My Prince

 

“Wake up, Trixie! Wake up! You have chores to do!”

The young woman slowly lifted her head off her arms and opened her eyes. Glancing around her sparsely furnished bedroom, she realized it was morning and the start of another day.

Pushing off her thin blanket, she quickly dressed and made her way downstairs from the attic. The rich red carpet blanketed the hallway floor as she made her way down to the kitchen to get breakfast started for her stepsisters. She knew that if the meal wasn’t ready when they finally came down, there would be a lot of yelling coming from them.

Getting a meal ready was not really a challenge for Trixie. She had gotten so used to the work that she believed she could do it in her sleep.

Feet storming down the hall indicated to Trixie that her stepsisters were coming, expecting to find a warm meal on the table. As she set the last dish on the table, the door was flung open.

Dot and Laura moved into the room and took their usual places at the table. Both had straight blond hair that cascaded down their backs, where Trixie’s was very curly and only went to her shoulders.

“Trixie,” Dot said. “you need to make sure our dresses are ready for the ball tonight. They need to be perfect.”

“The dresses are ready,” Trixie said.

“Go make sure,” Laura snapped. “At the last ball, it seemed as if my dress was falling to the floor. I won’t want that to happen again.”

Trixie let out a breath. She knew arguing with them wouldn’t do her any good. In the end, she would still end up doing what they wanted. Exiting the kitchen, Trixie made her way to the dressing room where the gowns were on the manikins.

She examined all the seams, making sure they were tight and that both dresses hung as they should. Going to balls was a common occurrence for her stepsisters. Both of them were looking for husbands, wealthy husbands, but they had not had any luck so far.

And tonight is another one of those events, she thought smoothing out the silk of the dress. They both get so excited, but part of me wonders why. All the two of them do is drool over the gentlemen of the evening and try outdoing each other, just as they act here. With the way they behave, I don’t think they will ever find a husband. They just keep driving them away.

I know the invitation came for all the women in the house to attend, but what would I do at the ball? And what would I wear? All I have are these rags. Besides, I would look ridiculous in a gown. And even if I did go, no one would bother looking at me. I’m not the most glamorous and that’s who these royal people look for.

Footsteps coming toward the dressing room got her attention. Trixie stepped back from the dresses as Dot and Laura entered the room.

“The dresses better be perfect,” Dot said.

“They are fine,” Trixie said.

“Good. Then you can go get started on your chores until we call for you.”

Trixie quickly left the dressing room, pulling the door closed behind her. Heading back to the kitchen, she collected the dishes and started working. As she did her chores, she thought back to early in life how things had been different.

She had been the only child of Helen and Peter and was five years old when Helen died from an illness. The doctor in the village could not find anything that would make her better and she died young.

Two years later, Trixie was introduced to the woman who would be her stepmother and to her stepsisters as well, and a year later, her father married the woman. Life had changed because her stepmother catered to her stepsisters, and when her father died two years later, the change grew worse.

Her stepmother removed her from her large bedroom on the second floor that she had as her own since birth and sent her to the attic. Her stepsisters moved into the room, taking over her space along with all her belongings. That was the beginning of catering to her stepsisters’ demands.

Dot and Laura took over the demanding of services when their mother died, treating Trixie as a servant by making her wear rags, locking her in the attic when company came calling and leaving her scraps of food to eat once they had finished eating. There were many days when she would go without food because her stepsisters would purposely eat it all or take it out to the compost pile in the back of the house.

Trixie sometimes wondered if one event had been different how life would have been. But those moments of wondering were few and far between, because she knew she couldn’t change what was.

Looking at the calendar on the wall, she noticed it was May first, her birthday. Trixie knew her sisters wouldn’t remember, but felt she was going to get the best present, and that would be an evening without catering to Dot and Laura’s every wish. It would be an evening alone with them at the ball.

* * * * *

 

Hours later, Trixie was up in the attic, locked inside. She stood by the window watching as Dot and Laura climbed in the carriage and then were off to the ball.

