanger. She took off the plain undergarments and slipped into her regular sleep clothes which were a pair of flannel pants and a tank-top. Her hair got pulled up into a messy bun, and then she got into bed. Her mindset seemed to be in between little and adult, but the calm feeling carried over.

"Bastian!"

He appeared in her doorway and approached the bed. "Did you have a nice day today, Kay?"

"Yeah, I'm not really sure where my head is at the moment, but I'm so relaxed. Thank you for taking care of me today. I really needed it."

"I'm happy to have been here for you." Bastian leaned over and kissed her. He brought the blankets up to her chest, and tucked her in as promised. "We'll have fun tomorrow too."

"Will it involve your famous eggnog?" She grinned. "It's my favorite."

"Only if you're good." He chuckled. "Sweet dreams. I'll see you in the morning."

Kay snuggled down into the covers and laid her head on the pillow. He shut the light off and stepped toward the door, but she sniffled as unexpected tears fell down her face. She didn't want him to be so far away.

“What's wrong, honey?”

“I'm not sure.” She sniffled again. “Can you please stay in here tonight with me?”

“Sure. I was serious about going to bed. I'm a bit tired myself.” He walked around to the other side of the bed and climbed under the covers. She scooted herself over to him and curled up against his chest. He pulled her close and kissed her lips.

“Good-night, Bastian. I love you.”

“I love you more, sweetness.”

She wanted to tell him how contented and happy she had felt all day, but as soon as the thoughts came into her head, she drifted off into dreamland.

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