Page 19 of Mommy Calls Me Princess

“Happier than I’ve been in a long time,” she pressed her lips to mine in the briefest of kisses. “You know what the best part is?”

“What?” I drew her close, desiring more of those sweet kisses.

“I don’t remember much once we got back here but I know there was nothing to worry about because mommy was taking care of me.”

“That may be the sweetest words anyone has ever said to me. Next to I love you, Mommy, that is.”

More wiggly giggles. “Mommy, I’m hungry.”

“Okay, those are good words too. Mommy could use a strong cup of coffee. Let me take care of my bladder and put on a robe, then I’ll order breakfast.” Another quick kiss and she was off once again, like the energetic girl I’d fallen madly in love with . “There’s a robe in the closet for you as well, if you don’tfeel like getting dressed just yet.” We’d likely go from pj’s to swimsuits, but I wanted the morning to relax before we stepped foot outside.

“Can we eat on the balcony again?”

“Absolutely.” As though I’d even think to tell that smiling face no. The dark circles under her eyes had faded a bit after a good night’s sleep. When I glanced at the clock, I saw why. We slept until ten. When was the last time I’d slept that late?

Refreshed. Rejuvenated. Renewed.

Perfect time for a vacation with my girl.

“Breakfast will be here shortly, Princess.”

She skipped around the corner and right into me. “Did you get me pancakes?”

“I did,” I bopped her nose. “They let me order off the children’s menu.”

“Yay!” Darcy threw her arms around my waist and hugged me tightly. “I have the bestest Mommy.”

“Only because I have the bestest girl. Hey, did you check in with Vale yet?” Jack knew I was on a rescue mission, which had worried Vale.

She looked around the room. “Where’s my phone?”

“Mommy put it on the charger on the nightstand. Will you bring mommy hers too please?”

“Yup.”

I sat on the couch, and a few minutes later my girl planted her sweet tush upon my lap. “Here you go, Mommy.”

“Thank you, ma’am.”

Darcy furiously typed away and hadn’t so much as hit send when her phone rang. She rolled her eyes and put it on the speakerphone. “That was fast.”

“Don’t you ever worry me or your mommy like that again,” Vale scolded her. I could see his pouty face clear as day even though it wasn’t a video chat.

“Hey, you did the job too, so you know what it’s like.”

“Yes and you remember how miserable my hyper butt was, especially after Daddy left. If my go-go-go self can’t handle it, then how could you expect to?”

“He-he,” Darcy giggled. “Go-go Gadget Vale!” they both chuckled. “I did it for two years, but with no life it just was, ya know?”

“I do,” Vale sighed, “but once we found our forevers our hearts were no longer in it.”

“How did you get so smart?” She teased him.

“He has a smart mother,” Sarah hollered in the background, making us all laugh. “Little girl, you listen to your Mommy or we’re gonna have words.”

Properly chagrined, Darcy apologized. “Sorry, Sarah.”

“Dang right you are.”

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