Page 133 of With a Cherry On Top

But I don’t even have time to react before Sadie’s bouncing on her toes, her face radiant. “Daddy! Did youhear?” She whirls around, her fists up in the air. “Charlotte is going to make me a new dress!”

She spins back to the armchair, already reaching for the fabric rolls. She brushes her hand over a shimmering lilac one, then another with tiny silver flowers. “Look at this one!” she squeals, holding up a deep red fabric that glows under the light. “It’ssparkly!”

Charlotte grins. “You like sparkles, huh?”

Sadie nods emphatically. “Oh! But this one has flowers! And this one is pink! Charlotte, how do I choose?”

Charlotte laughs, plopping down onto the armchair. “Well, you take your time, and?—”

Now holding a royal blue fabric, Sadie gasps. “This one! This one’sperfect.”

“Then perfect it is,” Charlotte says before wrapping the fabric around her like a cloak. “Thisis queen material.”

I watch Charlotte take out her scissors, and once I’m sure she has it all under control, I head into the kitchen, sneaking one lastglance at Sadie. She’s standing tall, her eyes bright, completely enchanted by the fabric Charlotte’s working with.

An hour ago, she was curled up in misery, clutching a ruined dress to her chest. Now, she looks like she’s ready to take on the world.

And it’s all because of Charlotte.

Funny, because that’s exactly how she makesmefeel too. Like with her, I’m not just existing—I’mliving. Like every step with her leads straight to the top.

CHAPTER 26

The Taste Test

Charlotte is gathering her things, her hands moving too quickly, and I hate how familiar this feels. Borrowed time. Always borrowed time.

Sadie just fell asleep, so I should have two to three hours before one of her nightmares wakes her up. The house is quiet. For once, there’s no chaos demanding my attention. Just her, and I’m not ready to let that go.

“Are you sure you have to leave right now?” I ask, knowing I sound pathetic but too far gone to care. “You wouldn’t believe how much I fucking missed you.”

“Well, I’ve taken the measurements and cut the dress. There isn’t much more I can do without my machine, and Sadie needs her dress in the morning.”

And she’s already doing this as a favor—I really can’t ask her to stay longer.

“Maybe another half hour?” I try, shamelessly. I don’t want her to go. Not yet. Not when the house is quiet and I finally have her all to myself.

“Half an hour, huh? Do you have any plans for it?”

My hands settle on her hips. I’d be happy to spend the next thirty minutes just kissing her. It feels like I could do that forever. Just kiss her, feed her, let her sleep. Take care of her the way she needs.

But I don’t want her thinking I’m trying to get her out of her clothes, so I offer the safe option.

“Wanna eat something?”

“Eat? That’s what you want to do?” She steps back, chuckling as she gives me a look. “You really are on a mission to fatten me up, huh?”

“I gotta make sure you’re taken care of when you go back to...” The words catch, twisting in my mouth. I hate the idea of her leaving. Of going back to that harpy, to a life that’s not large enough for her.

Her smile dims, like she feels it too, but then, in true Charlotte fashion, she flicks the mood away with a smirk, fingers tugging playfully at the tape measure draped around her neck like it’s some kind of warning.

“I think I’d like to…” she drawls, “take your measurements.”

“Take my what?”

“I’m creating a portfolio.” She waves a hand around. “You know, just in case.”

In case?In case she decides to pursue her design career instead of modeling and camming? “That’s...that’s amazing, Charlotte.” I straighten my arms at my sides. “Go ahead. Take measurements—whatever you want.”