Moving to her bed, she sat down and stared at the candle she had lit a few minutes earlier. That was the only light in the room, but she felt comforted. Leaning back against the skimpy pillow, she wondered what would happen at the ball that evening.

As much as Trixie thought she would not have a good time, part of her wished that she were going. She softly said aloud, “Even though it is my birthday, I guess that is one wish that will never come true.”

Closing her eyes, Trixie pictured everyone attending the evening dressed in their best, ready to make a good impression on the prince. The one she pictured stood over six feet tall with thick red hair and emerald green eyes.

She imagined Dot rushing up to the prince, latching herself onto his arm and refusing to let go. Laura approached him in the same manner, but tripped over the red carpet, sprawling on her face. A giggle escaped her lips figuring that would be what would happen.

“Would you like to go to the ball?” a voice asked.

Trixie’s eyes flew open and she stared at the woman standing in the attic. “Who are you? How did get in here?”

“I can get wherever I am needed.”

“Who are you?”

“I am your godmother.”

“I don’t have a godmother.”

“I am your godmother.” The woman had short blonde hair that curled at the ends with blue eyes, making Trixie think that it was possible, because there was a resemblance she couldn’t place. The woman moved toward her. “I know what you have been thinking.”

“And what’s that?” Trixie asked, backing up on the bed.

“That you want to go to the ball this evening.”

Trixie laughed. “I don’t want to attend that.”

“You do want to go, but you have several concerns, the biggest being you have nothing to wear.”

“And what can you do to make me a gown?” Trixie asked sarcastically. “Snap your fingers and a dress will appear?”

“Actually, yes.” Godmother snapped her fingers and a moment later, she smiled.

Trixie looked down and gasped when she saw her rags had been turned into a beautiful light blue satin gown that hugged her waist, but was not as full as the ones her step-sisters had worn. The sleeves came down just a couple inches off her shoulders and her hands and forearms were covered in white gloves.

Raising her gaze to the woman, she realized her blond hair was not falling into her face as it normally did. Slowly reaching her hands to the back of her head, she felt her hair had been pulled up and cascaded in ringlets at her neck.

Trixie quickly moved to her small mirror to get a look at her own reflection.

“That mirror will not do.”

Trixie turned to godmother and watched her snap her fingers. Turning back around, she saw her small mirror was now full length. Staring at her reflection, Trixie gasped, shocked at how beautiful she looked. She never expected to look so beautiful.

“You are beautiful,” Godmother said. “Your beauty was so strong on the inside that it has broken through so the whole world can see.”

Trixie was pleased with her appearance, but she still had some concerns. Turning to her godmother, she asked, “What’s the catch with this? I mean, I don’t think I will get this without a catch.”

“You are right, there is a catch.”

“I knew it,” Trixie sighed disappointedly, figuring that it was going to be something she wouldn’t do.

Godmother moved toward her. “The catch is that you need to leave the ball by midnight. Everything you have here will go back to what it was.”

Trixie let out a breath realizing the catch wasn’t so bad. “That’s all right,” she said turning back to look at her reflection. “I probably won’t stay there long anyway.”

“You need to get going to enjoy the evening.”

Trixie stopped moving and stared at Godmother in the mirror. “But how will I get there? And how will I get out of here? My stepsisters locked me in.”

“That will not be a problem.”

The lock clicked and a moment later the door swung open. Godmother said, “Now, remember, you must be back here by midnight.”

Trixie smiled. “I understand. And thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Now, go and enjoy yourself at the ball.”

* * * * *

 

A short while later, the carriage carrying Trixie pulled up to a large mansion that was set back in the woods. Once the carriage stopped, the door was opened. Trixie offered her hand to the gentleman and slowly climbed out. As she set her foot on the ground, she noticed her shoes were also made of satin that matched the color of her dress perfectly. On each shoe was a diamond that shined brightly.

