Page 17 of Wylan
One year later.
The twinkling Christmas lights illuminate the path, transforming the retirement home into a stunning Winter Wonderland. I place my mitten-covered hand in Seth’s and tug him toward the next display of Christmas lights. In front of us, Grandpa chatters happily with Nurse Joy as she pushes him around in his fancy wheelchair.
A light snow drifts lazily to the ground, something very unusual for Olivia Cove since it’s usually too warm to snow in our small ocean town. But this Christmas feels like a magical one—even if the snow melts before it fully forms on the ground.
A few months ago, Daddy asked me what I’d like to do for the holidays this year. We briefly considered traveling but decided to save most of our trips for the summer. Instead, I asked if wecould take the extra time off and spend it here at home with our loved ones. Daddy easily agreed.
After a romantic dinner in a new restaurant that opened up on the other side of town, we called Grandpa and told him we were on our way. In the past I would have just popped in and surprised him, but with his condition, it takes him a while to get up and ready.
Grandpa is probably just as excited about the light show as I am. Maybe even more so.
Seth leans down and whispers into my ear. “I see where you got it from.”
I grin up at him. “Where I got what from?”
He points to Grandpa and my chest warms at the sight. He’s bundled up in a thick coat and beanie, similar to me. But what really shocks me is the look of innocent awe on his face. Awe and happiness. His bright eyes are sparkling, and there’s a wide grin on his face as he takes in all the Christmas lights around us.
He’s bouncing cheerfully in his wheelchair. It reminds me of Ash and Riley when they are in their little headspace. My lips part and my gaze jerks up to meet Seth’s. “Daddy,” I whisper. “You don’t think Grandpa is…” I let my words drift off.
Seth shrugs before he pulls me tight against his body and places a kiss on my forehead. “It kind of makes sense, doesn’t it?”
I never did ask Grandpa how he knew I was submissive. “I mean he’s always been accepting of our relationship.” I’ll never forget the level of pure heat that scorched my cheeks when I accidently called Seth ‘Daddy’ in front of the old man. Or the knowing wink he gave Seth shortly after.
Thankfully, Grandpa doesn’t know what Seth and I do at Dark Satin. Seth is still showcasing all sorts of seductive demos, and I’m his lucky sole participant. Apparently, Daddy doesn’t share. Which is perfect because I don’t either.
Just then, giggling erupts behind us. I spin around eagerly when I recognize that laugh. Riley and Ash are skipping toward me, their Daddies following just behind them. Riley skips ahead and he looks so damn adorable in his bright coat, mittens, and a beanie with cat ears on top.
The sight makes me laugh with joy.
Riley throws his arms around me, and we hug as if we haven’t seen each other just yesterday.
“What are you guys doing here?” I ask, bouncing on my toes.
Ash reaches my side and gives me a quick hug. “We didn’t want to miss the show.”
I smile over at Riley. He seems to already be in his little headspace, and I’m so happy he finally met someone who accepted that side of him. John wraps a possessive arm around Riley’s shoulder and the two of them beam over at each other.
Drake joins Ash, and two other people approach from behind them. “Jules! Cal! You’re here too?” My gaze bounces over to Seth and he smiles down at me. “You planned this?”
“Are you surprised, petal?”
“Yes! Thank you!” My head eagerly bobs on its own, that floaty happy feeling I get when I start to feel playful. Throughout this past year, Seth and I have explored that headspace I get into, and I’ve come to the realization that I must regress to a younger age. A playful age.
We don’t put any labels or specific ages on it. I just know it’s—me. It’s who I am. No matter what mindset or age group it falls into. It’s just simply me when I want to dress up and play. It’s me when I want to meet with my little friends and watch over them. It’s me when I feel like snuggling under the blankets with Daddy and watching movies or cuddling with my stuffies.
If I want to wear things that make me feel cute and playful, then I do it. Daddy encourages me and never judges me. It’s this perfect blend of being little and being an adult. Not quite a middle, but maybe? Either way, Daddy loves spoiling me with praise when I’m in that headspace.
He really is my perfect half.
Through the softly falling snow and twinkling lights, I see my friends, my grandpa, and my handsome boyfriend—my Daddy.
This. This is the perfect moment I’ve been waiting for.
I fish around for the small square box in my puffy jacket. Then, when Seth turns around, I drop down to one knee.
“Petal,” he whispers in astonishment. “Are you—” He clears his throat and tries again, tears springing to his eyes. “Are you—”
He doesn’t finish, still too shocked.
