“I did, because those are Mommy words, not Alexis words. And I meant it, too. Fuck anyone who ever made you think less of yourself. Because you’re perfect to me, and that’s all that matters. Understood?”
“Yes, Mommy.”
A commotion from the back of the store pulls Alexis’s attention away from me just as Solene bursts into the main area, her expression nearly feral with excitement. Behind her is Myra, holding a black garment back and wearing a bemused smile as she trails after her Little girl.
“Where’s Lexie?” Head whipping around, Solene searches the store before her gaze lands on my Little girl and she lets out an excited squeal. “Lexie! There you are! I have a special surprise for you!”
“For me?” Alexis asks, her eyes going wide as Solene rushes over to wrap her arms around my babygirl’s neck.
“Yes! Just for you. A one-of-a-kind, Solene exclusive design, madejustfor you. Show her, Mommy, show her!”
“Is that how you ask Mommy for something, little elf?”
Pink slashes across Solene’s cheeks. “Sorry, Mommy. Will you please show Lexie her dress,please?”
“Good girl.” Apparently appeased by her Little one’s manners, Myra tugs at the zipper of the garment bag, exposing the most stunning creation I’ve ever seen.
The bodice is a shimmering pearl color, and covered with what appears to be hundreds of hand-sewn flowers in everycolor of the rainbow. The tulle of the skirt matches the flowers, dozens of different iridescent colors flowing together into a magical rainbow I almost can’t believe is real.
“Oh…” Stepping forward, Alexis runs her hand lovingly over the skirt. “Is this really for me?”
“Yes.” Beaming with excitement, Solene bounces on her toes. “Your Mommy sent me a picture of you when she sent over your measurements and you reminded me of this fairy I saw in a picture book once. I wanted to make something special for you and, well, once the idea got a hold of me it wouldn’t let go.”
“Solene, it’s… I’ve never seen anything so beautiful in my life. Thank you.”
“Go try it on! I worked all night to get it ready for you!”
Myra frowns. “All night?”
As if just realizing what she’s admitted to, Solene freezes in place. “Umm… maybe notallnight…”
“After our guests leave, you’ll be telling me exactly how much time you spent on this dress after you were meant to be in bed, little girl.”
“But Mommy, look how pretty it turned out!”
“It’s beautiful, little elf, but you know the rules.”
Shoulders slumping, Solene sighs. “Yes, Mommy.”
With a shake of her head for her babygirl’s naughtiness, Myra hands the dress off to me. “Dressing room one already has the other dresses you ordered, if you’d like to go try this one on.”
Taking the bag from her, I slip my hand into Alexis’s and guide her to the first dressing room. My Little girl is practically vibrating with excitement as I help her out of her favorite—soon to be second-favorite, if I’m not mistaken—dress and into the new one Solene created for her.
And as soon as I button the back of the dress, I know it was createdformy sweet Alexis. Everything about the dress, from the cut to the colors to the brightness of the flowers seemscustom-designed for her. Not just the size, though there’s no doubt it’s a perfect fit, but the entire thing sets my baby aglow as she spins in place in front of the mirror.
“I look like a fairy princess,” she whispers, her voice filled with awe.
“Yes, you do, baby. We’ll have to visit Little Treasures after this and see if they have a tiara to do this dress justice.”
Spinning around, Alexis throws her arms around me. “Thank you.”
“For what, little one?”
“For being the best Mommy in the whole wide world.”
Closing my eyes against the tears burning in them, I squeeze her tight. “It’s easy when I have the best Little girl in the whole world.”
“Do you really mean that?”
