Page 11 of Mommy Calls Me Princess (Mommies and Littles #1)

Chapter Nine

Darcy

“I can’t believe you’re here!” I screamed as Vale and I ran toward each other in the terminal. He’d barely just got off the plane, but I was too excited to wait in the walkway anymore.

“I can’t believe I’m here either. I can’t believe we’re getting married tomorrow!”

“I can’t believe we’re all not deaf,” Sarah complained as she hugged me, but I knew she was kidding. “I’m so happy for you, Darcy.”

“Me too, Sarah.” Everyone that I loved showed up for me and Mommy’s big day. And Vale’s too, of course. But it meant more than they knew. Even if Vale and Daddy Jack weren’t getting married they’d still have come and so would have Sarah.

“Did you tell your mother yet?” Ugh, could’ve gone without that question but Sarah meant well.

Mommy turned when she asked that, waiting for my answer. “Um, no. I don’t want her to ruin our special day by asking for money.”

“I’ll handle that when we get back to Seattle, Princess.” Mommy had a way of calming me down when she rubbed my back. I leaned into her hand and let the good feels seep in.

“Thanks, Mommy.” Should I handle that myself? Probably, but my mother had a way of guilting me into giving her money, but Mommy wouldn’t stand for that. Best to let her cut it off so we can move on and into our new life as newlyweds.

Vale and I squealed and giggled throughout the airport terminal and all the way down to get our luggage.

Mommy and Daddy Jack timed our flights perfectly, so they arrived around the same time.

Sarah’s head bobbed around, watching everything.

Who knew they even had slot machines in the airport? So crazy.

“Good lord, Vivienne. How much luggage did you bring?” Daddy Jack complained when Mommy kept pointing out our bags as they came around the carousel.

“Technically, I brought one bag. Darcy had all of hers from the cruise, then we did a bit of shopping in San Diego.” I giggled when Mommy winked at me. Daddy Jack called over an attendant with a cart to help us out. Hopefully the car service had enough room for all of it.

Vale grabbed my hand and squealed again when he eyeballed my engagement ring. “It’s so pretty, Darcy.”

“I know. I love it so much. And Mommy got the princess cut for her Princess.” I was one lucky girl.

“Where are your parents, Jack?” Mommy asked.

“They’re coming in the morning. Not fans of the whole Vegas scene, so they’re just flying in for Saturday and leaving early Sunday morning. They made a reservation at Spago for all of us for dinner after the wedding. Their treat.”

“Yum, sounds great to me. I figured Sunday would be a whirlwind of taking these two to the M&M store and the Adventure Dome at Circus-Circus.”

“Yes, I assumed the same. Along with the huge Build-A-Bear store on the strip.”

Vale and I squealed again and hugged our partners. Every head in the baggage claim area turned our way but we didn’t care. We were going to Build-A-Bear, and I knew which one I wanted already.

“I’ll be donating to the penny sluts at the hotel,” Sarah cheered far too joyfully for someone about to lose money.

“Don’t you mean slots, Mom?”

“Nope, they’re sluts. Just take your money and run.”

Vale was so offended, but the rest of us enjoyed her crazy sense of humor.

“Can I get a refund for the parent I was given?”

“Nope, and I’m gonna make sure everyone knows I’m your Momma.” Vale rolled his eyes, but I caught his brief grin before he turned away.

Vale and Sarah’s banter got me through many tough times. They loved each other like mad. Plus, it was all in good fun.

Somehow, the five of us and our huge pile of luggage managed to cram into the van. Vale and I were so busy trying to see every inch of the strip that when we got to the Bellagio it felt like we’d only been driving for a few minutes.

“Whoa,” Vale gasped as we pulled up to the valet. Vegas was an endless stream of bright lights. It was so pretty at night.

“Wait until you see the view from our room,” Mommy said. “We can see the strip in both directions.”

“Are we in separate rooms, Mommy?”

“No, my love. I got a two-room suite with a fold out couch for Sarah to sleep on so we’re all together.” Sarah was eyeballing the slot machines, ready to make her donations before we’d even checked in. At this point it wouldn’t surprise me to find her sound asleep in one of the chairs come morning.

“Yay!” Vale and I cheered. He wasn’t a little, but he was a super excited monkey.

If Daddy Jack didn’t hold his hand he’d have bounced all over the casino and got lost. Can’t tell you how many times Sarah and I had to hunt for him at the mall.