As the carriage door closed, music could be heard from a string ensemble. The gentleman offered her his arm and they made their way inside. Stopping just outside the ballroom, she saw several people already out on the floor dancing to a waltz. Trixie easily spotted Dot and Laura off to the side talking away with several other guests who she quickly recognized as their friends. Letting her gaze drift, she easily picked out the numerous members of nobility just from the descriptions of her stepsisters.

Beginning her slow descent down the stairs alone, she kept her eyes forward wondering which gentleman was the reason for the ball. Reaching the floor, a tall redheaded man stepped forward. He asked, “Might I have this dance?”

Trixie curtsied. “I would be honored.”

They moved out to the center of the dance floor and swayed to the music as the ensemble played a ballad. Trixie was relieved her father had taken the time to teach her how to dance before he died. Their eyes locked and the rest of the party-goers and the room seemed to vanish.

Song after song, they danced to the music, unaware of the looks of hatred coming from the available young women standing on the wings.

The young man offered her his arm once again and they slowly made their way back over to the side among the other people. Trixie turned to him. “Thank you so much for the dance.”

“Thank you for coming to the ball,” he said.

“What is your name, sir? I didn’t quite catch it.”

He lifted her gloved hand and kissed it. “I am James Winthrop Frayne, the second, Lord of Ten Acres. And you?”

Trixie stared at him shocked. She knew he was the one the ball was for. She was stunned. It took a moment for her to find her voice. “Trixie.”

“It is a bit stuffy in here,” James said, “Would you like to accompany me out on the verandah?”

“It would be an honor, sir,” Trixie added.

James offered her his arm and they made their way through the couples. Trixie heard people questioning who she was, where she had come from and if she had been the one chosen.

Outside, Trixie stared out into the darkness, trying to make out the grounds on the huge estate. James stood beside her, leaning against the railing.

“You know, you are different than the other ladies here this evening,” James said.

Trixie looked at him. “Why do you say that?”

“You have a sense of confidence,” he said. “You do not go on about yourself, but talk openly and candidly. You even made a few jokes in there. That is something I have never experienced with a woman before.”

Trixie lowered her eyes to the ground. She knew she had been behaving poorly and realized James hadn’t wanted her to just step outside for some fresh air, but to give her an opportunity to leave without embarrassing herself anymore. “I apologize, sir. Sometimes I don’t think before I act.” She turned to leave. “I’ll leave now.”

“Wait,” James said taking her hand before she could go. He tugged on her hand to get her to look at him. “You did not let me finish with what I was saying. There are a lot of the people here who only want to talk about the money they have, where they want to get more money and how they want to spend it. That is not the type of person I like being associated with. There is more to this world than money. And I realized that you do know that.”

“Thank you, sir,” she said. “My father always told me that money is nice to have, but you need to be happy and that money would not make you happy.”

“That is true.” He moved closer to her, lifting her chin so he could look into her eyes. “You also have a sense of mystery about you, which I really like.”

“Mystery?”

James nodded. “I have seen a lot of these women at other balls over the past couple years and if I had seen you before, I would have remembered.”

“I haven’t been able to get out much,” Trixie admitted.

“At least you are here now.” James caressed her cheek with his hand. “And that is all that matters. Would you dance with me again?”

“With pleasure.” Trixie smiled.

As they entered the ballroom, another waltz began. James wrapped his one arm around her waist and held her right hand tightly in his as they moved to the music. Trixie had a feeling of comfort wash over her as she danced in James’ arms. She wondered if there could be a relationship between the two of them and immediately dismissed the thought knowing James would not to be associated with a servant.

“You know,” James said quietly, just loud enough for her to hear. “The more time we spend together, the more I feel as if I have known you my entire life.”

Trixie smiled up at him. “I have that same feeling.”

James slowly lowered his head toward hers as Trixie closed her eyes. A moment later, their lips met.

Trixie pulled back suddenly when she heard the chime of the clock. Looking around, she saw that it was midnight and she recalled godmother’s warning. She looked back at James as the chimes sounded a second time. “Thank you for a wonderful evening.”

The chimes rang again as he asked, “Where are you going?”

