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Chapter Twelve

Vivienne

Okay, that wasn’t so bad. It was easy to see the draw many had for the nursing kink as it was now one of ours.

My sweet princess was asleep in no time and as soon as she dozed off, the suckling stopped.

If it had been used for foreplay we would’ve sought that direction, but knowing it was meant to calm my girl’s busy mind down, the act took on a different meaning.

And one that worked for me as well. As soon as she stilled in my arms, I followed her into a deep slumber.

“Sweetheart, it’s time to wake up. Breakfast will be here in a few minutes then it’s off to the airport.

” Waking my sleeping angel I’d rather not have done but today was a big day.

Not that the last week hadn’t been full of such days but today I’d reveal our new home and her playroom to her in front of our family.

Jack was in on it, but the others would be just as surprised as she would be.

And I couldn’t wait.

“Mmm, five more minutes Mommy.” She tried to latch on, but I pulled away just in time.

“I’m sorry, my love. You can nurse later, but for now I’m afraid I must insist you get up.

Mommy has to dress you so we can eat.” Thankfully, Jack and I had staged the luggage by the front door last night.

As soon as I packed what we’d need this morning I’d call the bellhop to come and get it.

They’d earn their tip for sure today given the dozens of bags and cases we had.

Begrudgingly, my groaning princess rolled out of bed.

Her blonde locks a matted mess. Note to self, braid her hair before bed.

“Go potty, then mommy will dress you.” Now was one of those times the binkies I’d rush ordered would’ve come in handy.

Thankfully they’ll be at home by the time we get there.

Comfortable leggings and a cute white t-shirt that says Mommy’s little princess on it that I’d found in one of the giftshops were lightweight and ideal for traveling in. While it was hot in Vegas it never failed the inside of plane would be chilly so shorts wouldn’t cut it.

“Sneaky mommy, when did you get this cute shirt?”

“One of the many times you and your monkey were being silly. Do you like it?”

Darcy hugged me. “I love it, and I love you too, Mommy.”

I buckled on her favorite pink sandals. “Why don’t you go in the living room with Princess Bride while Mommy double checks we didn’t miss anything.”

“Kisses,” she puckered up and I willingly obliged. “’Kay, Mommy.”

How quickly she’d gone from grouchy to skipping through the room. Having a little was quite an experience and one I’m glad I hadn’t shied away from.

With our toiletries gathered and one last swoop of the room, I shut the door and joined the others for breakfast. All our bags were packed and ready to be loaded.

As soon as breakfast was done, I called for the bell hop.

I checked out via the television, selected to email the receipt to myself, and we left the keys by the TV and headed down to the valet.

“How will we get all this from the airport to our home, Mommy?” My Princess’s wide eyes eyeballed the piles we had to check in.

“Daddy Jack brought the big SUV. With the backseat down it will all fit and so will the five of us.”

“Whew, I got scared there for a minute there.” Adorable didn’t even cover it as she stood there with her Princess Bear under one arm, pretty pink princess backpack slung over her shoulders and her new T-shirt in full view. It was impossible not to proudly smile knowing she was all mine.

With that load handled and sent off, we dealt with security then finally made it to our gate. My princess snuggled up with me in the chairs while Jack was off chasing Vale down. I wrapped my arm around her and kissed the top of her head. “You ready to be home, sweetheart?”

“Yes and no. Yes because I get to live with my Mommy now and no because reality sometimes sucks.”

“Very true, but would it help if Mommy let you in on a secret?” her head popped up. “I have a surprise for you when we get home?”

She grinned and shook her head. “What did you do, Mommy?”

“Mmm, you’ll have to wait to find out.” Far too much to put into words and I didn’t want to and risk ruining the surprise.

“We may have done it backwards getting married so fast, but it was the right move for us. Now we get to spend the rest of our lives learning new things about each other without the looming when we will marry question hanging over our heads.” She giggled, but she knew I was right.

The stability that came with the commitment to believe this was really true soothed us both.

“You’re right, Mommy.”

“Princess, didn’t you know Mommies are always right.” That drew more giggles as we watched Jack wrangle an over stimulated Vale.

“He’s gonna need to monitor Vale’s sugar intake for sure,” Darcy sighed.

“No longer my problem, but I’m sure as hell enjoying the show.

” I bet Sarah was. She’d put her years in and, from what I understood, never complained.

I bet she was eating this up. Jack led Vale over to a coffee vendor and proceeded to order the biggest cup they had.