I never understood those child backpack leashes until the first time that happened.

Sarah refused to get one, stating her boy wasn’t a pet.

Oh how wrong she was about our silly monkey.

But it was so awesome we got to share our big day with each other and all these fun firsts. Two best friends marrying two best friends. Can it get any more perfect?

As soon as we stepped inside the massive suite Mommy rented, Vale and I bolted straight for the balcony.

“Whoa,” we said in unison. Mommy and Daddy Jack laughed.

“Great room, V,” Daddy Jack said, his eyes glued to the glowing strip around us. “It’s been years since I’ve been to Vegas. It’s changed so much.”

“Same. Several hotels that were here before have been demolished. What should we do first?”

“Build-A-Bear!” Vale and I were like a well-tuned radio station.

Mommy chuckled. “I’m sorry, my love, but they’re closed for the night. Why don’t we go outside and watch the fountain show? We can see it up here but it’s even more amazing up close.”

“I don’t know about you guys, but I could eat.” Mommy and Daddy Jack smiled at each other. Guess Sarah wasn’t the only one who was hungry, even my tummy grumbled.

“That tummy talk tells me my girl is hungry. Shall we, Jack?”

“After you, Queen.” I thought I saw Mommy flip Daddy Jack the bird, but that didn’t sound like her. Well, maybe ornery Mommy was here for the weekend. Vale was giggling, so I think he saw it too.

“I think your Mommy needs a spanking.” He might’ve thought he whispered that but everyone heard. Our laughter filled the elevator on our way down.

“Table for five, please,” Daddy Jack told the hostess at the restaurant. “With a fountain view if possible.”

The lady smiled. “It’s very possible, sir. Follow me.”

Vale and I immediately snagged the seats against the windows with Mommy and Daddy Jack beside us. Sarah sat at the head of the table with a perfect view of the fountain.

“The next show is in ten minutes, enjoy.”

Vale and I handed our menus to Mommy and Daddy Jack, they could order for us. We were too busy taking all this in to worry about something as meaningless as food.

Sarah sighed and we all turned toward her. “Sarah, this weekend is on Vivienne and I. Aside from your penny slut addiction,” he winked. “Order whatever you wish.” Vale and Sarah got the sweetest glimmer in their eyes, almost like tears.

“Thank you, son.” Sarah’s world had expanded just as mine had. Good things come to good people , she’d said many times over the years. Seeing it happen in real time was amazing.

Maybe those were real tears ‘cause I had them now too.

The waiter came and took our order, and said he’d be back after the show with our drinks so he wouldn’t disrupt us. I swear, he had a timer in his pocket because right as he walked away, the lights dimmed, and the show started.

I don’t know if the oohs and aahs came from me, Vale, or both, but as soon as it ended we clapped and cheered after taking like a thousand pictures.

“It never gets old,” the waiter said as he placed our drinks and salads in front of us. “What brings your group into town this weekend?”

“We’re getting married!” Vale and I said before anyone else could answer.

“I’m just here for the free weekend,” Sarah joked.

“Wow, congratulations you two!” The waiter smiled at us.

Mommy grinned. “Let me clear up the confusion. She and I are getting married and those two are as well,” she pointed to Daddy Jack and Vale.

“Two best friends marrying two best friends,” Vale said what I’d already determined.

“Now that truly is wonderful but why do I get the feeling you’re here for more than the free weekend?” he teased Sarah.

Vale rolled his eyes. “She’s my mom and she raised my BFF too so she’s giving both of us away.”

The waiter clutched his heart and got all swoony. “I honestly don’t believe I’ve heard a more beautiful story. I’ll be back in a few minutes to check on you.”

Except when he returned he came back with a man in a suit carrying a bottle of champagne.

“Good evening folks. I hope you enjoyed the show. I’m the manager, Dayton and Jeremy just shared your beautiful story with me. Two best friends marrying two best friend and one,” he glanced down at Sarah and smiled, “Freeloader?”

Sarah laughed. “Yup, that’s me.”

“I find that hard to believe, especially since the one in the corner giggling looks a lot like you.” Vale didn’t even roll his eyes this time, he was laughing so hard.

“You got me. That’s my son Vale and my pseudo daughter Darcy. I’ll be walking them down the aisle tomorrow.” We’d made the right decision in asking Sarah to do that, she was all smiles now.

