47. Daisy

CHAPTER 47

Daisy

W alking into the ballroom, Daisy is overwhelmed with pride. The guests are all dressed in their fancy clothes and the room is quite literally sparkling as twinkle lights and greenery canopy the ceiling. Small candles light the tables and sconces around the room help to add to the ambiance.

"This room looks divine," Daisy says.

"No, you're divine. The room looks great, but there is no comparison." Sloan nuzzles into the crook of Daisy's neck, sending goosebumps down to her toes and making her giggle like a little girl.

"Ssstoooppp," Daisy laughs, batting Sloan away playfully.

"Fine," Sloan replies, disappointed.

"Look how wonderful it is. Look at everyone together, enjoying spending time together," she says, her eyes beginning to well up again. "We did this."

She's so elated she's practically vibrating. Never in a million years would she have believed she could pull this off, especially not with Sloan at her side. Seeing their guests embracing this event fills her with joy, expanding her soul and confirming that she is on the right path. Petra and Ecia may have been joking about the next event, but as she looks around, plans are already forming.

"Will you dance with me?" Sloan asks, pulling Daisy from her thoughts.

"I'd be honored to."

Sloan guides them to the center of the floor, and as the music from the live quartet in the corner picks up, she swings Daisy around with one hand and settles the other on her lower back. "I know I have already said it, but I am so proud of you, cupcake."

"Thank you, princess." Sloan beams at her as she pulls her in tighter.

As they continue to dance, guests repeatedly approach them, sharing their gratitude to Daisy and Sloan as the organizers of Mixing Our Spirits. By the night's end, Daisy and Sloan are shedding happy tears, completely blown away by the outpouring of love and care, stories of new connections, and the community they have built in a little over twenty-four hours.

"This has become so much bigger than us. I knew this kind of thing was needed, but I had no idea how much," Sloan says in disbelief.

"I knew they were enjoying themselves, but I didn't think it was hitting that hard," Daisy says, shellshocked. She places her hand on Sloan's arm. "Like when Ophelia said she made the first friend she has had in years. Goddess, my heart nearly exploded right then and there. Or when Marco shared that he's been too afraid to talk to other community members because he'd been ridiculed for so many years due to his brother's misspent youth and the havoc he created. There were so many stories of being excluded because of things they had no control over. There are so many instances of the community ousting beings for stupid reasons. So much needless pain and harm. And now the community is rallying around them, welcoming these outcasts back into the fold. It's such a small start, but Hades, it's needed. Thank you, Sloan. Thank you for being a leading example of how this can be done. How we can embrace and love our differences. Thank you for loving me, all of me. Scars and all."

* * *

The rest of the weekend continues to pass without issue, and as the guests are heading out, the room lobby is filled with so many new relationships—some friendships, some that look to be a bit more, and one that is definitely more. Daisy winks at Sloan when Sloan gives her a "save me" look as another guest graciously hugs her for a little too long across the room.

"We are so happy with the course of this weekend, and on behalf of The Dandelion, I want to thank you for choosing us to be your host site. We hope to work together again soon," Willow says, drawing Daisy's attention back to their conversation. "It has been a pleasure."

"Thank you," Daisy replies. She has received so many thanks and well wishes from staff, guests, and the other community partners that her face has begun to hurt from smiling so much.

Daisy's heart glows as she walks over to rescue Sloan, still trapped in the same hug. Getting to this point has been a struggle, but despite all her challenges, she can say without a doubt that it has all been worth it. To feel the community finally embracing her and recognizing that she isn't her parents. Acknowledging she has a purpose and contributes value beyond serving them food and drinks at the Bittersweet Acorn.

When the guest finally releases Sloan and the last of their attendees have left, Daisy wraps her arm around Sloan's back and rests her head on her shoulder. "I still can't believe we did it," Daisy says softly.

"Multiple times. The best I've ever had."

Daisy snorts and playfully smacks Sloan's arm. "That's not what I was talking about, and you know it."

Sloan turns to face her, hands holding onto Daisy's hips. "Maybe not. But I can't wait to do it again."

"You are incorrigible. If sex with me has been so great, you'd think you would have been satisfied," Daisy teases.

Sloan's eyes meet hers, filled with nothing but heat and promise. Sloan lowers her voice. "Cupcake, I could spend the rest of my days fucking you senseless and eating that delicious pussy of yours, and I would never, and I mean never , be satisfied." Daisy turns her head to look away, but Sloan's index finger and thumb hold her chin to keep her in place. "It is not because you are not enough, because you are perfect in every way. It is because I can never get enough . I will always want more. I will always need more. I will always need you ."

Sloan's lips find hers, starting soft before quickly turning to hunger. Daisy slides her tongue along Sloan's bottom lip before capturing it in her teeth and biting softly. Sloan must lose any resolve she had left as a deep groan escapes her, and her hands grip Daisy's ass firmly as she pulls Daisy against her body. The feel of Sloan's hard planes against her soft curves sets her soul ablaze. A perfect fit.

Daisy breaks the kiss, nearly gasping for air. "Shall we go home? Also, whose home—yours or mine?"

"Cupcake, wherever you are is home."

If Daisy's heart was full before, it has now burst. She has no idea how she got so lucky or found love in someone so different from herself, but she will spend the rest of her days ensuring she continues to deserve her princess.