Chapter 26

Les

Les watchedas Raelynn delivered her apology letter. She'd shifted nervously and he wished he was closer to offer support. She'd asked to do this alone, though, so he respected her wishes and stood back far enough to still be able to keep an eye on her but also give her privacy to complete her mission.

He watched as Master Derek took the letter, opened it and read. The further he read, the more his stern expression softened. Les didn't think Rae-Rae saw that, though, since her eyes were on the ground as she shifted and fidgeted more with each passing moment.

Finally, when Master Derek finished reading the letter, he looked down at Raelynn with a soft expression and said something that seemed to ease his girl's worries. Les watched in amusement as Master Derek's expression went from soft to surprised when Rae-Rae wrapped him in a tight hug. It only took a moment before the surprise turned back to that soft and caring look as he hugged her back.

Raelynn waved enthusiastically as she rushed back to Les and said, "He accepted my apology. He also said Sadie wasn't grounded from seeing me so that's good. Are we still going hiking? You said we could, and I really want to use my awesome boots!"

The words rushed out as her excitement increased and Les had to smile. This Little girl was everything he'd always wanted and everything he'd always needed. He just worried he wouldn't find a way to convince her to stay before she left.

"Yeah, babygirl," he said before the direction of his thoughts could derail the moment. "Let's go get changed and take a hike in your awesome boots."

Raelynn

The next fewdays were the best of her life. They'd hiked trails, ridden horses, and she'd seen almost everything the Ranch had to offer. Priscilla had even come to visit her on the last day, hanging out with Raelynn and her Daddy. Priscilla's reaction to her story of how she'd found Les at the Ranch had been much the same as everyone else's.

She'd gotten to visit with the friends she made either together or separately every day. As time for her to leave drew closer, it seemed she and her Daddy spent more and more time in their room. He'd made love to her several times a day and each time they came together, it seemed more desperate. She understood why, since she had a ticking clock in her head too, counting down to the dreaded day she'd have to leave. A dread countdown, as she'd come to think of it.

For the first time in her life, Raelynn wished she'd never opened the shelter. If it wasn't for that, she could just up and stay forever. But she had opened the shelter and the people there needed her.

Waking on her last full day at the Ranch was a bittersweet thing. She loved being there but couldn't seem to push back the knowledge that she was leaving anymore. Daddy held her tight long after they'd both woken, delaying the inevitable. They'd have to get up at some point.

They'd stayed spooned and silent for almost an hour before she'd finally asked, "Should we go get breakfast, Daddy?"

"I'm not ready yet."

Daddy's tummy chose that moment to prove it was ready even if he wasn't. Raelynn giggled at the sound, marveling at her ability to do so despite the heaviness in her heart.

Grumbling the entire time, Daddy reluctantly released her and headed to the drawers to pick out her clothes for the day.

"Um, Daddy," she said to get his attention, "is it okay if I wear the special outfit in the closet? I haven't gotten to wear it yet and I really want to."

"Of course, babygirl. Let me get it for you."

Daddy changed directions and got the one outfit hanging on a hanger there. It was a gorgeous purple, straight line dress with a wide white belt that fastened with a big circle buckle. There were tights covered in a variety of different bright colors. Purples, oranges, yellows, blues, greens, the works.

Looped onto the hanger by the straps were the white Mary Janes she'd gotten for the outfit. She'd fallen in love with it the moment she'd seen the dress and, in her mind, had seen it with the tights she'd had but had never worn. The rest came together over time. Raelynn wasn't sure why she hadn't worn it. The outfit had been completed over a year ago. She'd just never found the right time to wear it. If ever there was a time, though, it was now.

She dressed quickly while Daddy got ready for the day. When she got out some hair ties and barrettes to get her hair done, Daddy had held out his hand to her. "May I?" There was affection and love in his gaze, but it was clouded with sadness. She hated that they were both feeling it.

Raelynn handed Daddy the tools and he sat her down on the chair she had used to write her letter to Master Derek. She kept quiet as he brushed through her hair, taking his time to gather and secure it atop her head. He took a single barrette and fastened it in place and led her to the bathroom.

Looking in the mirror, Raelynn smiled as she looked at the ponytail made to look like one straight from I Dream of Jeannie. Turning to Daddy, she jumped up and down as she exclaimed, "I look like a genie!"

Daddy reached over and ran the backs of his fingers down her cheek, a serious look on his face as he told her, "You are a genie, babygirl. This past week, you've made all my wishes come true."

Raelynn looked at him in awe before wrapping her arms around his neck and whispering in his ear, "Then you must be a genie too."