Total pages in book: 54
Estimated words: 50753 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 254(@200wpm)___ 203(@250wpm)___ 169(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 50753 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 254(@200wpm)___ 203(@250wpm)___ 169(@300wpm)
“Wow!” Sapphire said with her hands clasped to her chest.
“Welcome, Sapphire!” resounded around the room.
“Ivy, you have certainly added some homey touches,” Blade said, choosing his words carefully as he controlled the grin that threatened to curve his lips. Only Littles would consider this the equivalent to scattering a few pillows around. Sapphire’s reaction made it all perfect.
“Do you like it, Sapphire? Blade was afraid it was too blah in here and asked if we’d make it more fun,” Ivy said, bouncing off the couch to stand in front of Sapphire.
“It’s absolutely gorgeous. Thank you, Ivy,” Sapphire said and gave the woman a quick hug.
“You’re welcome. We were rushed, or we could have done more,” Ivy told her.
“Wait until you see the bedroom,” Remi teased.
“Sapphire needs some time to settle into her azure palace before we eat. Thank you, everyone,” Blade announced and shooed everyone out the door. As he closed it, Blade was tickled to see the beads stayed outside.
“You wanted to spruce up the place?” she teased.
“It was very dull. I suggested a few throw pillows on the couch,” Blade explained, looking around. Not over-the-top certainly had a different meaning to a bunch of Little girls. Sapphire hadn’t stopped smiling. He mentally thanked Ivy, Elizabeth, and Remi for easing Sapphire’s apprehension at staying with him.
“Are you angry at them?”
“Not at all. We can take down anything you don’t like.”
“I love it all, but maybe we could put Blade up there too?” she asked, pointing at her name in feather boas.
“Let’s hang a knife with our combined work on it. The first piece can go here,” he suggested.
“A blade for Blade. That’s so fun. And it will be ours.”
Tears gathered in her eyes, and he pulled her close. “I’m so glad your talent and my sharp edges are bringing us together. We have to keep the first one as a souvenir. It’s going to be a battle to let the pieces go, but your artistry will be showcased all over the world.”
Blade kissed her tenderly. Planning to never let her go, Blade looked forward to their future plans together. It seemed to be an indication that they were supposed to be together.
“Show me the rest of your place.”
“I’m hoping you will think of it as our place soon, but let’s go check out what they’ve done.” Stepping away, Blade grabbed her bag and took her hand. He led her into the bedroom. There, he stopped to take in the new decorations as Sapphire glanced around for the first time.
“They put in a naughty corner and a toy chest?” she asked in disbelief, seeing the chair facing the corner with a paddle hanging on the wall near it and on the opposite side of the room, the large wooden chest that brimmed with games, puzzles, and toys.
“No, I had already placed those there. I’ve gathered a few things over the years in the hope that I’d find you, Blue Eyes.”
“What did they add here, then?” she asked. Her face was a picture of confusion.
“See the blue ribbon around the paddle and the blue fluffy blanket on the back of the chair? There’s a nightlight on your side of the bed now and a sippy cup on the nightstand,” Blade pointed out.
“That’s it? I was expecting a lot more based on the other room. Don’t get me wrong, I love everything, but I’m debating whether I can appear in the main area if everyone has already figured out I’m Little. They’re going to look at me differently,” Sapphire stated with a waver in her voice.
“Do you think of the other women differently now that you’ve learned more about them?” Blade asked gently. He understood it was scary that a secret she’d hidden for so long was out there.
“No. I like them all.”
“Have they seemed judgmental? Or mean-hearted?”
“No. They’ve been super sweet,” Sapphire admitted.
“Do you care if they drink from cups with a lid and a spout?”
“No, of course not!” She looked offended at that suggestion.
“If they know you’re one of them and they want to welcome you, is that bad?” Blade probed. He walked forward and pulled the blanket off the chair. Returning to her side, he wrapped her in the soft fabric and lifted her into his arms. Blade took a seat on the side of the bed, with Sapphire cuddled on his lap. He rocked her softly back and forth, giving her time to process everything.
“This is so nice,” Sapphire whispered, rubbing her face against the velvety material. She tilted her head a bit to make eye contact and added, “You’re not too shabby either.”
Blade’s heart lurched in his chest at the adorable picture of her staring up at him with those beautiful eyes. He filed that mental image away to remember forever. “I’m so glad I found you, Little girl. I promise. This is a safe place for you.”