part0034

T he eight days of Rylee’s vacation were speeding past. She didn’t want to think about it coming to an end. The amazing man who’d rescued her from her paralysis on the bus meant more to her already than anyone she’d ever met. The little princess forced thoughts out of her mind of how much she’d miss both him and being able to be herself.

How would she ever live without the huge man who loved her Little side? They’d taken a few pictures together. She had those stored on her phone forever as treasures.

Her favorite? The costumes that he had designed for the Little Costume and Candy Party that celebrated the grand reopening of the Castle. What else could a Little with a black kitten be? Dallas had created her witch outfit complete with a pointed hat out of the forgotten stuff in their suitcases. He’d even used the small bathroom trashcan to fashion a cauldron for her to carry Karma in. Her Daddy had been a fantastic broomstick for her to ride on. All the other Littles had been jealous.

Standing this morning in the beautiful Castle library, Rylee felt the same kind of thrill that she used to feel every day she walked into a library. She’d even endeared herself to Master Collins, the strict schoolteacher, when she’d organized books for his students’ assignments. She’d expected the older Littles to hate her for adding to their work, but they’d loved finding the naughty books that she had placed on a secret shelf just for them. Each day they found her in the library, they had a new request for information. Rylee loved to research for them.

Suddenly, her eyes welled with tears that cascaded down her cheeks. Back home, she hadn’t allowed herself to dwell on how much she hated her job. The memories of the head librarian’s constant criticism and blame for anything that went wrong crashed over her. Rylee kept trying to pretend that everything was great, but really she felt like she was sinking deeper in a quagmire of despair and hopelessness.

She collapsed to the floor. Seeming to understand she needed comfort, Karma climbed into her lap as Rylee leaned back against a wall of books and cried at the thought she would have to go back. Hidden in her small space, the Little girl allowed herself to grieve for all that she would miss: the library, being Little, and most of all, her Daddy.

“At least I get to take you home, Karma,” she whispered over the soft fur as the black kitten nestled under her chin.

“Sweetness! What is wrong?” Dallas’ deep voice made her cry even harder. Her heart broke at the thought that she wouldn’t see him again.

Dallas immediately picked up his princess and began to walk back and forth, trying to help her calm down. Between his sweet words and kisses and the kitten’s purrs, Rylee’s tears began to slow and then stop. Nestled in her Daddy’s arms, Rylee clung to him as if he would disappear at any time.

“I don’t want to go home, Daddy. I want to stay here with you. I want to stay at the Castle and keep organizing this fucked up library.” Rylee never cursed, but it would kill her to leave this beautiful collection of books to be nothing more than a display that no one could really use.

“Tsk, tsk, tsk!” a tall blond man remarked from the doorway to the library. “That sounds like a princess who needs a reminder to use polite words.”

Rylee peeked over Dallas’ broad shoulder. That voice didn’t sound like one she should ignore. At the sight of the dominant man, she swallowed hard. She’d seen this man before. The other princesses had told her that he was Important, with a capital I. They’d also told her to avoid his office because he spanked—hard.

“I’m so sorry, Master Marshall. I didn’t mean to curse,” she said quickly. Then, realizing that she had criticized the library, “Your library is really very nice. Just a bit disorganized.” She sniffed and tried to wipe her face dry to be presentable.

Pressing her lips against Dallas’ ear, she whispered, “Please, put me down, Daddy. He’s important.” At her Daddy’s low chuckle, Rylee looked appalled. They were going to be sent away early. “Please?” she begged.

“Of course, sweetness.” Dallas set Rylee on her feet and took her hand. Pulling her forward, he held out his hand to the new arrival. “Thank you for coming, Master Marshall. And yes, Rylee’s language will be addressed. Later,” he said, looking sternly at the nervous Little next to him.

Instantly, the little girl tried to redeem herself. She tugged her hand from Dallas’. Awkwardly, she held out the sides of her full skirt and attempted to curtsy. Thank goodness Dallas was close and steadied her. Looking up at the man who had taken such good care of her, Rylee whispered, “Thank you, Daddy.” Tears filled her eyes once again. How many more times will I be able to call him Daddy?

Turning her attention back to Master Marshall, she whispered, “I’m sorry. I promise I’ll never cuss again.”

“I will count on that.” He held his hand out to Rylee. When she timidly placed her hand in his, he held on to it firmly. Looking very seriously at her, Marshall asked, “Have you enjoyed your stay here, or are you ready to go back home?”

One solitary tear rolled down the Little’s cheek. She raised a corner of her skirt with her free hand and dried her face. She knew that some guests gladly returned to their vanilla lives, content with the memories of their experiences at the Castle, but she wasn’t one of them. Putting on her courageous face that she’d hidden behind for too long at home, Rylee quietly answered, “The Castle is a magical place. I love it here.” Looking back at Dallas, who smiled at her, she continued, “I met my Daddy here. I wish I could stay here forever with him.”

Her eyes escaped from his gaze to scan the library. It was such an incredible find. She loved the feel and sight of the room. “Your library could be so much for so many. Please find someone special to love it and take care of it. It deserves an amazing librarian to make it come to life,” she said bravely. Karma twisted in and out between her feet, giving Rylee all the support and love a little black kitten could. Rylee lifted her eyes back to meet Master Marshall’s. “Please find the right person.”

The tall man looked thoughtful and paused a moment before nodding his agreement. “Princess Rylee, I think you are correct. I am going to take your advice. I think I have found the perfect librarian to make sure this beautiful space is never described with curse words again.”

Rylee tried to maintain her composure while her heart was breaking. Someone else would be working here each day. Someone else. She turned, tugging her hand from Master Marshall’s to bury her head against her Daddy.

Wrapping his arms around her tightly, Dallas softly said to his little girl, “You need to listen to what Master Marshall is saying. He has found the perfect librarian. I believe he thinks the person who will care most for this collection of books is standing right in front of him, sweetness.”

Her breath caught in her chest. The only librarian in the room was… her. Rylee looked up at her Daddy. “Really?” she whispered. Her heart shone in her glittering blue-green eyes. At his nod, she whirled around to look at the now smiling blond man.

“I would like to formally offer you the position of Head Librarian at the Castle. Will you take on the challenge of taming our mess?” he asked, gesturing to the nearest books. His eyes landed on one volume. Pulling it out, he read the title aloud in a murmur: How to Discipline the Undisciplined . I’ll count on you to check this one out to me.” Tucking it under his arm, he looked back at Rylee, waiting for her answer.

“Your Daddy has already accepted a position as the personal trainer for our security force,” Marshall replied with a nod of approval. “All princesses need their Daddies.”

Rylee turned to launch herself through the air at Dallas. There was no doubt that he would be there to catch her. As his strong arms again sheltered her, those blue-green, disbelieving eyes met his. “Really?”

“Really,” he answered with simplicity. He had not discussed his meeting with Jackson with Rylee. As he wished to share everything with his Little, the secret had been simmering inside him. The look on her face now made the delay worthwhile.

A crowd began to flow into the library. Two more of the original Masters also attended to welcome her, as well as many of the staff and a few guests like Cecily, the school boys and girls, and her Daddy. Master Collins, the stern schoolmaster, even winked at her when the school kids chanted her name before he slammed a cane on top of one of the library tables, getting his charges back under his rigid control.