“I need to leave.”

The chimes rang a fourth time. “When will I see you again?”

“I don’t know.”

As the chimes rang again, Trixie grabbed the fabric of her skirt. She hurried up the stairs and out of the mansion. The carriage that had brought her was waiting as the chimes rang a sixth time. Hurrying down the front steps, Trixie heard movement behind her.

“Trixie! Wait!”

The chimes rang a seventh time as she climbed into the carriage. Trixie yelled, “Go!”

The carriage jerked into motion as the chimes rang an eighth time. Trixie looked out the back window to see James standing on the steps staring at the carriage as it disappeared into the night.

The chimes tang a ninth time as the carriage reached the gates to the estate. The carriage continued on. The chimes rang the tenth, eleventh and the final time and Trixie’s gown returned to the rags she wore and the carriage vanished.

“The perfect evening is now over,” she mumbled as she walked home.

* * * * *

 

The next morning, Trixie woke to the sunlight streaming in through the attic window. She immediately thought of the fun she had had the previous evening, but a sense of sadness washed over her as she realized that she probably wouldn’t get to spend another evening like that with James.

Knowing her stepsisters would want breakfast when they finally got up, Trixie quickly got dressed and headed down to the kitchen. Although she knew it would be a while before they got up, she wanted everything ready.

Once she had everything in place, she went about her normal morning chores, sweeping each room, collecting the clothes and doing the laundry. It was mid-morning when she heard footsteps coming down the stairs.

Within minutes, Laura and Dot were seated at the table with warm food in front of them. They were still talking about the ball.

“You know,” Laura said, spearing a piece of fruit. “I really think that girl dancing with him all night shouldn’t have been invited.”

“I agree,” Dot said. “She didn’t even consider letting the rest of us get a chance to know him. I know if I would have been able to spend more time with him, he would have realized I was the one for him.”

“Oh, really?” Laura asked. “I think he would’ve chosen me. I am the better choice.”

“Only in your dreams,” Dot countered.

“Let’s not fight,” Laura said. “We have something more important to deal with.”

“And what’s that?” Dot asked.

“Figuring out who is the mystery woman that captured Lord Frayne’s attention.”

“What do we do once we find her?”

“We find out what she did to capture his attention.”

“I asked around a bit last night, but no one seemed to know who she was,” Dot said.

“Maybe she’s an heiress from a neighboring land,” Trixie offered.

Dot and Laura looked at her. Laura asked. “What did you say?”

“I’m sorry,” Trixie said. “But I couldn’t help but overhear what you’re talking about. Maybe the reason no one knew her was because she’s not from around here.”

Dot shook her head. “I don’t think that’s it. There was something about her that seemed familiar. And I plan to figure that out.”

Trixie swallowed but kept quiet. She wasn‘t sure what they would do if they found out the mystery woman was she, but she did know she wasn’t going to be the one to tell them.

“Maybe we should leave it alone and try to focus on finding our own husbands,” Laura said. “There are more balls in the coming weeks that we should prepare for. If we don’t, we may end up as old maids. And I don’t want that.”

“Neither do I, but we would have a better chance if some people would just stay home.”

After breakfast, Dot and Laura returned to their rooms as Trixie got started on doing the dishes. Trixie was relieved they had not recognized her and that seeing Lord Frayne again was not going to happen.

“I probably will end up an old maid catering to my stepsisters and their families,” she mumbled. “I guess that’s just the way it works.”

* * * * *

 

All day long as Trixie did her chores, she tried not to think about Lord Frayne, but realized that it was a losing battle. As night fell and darkness settled across the land, Trixie sat down by the window in her room, gazing at the stars in the sky.

Leaning back against the window frame, her thoughts went back to the previous evening, dancing with Lord Frayne.

That was the perfect evening, she thought as she let out a sigh. It was nice to be dancing with someone instead of just standing on the sidelines watching. It was also nice that I was able to finally attending one of these functions, but I have a feeling it won’t happen again.

