Page 24 of Protect Me Daddy

Her enthusiasm was infectious, and I felt a childlike excitement bubbling up inside me. "Okay," I agreed, grinning. "Show me where we go!"

Lily led me to a room that made my inner child gasp in wonder. Racks upon racks of princess dresses lined the walls, a rainbow of tulle and satin catching the light. Sparkly shoes inevery size imaginable were arranged neatly below, and an entire wall was dedicated to tiaras and crowns that glittered enticingly.

I reached out, my fingers trailing over the soft fabrics. The weight of adulthood, of all my worries and responsibilities, seemed to melt away.

"Which one do you want to try?" Lily asked, her eyes shining.

I bit my lip, overwhelmed by the choices. "I . . . I don't know. They're all so beautiful."

"Let's start with this one!" Lily exclaimed, pulling out a shimmering blue gown. "You'll look just like Cinderella!"

As I slipped the dress over my head, feeling the cool satin against my skin, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. The girl staring back at me looked transformed - not just by the dress, but by the pure joy radiating from her face.

For a moment, I was that little girl again, the one who believed in fairy tales and happy endings.

Lily's enthusiasm was infectious as she twirled in her own pink tulle creation. "Now for the finishing touches!" she giggled, reaching for a sparkling tiara.

I knelt down, allowing her to place it carefully on my head. "How do I look?" I asked, a hint of shyness in my voice.

"Like a real princess!" Lily beamed. "But wait, we need glitter!"

We giggled together as we dabbed shimmering powder on each other's cheeks. The room buzzed with excitement, other littles helping each other into costumes and sharing accessories.

As Lily braided ribbons into my hair, I caught sight of Dwight through the doorway. His eyes met mine, filled with such pride and tenderness that my heart swelled. I'd never felt so beautiful, so cherished.

"All done!" Lily announced, giving my braid a playful tug.

I stood, smoothing my skirts. "Thank you, Lily. You're the best fairy godmother ever."

Just then, a familiar pressure made itself known. "Oh no," I whispered, glancing at the clock. "I need to use the restroom before the parade."

Biting my lip, I approached Dwight. "Daddy," I said softly, "may I please use the bathroom?"

His eyes scanned the hallway before he nodded. "Straight there and back, princess," he reminded me, his voice gentle but firm.

"I promise," I replied, meaning it with all my heart. As I walked down the quiet hallway, the soft pink tiles cool beneath my feet, I couldn't help but marvel at how safe I felt. For once in my life, I knew someone was watching out for me, keeping me protected. It was a feeling I never wanted to lose.

The bathroom was empty, just as I'd hoped. I sighed with relief as I locked the stall door behind me. I wondered what was going to happen at the parade. I couldn’t remember a time when I’d been this excited.

I didn’t have long to wait. But if I’d known what was about to happen, I might have just stayed in that bathroom cubicle forever.

I stood nervously in line with the other littles, smoothing my purple princess dress with trembling hands. Rachel's gentle voice rang out as she arranged us by height.

"Remember, sweethearts—wave like a princess, walk slowly, and most importantly, have fun!"

My heart fluttered with excitement as the first notes of "A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes" filled the air. I peeked out at the gathered crowd, my eyes immediately finding Dwight. He was positioning his camera, a proud smile lighting up his face.Seeing him there, ready to capture this magical moment, made me feel like true royalty.

I leaned over to whisper to Lily beside me. "I can't believe this is really happening!"

She squeezed my hand, her eyes sparkling. "We're real princesses now!"

The parade began to move forward. I watched in awe as the first three littles twirled gracefully, their dresses swirling around them. My heart swelled with joy and anticipation. In just moments, it would be my turn to—

A loud crash shattered the peaceful atmosphere. The music cut off abruptly as the service entrance burst open. Everything seemed to move in slow motion.

My blood ran cold.

It was him.

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