“That’ll help. It’s about time Jack got the hang of Vale’s hyperactivity.

I know most people don’t like to give caffeine to their littles or pets, but when one is diagnosed with hyperactivity you have to change your way of thinking. ”

“True dat, Momma Sarah,” Darcy and Sarah fist bumped. “Daddy Jack knew how to combat it. He just waited too long and let him polish off his candy on the way here.”

“Yup, no bueno. Now it’s his riled-up monkey to lasso.” Sarah went back to reading. It must be like early retirement to her, handing the reins over to Jack.

The flight back was short and quick. After we claimed our luggage, which thankfully all arrived, Darcy, Sarah and I waited curbside with the cart attendant while Jack and Vale went to get his SUV.

Sure, I could’ve ordered a car service but not only did Jack want to see the room, but some of our stuff was in their cases and we’d need to sort through that mess.

“Do I really have a surprise, Mommy?” Darcy thought she whispered from the back seat and failed miserably at it.

“A surprise?” Vale piped up from beside her.

“A big one, baby girl.”

“Can I see too?” Vale asked.

“Of course, we can’t do the big reveal without Darcy’s bestie there to see it.

” Their little butts wiggled beside me. Thankfully the drive from Seatac to the club was short, aside from the Seattle traffic, but at least we weren’t trying to cut through town like they’d have to do later to get the ferry back to Whidbey.

The club wasn’t open yet. I texted Rhett as we were near and he and William, another member of our security team met us outside to help with the luggage.

“Wow, did you guys buy out Vegas?” Rhett’s wide eyes eyeballed the fully loaded SUV.

“I’d like to see you and your boy go on vacation and come back with exactly what you left with.”

“Point taken. Now, what goes upstairs?” Jack and I pointed to the massive pile that had to be carried up what had suddenly become the longest flight of stairs in history. “Holy moly, woman.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah, Rhett,” I rolled my eyes at him. “Wait until I fill your boy full of sugar and send him home.”

“You wouldn’t.”

“Oh, I so would.” Rhett and I had been friends for years and this kind of banter between us was normal. Most avoided the hulking, grouchy looking man, which made him great at his job. But underneath he was a big ‘ol teddy bear and Tyson had him wrapped around his little finger.

“Do I get to meet your boy?” Darcy asked him. How great it would be for her to have a local little friend.

Rhett kneeled down beside her. “You absolutely do, Princess. I’ll ask your mommy when it’s okay to bring him in and you two can play until you pass out.”

“Yay! Then he can meet my monkey too,” she grabbed Vale’s hand. “Do you know my BFF Vale? He’s a monkey.”

“I believe I’ve seen him before, when Daddy Jack brought him in. It’s great to see you both,” Rhett shook their hands. “Now, I believe there is something waiting upstairs for you, Princess.”

“Mommy?” She danced in place, and I almost asked if she had to pee. “Can I see it now?”

“Walk slowly and hold onto the railing.” Behind her and Vale the rest of us followed, lugging up the bags. Darcy froze as she stepped inside our home. “Sweetheart, we can’t get in with you in the way.”

“Mommy.” It was like her feet were cemented in place. Vale on the other hand took off down the hall and stopped in front of the playroom.

“Darcy! Darcy! Come quick!”

That got her feet moving again and she took off after him. I didn’t have the heart to remind them not to run, they were too excited. This time, I’d let it pass.

We sat the bags down, just inside the loft and followed down the hall. Vale ran around the room, taking it all in while Darcy was again stuck in place.

“Princess?” She turned and when I saw those big blue eyes filled with tears I feared I’d somehow fucked up. “What’s wrong?”

As I wrapped my arms around her the dam broke. “I don’t know how to be happy,” she sobbed, and my fucking heart ripped.

“Does this make you happy?”

“Yes, but how do I do happy forever?”

“We’ll figure it out together. For now, check out your new playroom before your monkey goes wild.” That drew a snicker from her.

Sarah took my hand in hers as we watched the two of them. “You did good, Vivienne.”

“Thanks, Momma Sarah,” I used Darcy’s earlier moniker. Sarah’s face lit up and I knew I’d struck gold with the woman I’d grown to love as a pseudo parental figure.

“Vale, Vale. Look at my princess bed with a princess pillow and princess comforter. The walls are pink. Vale, Vale, do you see it?”

“Yes, it’s so cool. How did she find a headboard shaped like a crown?” He asked her, forgetting the rest of us stood in the doorway.