Dancing with Lord Frayne was such a pleasure. He was easy to talk to and was such a gentleman. I know that is the type of person I would love to marry one day. But I need to stop thinking of Lord Frayne with his red hair and deep green eyes that seemed to mesmerize me.

“I’ve got to stop this,” she mumbled, getting to her feet. Trixie started pacing her room and talking aloud. “I shouldn’t even be thinking about him, because there is no chance we could be together. He probably wants a woman with class and social standing and that is not me. All I am is a lowly servant, and nothing will ever change that. I guess I shouldn’t try to wish that. I think that is something that will always remain a dream that won’t ever some true. It’s something I have to accept and prepare myself for whatever the future may hold. We are from two different worlds that will never connect. That’s the way it just has to be.”

* * * * *
 

The next day, Trixie was outside weeding the garden. She knew she had to do something to get her mind off Lord Frayne, but nothing seemed to work.

Hoof beats could be heard coming down the road and Trixie stood to see who was coming. A man with long black hair was riding toward her. Trixie moved to the fence as the rider slowed the horse to a walk.

“May I have a word with you, Miss?” he asked, riding to the fence.

“Of course,” Trixie said. “How may I help you?”

“I need you to pass a message along to the ladies of the house.”

“What’s the message?”

“Let them know that Lord Frayne will be stopping at each house tomorrow to visit with them and they should be prepared.”

Trixie was shocked. “Why is he making these visits?”

“I’m not sure. He just wanted everyone to know what was going to happen. He didn’t think it was right to just surprise them. Good day.” He nudged the horse and rode off.

Trixie watched him ride off, but did not really see him. She couldn’t believe Lord Frayne was going to be stopping at their house. The excitement of his visit was quickly overwhelmed with sadness as Trixie realized she would be locked in her room before he arrived. She knew her stepsisters would not allow her to see him.

Letting out a breath, she figured she’d tell Dot and Laura the news and then get ready for whatever requests they might have. Returning to the house, Trixie made her way to the sitting room where Dot and Laura spent most of their time. Knocking on the door, she entered when Dot gave her permission.

“What is it?” Laura asked, once the door was open.

“A messenger stopped by and stated that Lord Frayne would be making stops at all the houses tomorrow.”

“Lord Frayne’s coming here?” Laura squealed.

“He is,” Trixie said.

“We need to start getting ready,” Dot said, getting to her feet. “The main room needs a thorough cleaning, including the windows. This place needs to look immaculate for Lord Frayne.”

“And our clothes for tomorrow need to be perfect,” Laura said. “We have to make the best impression on him.”

“Trixie, you’ll need to make sure everything is all set,” Dot said. “And that includes making sure there are refreshments ready for him.”

“I’ll take care of it,” Trixie said and left the room. Heading downstairs, she quickly got to work.

* * * * *

 

For the rest of the day and through the night, Trixie worked at getting the house up to Dot and Laura’s approval. Several times, Trixie thought she had everything set, but Dot noticed a piece of dust or a vase out of place and made her do the entire room over again. That happened three times and she hoped she finally had gotten it right when the sun started coming up.

Fighting back a yawn, Trixie headed into the kitchen to prepare some refreshments for when Lord Frayne arrived. As she completed her chores, Trixie wondered why he was visiting the houses. It didn’t make sense to her and her curiosity was peaked.

Dot and Laura made an entrance into the kitchen hours later, dressed to perfection in their most beautiful dresses and each hair set in place.

“Is everything ready?” Dot asked, looking around.

“Yes,” Trixie said, moving to the oven and pulling out homemade cinnamon rolls. “This is the last batch.”

“Good,” Laura said. “We want everything to go perfectly.”

At that moment, there was a knock on the door. Dot exclaimed, “That’s him!”

“There’s not enough time for Trixie to go upstairs,” Laura said.

“Then she’s going to have to stay here and be absolutely silent,” Dot said, staring at Trixie. “I don’t want to hear a single sound from you. If I do, you will regret it.”

“I understand,” Trixie said.

