Page 68 of Daddy Enforcer

“You can’t make me, Captain Daddy!” I say, giggling as I dodge his sword. “My butt is paddle-proof!”

Max laughs, deep and warm, grabbing my wrist gently.

“Oh, ye’ll walk, or it’s the brig for ye!” Max says, guiding me to the “plank”—a wooden board he set up over the ball pit.

I squeal, playing along, my heart so full it feels like it might burst. This is us now… playing, laughing, living the life we dreamed about in that sedan a year ago.

I’m taking a break from the pop star grind, no longer Billie B but just Billie, writing a play about those crazy days under Trent’s control.

I’m trying not to get too excited, but I know it’s work that I’m super-proud of.

It’s set to hit Broadway soon, rehearsals starting next week, and I’m buzzing with excitement to act again, to tell my story my way.

Max’s been busy with the Guard, still the toughest, smartest Daddy ever.

My Daddy is out there saving people, but he’s always back for me, for our quiet nights and silly games, like this pirate adventure.

What makes it even better are my friends—Luke, Richie, and Bodie, my Little Guard squad. We meet up for coloring parties and stuffie picnics, and they keep me grounded, reminding me I’m not alone anymore.

They get my Littlespace, my love for sparkles and snuggles, and it’s like having brothers I never knew I needed. I smile, thinking of our last sleepover, giggling over ice cream just like old times and planning many more to come in the future.

And then there’s Mom…

She moved into a cute cottage down the road, and she’s all in on me and Max. She styles my hair sometimes just like old times, bakes cookies with me, and even calls Max “Captain” when she sees his pirate getup, her eyes twinkling with approval.

It’s like having my family back, whole and happy, and it fills me with a warmth I thought I’d lost forever.

I’m chatting with Zane again too, thanks to Max helping me track him down. Trent forced him out, but now we’re messaging online, swapping stories about our lives. He’s planning to visit soon once he comes off tour, and I can’t wait to hug him, to show him this house, thislife.

Everything’s worked out perfectly, better than I could’ve imagined.

Max’s voice pulls me back to the game…

“Time’s up, Little Pirate!” Daddy says, nudging me toward the plank. I fake a dramatic gasp, clutching Felix.

“Nooo, not the ball pit sea!” I cry, but I’m grinning as I step onto the board, wobbling for effect.

Max’s right behind me, his hands ready to catch me, his laugh making my heart soar.

“Jump, or I’ll make ye!” he growls, and I squeal, leaping into the ball pit, landing in a sea of colorful plastic balls, giggling as I sink in.

For years I was a pop star with money, fame, and anything I wanted.

But right now, I’ve goteverythinga Little could ever wish for.