“Well, on behalf of the staff here we’d like to congratulate you and offer a complimentary gift in the form of a bottle of champagne for your table.

Unfortunately, I need to ask for ID for the two gigglers.

” That just made Vale, and I laugh harder as we handed him our ID’s.

Thankfully Mommy told me ahead of time to make sure I had it with me at all times while we were here.

“Excellent. Jeremy will get you situated and congratulations, again. Enjoy your meals.”

“Jeremy would you be so kind as to take our photo?” Daddy Jack handed him his phone then held his glass up. “To friends, family, and finding forever.”

“Cheers!” We all clanked our glasses and took a sip, then Vale itched his nose.

“The bubbles tickle, Daddy.”

“Have you not had champagne before, silly monkey?”

“Nope, first time. Lots of firsts this weekend,” Vale took another sip and scrunched his nose up. “I can’t decide if its yummy or not.”

Sarah nearly shot hers out of her nose. “That’s the beauty of champagne, boy. It’s only for special occasions so no reason to decide.”

“Well put, Sarah. Never been a huge fan myself, but I won’t turn down a free glass,” Mommy winked at Vale.

“Mommy, did we get a photographer for tomorrow? I want lots of pictures.”

“Of course, my gorgeous princess. Mommy and Daddy Jack don’t want to miss a thing.” She kissed me and I got all butterfly-ey inside. Mommy made my tummy swoosh.

“Do you guys have your rings?” Mommy asked Daddy Jack, and he nodded.

“My dad gave me my grandfather’s ruby ring some time ago. I’d had it tucked away in a drawer hoping this day would come. We have an appointment in the morning with the jeweler at the hotel to see if Vale finds one he loves. Vivian, the set you two bought is stunning.”

“My Princess spotted those while we shopped in San Diego, but I picked out her engagement ring,” I wiggled my finger, showing it off. “Jack, I never imagined I’d be this happy or so ridiculously in love.”

“You and me both, V, or that I’d have a mother-in-law I adored.”

“You’re not getting my gamblin’ money, Jack,” Sarah teased, and Daddy Jack bellowed. But you could see in her eyes how moved she was. “All joking aside, I couldn’t have found a better man for my son. Or a better woman for my daughter, Vivienne.” Stupid tears hit us all.

After dinner, Sarah headed straight for the machines while the four of us wandered around on the strip.

It was so crazy busy and packed with humans.

The bright lights and the fact nothing seemed to close kept everyone out and about, some of which probably should be in their rooms sleeping off a gnarly hangover.

“Ohhh, look at the Eiffel Tower,” Vale pointed across the street.

“That’s the Paris hotel. One of their elevators is inside that replica,” Daddy Jack pointed out.

“Can we go inside and see?”

“Absolutely, but people drive crazy on the strip, so crosswalks and eyes open you two.”

“Yes, Daddy Jack.” Vale and I were getting pretty good at this twinsie talk.

“Look Daddy, that elevator disappears into the sky!” Vale pointed up to the ceiling inside the Paris, painted just like a cloudy sky. “That’s so cool.”

“Every casino has a different theme. New York, New York is decorated like the city itself, and it has a rollercoaster that goes through part of the downstairs.”

“Can we see it, Mommy?”

“It’s at the other end from us but we can add it to our Sunday funday.”

“Yay!”

“I heard a rumor there’s a Hershey store inside it too,” Daddy Vale teased his monkey, knowing that one was a chocoholic.

I liked it too, but Vale tended to make himself sick if not monitored.

“The M&M store is across the street from it, so Sunday is the perfect day to hit both. Maybe we can do that side during the day then hit Circus-Circus that night for them to play in the Adventure Dome.”

“Sounds like a plan, Jack,” Mommy told him. “There’s enough around here for tonight to see.”

We walked around the Paris Hotel and over to the Horseshoe then down into the Cromwell.

I wanted to go to the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat, but it was closed for the night.

Mommy promised we could come back another time and do the stuff we missed.

She and Daddy Jack had to go home on Monday and be back at work on Tuesday.

Bummer, but I got it. It was gonna be kind of scary sliding into my new life and not having a regular job. I think I was more afraid of Mommy confronting my mother, than the whole jobless thing. But I trusted Mommy and knew she’d do her best to make sure I didn’t get hurt anymore.