Dot and Laura quickly left the kitchen, pulling the door shut behind them. Trixie silently moved to the door and opened it, just enough so she could watch what was going on.

Dot pulled the door open and ushered James Frayne inside, along with the black-haired man Trixie had spoken with the previous day. Her stepsisters led them into the living room and they all sat down.

“We were surprised to find out about your visit, Lord Frayne,” Dot said.

“There was a reason,” he said. “I am looking for someone.”

Laura smiled. “I think you have found her.”

“If it is you, then you should be able to wear this.”

The dark-haired man opened the bag he was carrying and pulled out a blue satin slipper. Trixie gasped and put a hand to her mouth. That was her slipper from the ball!

Trixie watched the dark-haired man move to Laura and attempt to fit the shoe on her foot. It didn’t fit; her foot was too big.

“It is probably my size,” Dot said. The man moved to her and tried the shoe. It didn’t fit Dot either; her foot was also too big.

James stood up. “I apologize for intruding. We will see ourselves out.”

As he made his way to the door, Trixie watched him glance at the kitchen door and stop in his tracks. Trixie stood perfectly still, hoping it was her imagination.

James made his way toward the door and Dot said, “That is only the kitchen, Lord Frayne.”

“Someone is there.”

“No one’s there,” Dot said. “Just my sister and I live here.”

“I saw someone,” James said as he continued to the door.

Trixie backed away without looking where she was going. Lord Frayne pulled the door a moment later open.

“I knew I saw someone,” he said.

Trixie curtsied and kept her gaze on the floor. “Good day, Lord Frayne.”

“It is you.”

“I don’t know what you mean,” she said.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Dot, Laura and the dark-haired man enter the kitchen.

“She cannot be the one you are looking for,” Dot said. “She is just a servant.”

James reached over and took her hand in his. Trixie finally looked up at him. “Please try on the shoe so I can be sure.”

Trixie relented, knowing he would not go until she did as he asked. He held her hand as he led her back into the living room. After sitting down, the dark-haired man kneeled in front of her, slipped off her worn shoe and put the blue satin slipper on her foot.

He looked at James. “It’s a perfect fit.”

James smiled. “Trixie, would you please accompany me to Ten Acres and agree to be my wife as well as Lady of Ten Acres?”

“Her?” Dot and Laura asked, stunned.

“Her,” James said, offering Trixie his hand and helping her to stand up. “In all these years of holding balls, you are the only one who has been genuine in talking with me and I truly appreciate it.” He took both her hands in his. “Please, will you marry me, Trixie?”

Trixie looked at her stepsisters and saw the shocked look on Laura’s face and the angry one on Dot’s. She herself couldn’t believe what he was offering, but knew the decision she had to make.

Smiling at James, Trixie said, “I would be honored to become your wife.”

James returned the smile. “Then let us head to Ten Acres.”

They turned and headed out of the house, leaving Dot and Laura standing in the living room with their mouths hanging open. James settled her on the saddle first, the mounted behind her. He gathered the reins, nudged the horse and they were off.

* * * * *

 

Two days later, Trixie stood in one of the guest bedrooms smoothing out the white wedding dress she had on. She was amazed at how quickly everything had come together. As she gazed at her reflection, she thought about her arrival at Ten Acres following James’ proposal.

Arriving at Ten Acres, they went inside and were greeted by the servants. James immediately starting asking for flowers to be arranged, a seamstress to come in and make a wedding dress, as well as other dresses for Trixie, and word to be sent about the upcoming wedding.

That evening, Trixie and James sat down for a quiet dinner alone where they got to know one another better.

James leaned back in his seat and looked at her. “You made such an impact on me at the ball that I could not stop thinking about you. I knew I had to find you and was thankful you had accidentally left your shoe behind as a clue to your identity.”

Trixie smiled at James. “You really surprised me with your arrival and proposal. No one has ever made me feel so happy.”

James reached over and took her hand in his. “Hopefully, this is just the start of happiness for both of us.”

And within minutes, they would begin their lives together.

