Dance for Me

Chapter 21: Peace

Oscar

"And they both lived happily ever after".

"With animals?".

"Yes with lots of animals".

"A-And a million cupcakes?".

"Yes baby, they lived happily ever after with all the cupcakes they could ever want".

"Daddy?".

"Yes baby?".

"Will I ever get a happily ever after like the people in the book?".

Sofia pouted her bottom lip adorably as she waited for my answer that would somehow determine her future. She clung onto my every word.

I wanted nothing more than for my baby to have a happily ever after, but I was scared that she wouldn't get one. I'd often have nightmares of her death and finding her soaked in her own blood outside my door. They'd come in the night and kill her in the most ruthless of ways. But I'd die before she would. That's for certain.

"Yes beautiful. You will. I'll make sure of that baby".

Sofia snuggled into my side and let her eyes fall shut. After all, it had been a full on day. Eleanor's surprise had been a success. As far as I could tell, she loved it. Once the show was over, Sofia whisked her away from everyone and spent the rest of the day with her. Horseriding, baking, gardening and even playing hide and seek with Eleanor and 6 of my closest men.

It was a sight to see, but nothing made me happier than seeing Sofia happy. And with Eleanor, she saw her more than just a friend. She saw her as a mother figure. Something she always wanted but never had.

"Sofia, I-"

I looked down at my princess eager to wish her goodnight once more, but she was already snoring away with her mouth wide open. I couldn't help but laugh seeing the way she clung onto my arm like it was her teddy bear.

"-I love you baby".

Kissing her gently on her forehead, I slowly untangled my arm from her grip and instead replaced it with one of her favourite teddy bears.

I couldn't help but bite my lip in relief watching as she wriggled in her bed and nuzzled the teddy bear against her cheek.

"Sweet dreams angel".

Dimming down the night light, I left my sleeping princess and quietly slipped out of her room and closed her door shut.

Rubbing my eyes, I walked down the dimly lit hallway and headed straight for my office.

It was all well and good surprising Eleanor and spending time with Sofia, but there was still a threat at large and I was yet to speak to Eleanor about her suspicious friend.

But it could be left for tomorrow. It was late and I didn't want to intrude on Eleanor.

Grabbing a bottle of beer from my mini fridge, I placed it down on my desk and pulled off my fitted suit jacket.

For the first time in a very long time, I felt content. I felt like I could breathe a little easier. It had been so long since I had time to relax. Every single night I drank, worked and planned for the next day. I never stopped, but tonight I felt at ease.

Putting my feet up on the edge of my desk, I opened the cap of my beer bottle and took a big swig before opening up my laptop and connected my phone to it.

I had done something stupid, crazy in fact. But I couldn't help it. Importing all the pictures I had taken over the past month, I went and clicked on the final and most recent picture I had taken.