Page 5 of Mommy Calls Me Princess

“Can my rubber duckies play too, Mommy?”

Who knew all it took to melt a stone-cold heart was a sweet little…

Why did I just envision Jack doing a goofy celebration dance?

There will be no dealing with him now.

“Well look at you. Aren’t you a tall dish of woman?”

I tried to hold it in, I swear, but this woman’s comedic words threw me off guard. Laughter burst forth. Vale shook his head, and my Princess got a mad case of the giggles. Jack was nearly rolling on the ground, doubled over cackling.

“You must be Vale’s mother, I’ve heard so much about you. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.” In lieu of the handshake I was going for the surprisingly strong, yet dainty woman pulled me into a fierce hug.

“Sarah,” she grabbed my hand as we parted and held on tight. “I may not have birthed that girl, but she’s as much mine as Vale is.”

“Understood.” Little did Sarah know I held her in high regard given all she’d done for my girl.

“Momma, what show have you binged now and where did that horrific southern accent come from?” Vale shook his head. “We’ve never even been to the south.”

“Don’t matter none, boy. Mind your p’s and q’s.” Their exchange was just as entertaining as her opening greeting had been. I must get her story from Vale and Darcy later but as far as first meets went, this one ranked right up there as one I’d forever remember.

Jack had invited Darcy and I out to their place on Whidbey Island for a family barbeque and sleepover which really meant a lot, especially with the word family included in the invite. After yesterday’s incident with Darcy, being with Vale was what the doctor ordered, and it gave me the opportunity to probe Jack for info.

“I can promise you I’ll take excellent care of Darcy.” Sarah nodded but still attempted, and somehow failed miserably, at giving me a glaring side-eye. This woman was quite the comedian.

Jacks’ parents walked across the yard from their place next door. It had been so long since I’d seen them. This outing had quickly become a gathering of old friends. I was jealous and so very happy for Jack and Vale at the same time, surrounded by those they loved and who accepted them for the wonderful men they truly were. We should all be so lucky. My goddess, how long had I kept to myself, buried in building the business ,all while ignoring those who’d always treated me with kindness and love? I swore right then and there that would come to an end.

This was my family. Not by blood, but by acceptance.

“Vivienne, just as beautiful as I remember you.” Linda, Jack’s mom, hugged me.

“You are too kind, Linda.”

Jackson senior drew me into a fatherly embrace. “Wonderful to see you again, Vivienne. I see you met the resident jokester.” He gestured toward Sarah with a big smile. Clearly they all got along famously. “She’s a, what did you call it Sarah?”

“A hoot.”

“Daddy, can we please take the TV out of her cottage?” Vale begged Jack, who only smiled and kissed his worried boy’s forehead.

“Sweetheart, until she does something unsafe we have nothing to worry about. She’s just having fun, let her be.” Vale huffed, but didn’t argue with his Daddy.

Whidbey was one of my favorite places to get lost in. But living this far from Blush would be a challenge. Before my princess came along, I was a workaholic. Now, putting in all those hours had lost their appeal. A complete revamping of my life was in order, I had a little to care for now, after all. The staff I had inplace went through extensive training and the club ran just fine this last week without me there. Learning to trust in them and let go would be challenging, but I’d work past that.

Nothing was worth losing Darcy over and short term relationships has fizzed out for me over less.

She and Vale were running around, blowing bubbles at each other and giggling. I joined the others on the gorgeous deck that spanned the back of Jack’s house. Jack had a jungle gym built for his monkey that rivaled the one at Pride Camp. It was placed near dead center in their back yard.

“Wine, V?” Jack was the only one who got away with calling me that.

“Love some. Let me help you.” We didn’t so much as close the door behind us before his grilling began.

“So, a month now? How’s it going? How was Pride Camp?” I shook my head at him. “What? I’m allowed to check on my bestie as Vale calls you.” That evil smirk of his said he knew more than he’d allude to.

“Pride Camp was fantastic. I scheduled a week next year for another littles camp but we’re including pets too this time. I expect you and Vale to be there.”

“Vale and I are so in. Can we share a cabin? Vale and Darcy will drive us crazy otherwise.”

“Possibly, I’ll reach out to Kyler later about that. We um, well, Darcy had a bit of a meltdown on the way home.”

---