A knock on the door let Trixie know the ceremony was about to begin. Picking up her bouquet of roses, she went to the door and left the room. Trixie slowly made her way through the people gathered and approached James who stood next to the preacher.

Trixie and James recited their vows after the preacher and then James slid a ring on her left hand. As soon as the preacher announced they were husband and wife, James leaned down and kissed her.

When they broke apart, James said, “I love you, Trixie.”

“I love you too, James.”

As their lips met again and her eyes closed, Trixie was looking forward to her future with James.

* * * * *

 

“Trixie?”

“Hmm,” Trixie mumbled, trying to ignore the voice.

“Trix, wake up.”

Trixie slowly opened her eyes and blinked a few times to bring the person into focus. It was her redheaded man. She smiled at him. “Hello, James.”

He looked at her quizzically. “Why did you call me James?”

Trixie turned her head slowly around and saw that she was in the guest bedroom at Crabapple Farm, not at Ten Acres. Moving slightly in the bed, she felt a pain surge through her at her ribs. Trixie immediately remembered the tree falling on her on Halloween causing her injuries, which were still healing.

Her gaze returned to Jim. “What am I doing here?”

Jim looked confused. “What do you mean? This is where you live.” He started to stand up. “Maybe I should get your mom.”

“No,” Trixie said, shaking her head. “I’m all right.”

Jim sat back down on the bed beside her and took her hand in his. “Can you tell me why you called me James?”

Looking at Jim, Trixie saw he had on a pair of black jeans and a green sweater, not the tuxedo she remembered. Her gaze shifted to the television and saw the closing credits of the movie she had been watching, Cinderella. Trixie looked at her left hand and saw she was wearing an engagement ring, not a wedding band.

“Trixie?”

Trixie looked at Jim. “I’m sorry I called you James. I thought I was still dreaming when I woke up.”

Jim reached up and brushed an errant curl back. “It must have been some dream. Should I assume I was James in the dream?”

Trixie smiled. “You’ll always be the James in my dreams.”

Jim returned the smile. “Do you want to tell me about it?”

“I dreamed I was Cinderella.”

“And you are my princess.” Jim leaned close and gave her a kiss. “So, who all was in this dream?”

“You were the prince, or actually, the Lord of Ten Acres,” Trixie said, sliding up slightly in the bed so she was leaning against the pillows that were propped against the headboard.

“Were Honey and Di your stepsisters?”

“No, they weren’t,” Trixie admitted.

“So, who was?”

“My mean stepsisters were Laura Ramsey and Dot Murray.”

“Really,” Jim stated, surprised.

“And just like the story, the two of them tried to get you to be their husband.”

“But they don’t have me.” Jim moved closer to her on the bed. He reached up and caressed her cheek. “You have me and nobody is going to take me away from you. Not even Dot or Laura.” Jim leaned closer and put his forehead against hers. “I love you, Trixie Belden, and I will love you forever.”

“I love you, too, Jim.”

Their lips met again, and then they pulled apart staring into each other’s eyes. As Jim took his hand from her face, Trixie asked, “Was there a reason you woke me?”

“Your mom wanted me to get you, since most of the guests are here for the open house,” Jim said. “She figured you might want to come out for a little while.”

“I probably should,” Trixie said, pulling herself to a sitting position. She shifted her legs over the side of the bed. “If I don’t make an appearance, people will think it’s rude of me.”

“We can’t have people thinking that,” Jim said, standing up. He offered her his hand and helped her to her feet. “We should go enjoy the Thanksgiving open house with everyone else.”

“I’m looking forward to it because I am with you.”

Jim kissed her forehead. “I feel the same way.”

As they made their way into the living room, Trixie realized the dream was true in parts. Jim was her prince and he would always be there for her. No one was going to stop them from being together. Trixie was looking forward to their future and could easily picture it as happily ever after.

-The End-

Author’s Notes: A big thank you goes out to Susansuth for her wonderful assistance in editing. This story wouldn’t be as good as it is without you. Thanks again.

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