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 officially moved 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.
Especially since 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.
“I did, princess. Why don’t you pull back the curtains to take a look?
” Ellery reached forward and slowly pulled back the purple curtains.
I joined them at the side of the bed, making sure to stay close.
Ellie was already so emotional from seeing the bed.
It made me slightly worried that their other surprise might send them into shock.
Ellery gasped when they saw the book, and they instantly bent down to pick it up.
“What is this, Daddy? It’s so beautiful.
” I stepped up behind them, wrapping my arms around their waist. Ellery’s body was practically shaking in my arms as they read the cover page out loud.
“The Princess and Their Mighty Dragon. Written by Cameron Michaels and Illustrated by David Hayes.” Ellery’s voice shook as they spoke.
I wrapped my arms tightly around them, hoping to soothe them as they began flipping through the pages of the book.
“Daddy, I can’t believe it. It’s beautiful. Each page is stunning. You did this for me?”
“I did. I wanted you to have a book that had a princess just like you.” Ellery gently placed the book on the bed.
They were so careful it was almost as if they thought they were going to break it.
As soon as the book was lying safely on the blanket, Ellery whipped around and embraced me in a crushing hug.
“Daddy, I don’t have the words to express how happy I am. The bed is absolutely beautiful. And that book . . . David, I can’t believe it. You’re incredibly talented, and you have such a kind heart. I’m so incredibly lucky to get to call you my Daddy.”
I picked them up by the backs of their thighs and hauled them against me.
I needed to feel them against me to have them as close as possible.
“Oh, Ellery, princess. I’m the lucky one.
Before you, I felt alone and lost in the dark.
But then you showed up and brought light back into my life. I’m so happy I get to call you mine.”
Ellery leaned forward, placing their forehead against mine. The gesture was so sweet, making my heart feel all mushy. “I love you so much, David.”
My voice was rough with emotion, cracking slightly as I tried to stay calm. “I love you so much, Ellery. I have one more surprise.”
Ellery jerked back and playfully smacked my arm. “Daddy! You’re killing me. My heart can’t take any more surprises.”
Anxiety threatened to eat me. I knew Ellery was teasing, but the nerves had me considering whether I should wait. No. We’d made it this far, and I wasn’t going to let my insecurities hold me back any longer.
“I’m sorry, princess, but I have a feeling you won’t want to miss this surprise.
” I placed Ellery on the edge of the bed and crawled onto it.
Once I was settled with my back against the headboard, I tapped my thigh to get Ellery’s attention.
“Grab your book and come here, princess. I want to read it to you.”
Ellery grabbed the book, then looked at me in confusion. “You said there was another surprise?”
For all the teasing, my princess was definitely more invested in the surprise than they wanted to let on. “There is, but it’s hiding in the book, and we have to read it to find out.”
Ellery looked skeptical as they climbed across the mattress. “Come here, princess. Relax and let me read you your special story.” Ellery plopped down onto my lap, melting against me with a relieved sigh.
“Okay, Daddy. I’m ready!”
My heart sped up, and my hands felt clammy as I picked up the book and began to read. “On a beautiful sunny day in the kingdom of Tiny Town, the princess and their mighty dragon set out on a journey . . .”
Ellery cheered and giggled as I continued reading their new book.
Cameron did an amazing job with the story, and I was beyond proud of the book we created together.
Watching my princess enjoy the book we made specifically for them had me overjoyed.
“Daddy, look! They’re wearing a purple dress that looks just like mine!
” The pure happiness radiating from my princess had my chest puffing up with pride.
As I approached the end of the book, my anxiety started to creep back up with full force, but I held it together. When I finished what appeared to be the last page, Ellery clapped and cheered! “The end! Oh my gosh, Daddy, that was so good. I loved it. Thank you.”
“That wasn’t the end, princess. There’s one more chapter. When I flipped the page, Ellery gasped, jerking so hard I almost dropped the book.
“Daddy, it’s us!” The page was a beautiful illustration of Ellery wearing their purple dress while I carried them, princess-style.
It was adorable and so very us. With Ellery momentarily distracted, I reached underneath the pillow beside me and pulled out the small box I had stashed there.
With the box secured in my hand, I read the only word on the page.
“Princess . . .” I turned the page, my voice full of emotion as I read the only words on it. “Will you marry me?”
The words had barely left my mouth before the book was ripped from my hands.
When their blue eyes met mine, they were full of tears yet sparkling with so much love and happiness it nearly blinded me.
I opened the box and held it up between us.
“Princess, I know it’s only been a few months, but they’ve been the best months of my life.
You brought light and joy back into my life and gave me a family.
For that, I’ll be forever thankful. Will you do me the honor of marrying me? ”
Ellery’s answering smile was breathtaking. “Yes! Of course I’ll marry you.” Tears streamed down my face as I pulled the ring from the small box and placed it on Ellery’s finger.
“I love you so much, princess. I’m so incredibly happy. I can’t wait to be your husband.”
Ellery lifted their hand and inspected the ring with wide eyes. “Oh, David, it’s gorgeous. I love it. I’m never going to take it off.”
I took Ellery’s mouth with mine in a deep, hungry kiss. “I’m so glad you like it, darling.” I gave one last peck to their lips and lifted them off my lap. “Now come on, princess, we have a house to unpack.”
Ellery jumped up off the bed and spun around the room. “It’s going to be perfect once we’re done.”
Peace and certainty filled me. As long as my princess was by my side, I had no doubt that everything we did together would be perfect.
“It already is.”