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“Mommy has a very good contractor who also did a room for a certain monkey.” Vale’s head popped around and landed on Jack. “Open the closet, Princess.” I stocked it full of new littles clothes fit for the princess she was.

“Squeal! Mommy I got princess dresses, and dungarees, and onesies and pretty princess underwear.”

“That’s our queue to leave,” Rhett said. “See you tomorrow, boss.”

“Thank you for everything, Rhett. I owe you big time.”

“Nah, that’s what family is for.”

Who knew I had such a large family who’d unknowingly, by me that is, supported me for all these years.

Darcy grabbed one of the many toy tiara’s she now had and slid it on her head. “Look Vale, I’m a real princess.”

The room came out better than I’d expected.

The castle and unicorn decals with the pretty little blonde princess with stunning blue eyes popped against the pink walls.

This contractor was fabulous and worth every dime.

From the bespoke princess bed and matching shelves to the perfect placement of each piece.

“Why don’t you and Vale play while we sort through the luggage. Then we can order dinner as a way to thank our family for everything. Okay, Princess?”

She threw herself in my arms again and squeezed me tight. “Okay, Mommy. Thank you for everything. I love it and I love you so-so much.”

“I love you too, sweet girl, with all my heart.” She ran back to Vale, and they pulled out her princess castle and the basket of new dolls beside it.

Never had my heart been so full. Darcy wasn’t the only one who was scared of being happy, but I was twice as scared of being without her and that wasn’t happening.

“V, he did a great job on the loft remodel,” Jack said as he, Sarah, and I walked around what was once a loft converted into a three-bedroom, two-bath home.

“Agreed. Did you notice the extra room for you and Vale when you come to town? Now when he’s worn out from playing in the pet room, you don’t have to drag him back to a hotel.

He has his own bed here or he can crash in the playroom with Darcy.

They’ll love having more sleepovers.” I could see us bouncing between homes for weekend retreats more often.

“Would either of you like something to drink?”

“Vodka, rocks, toots,” Sarah winked. “Just kidding. Or am I…”

Jack chuckled and shook his head. “I’ll take a water, V. Crazy lady, why don’t you check out the bar.” He directed Sarah over to the small one I had. I didn’t drink often, and never in the club, but when I was home and had a particular taste, I wanted it to be there.

I just couldn’t get over how well the reno turned out.

I mean, the structure was in place and the walls up when I left, but the contractor’s team must’ve worked double time to not only get it finished and decorated but it was so clean and spotless.

There wasn’t a drop of drywall dust to be found and that shit lingers for eons.

“Jack, did you ever in a million years expect the two gangly kids who met in college would have such perfect lives?” I sure as hell hadn’t.

At that point I was just determined to show my parents I wasn’t the piece of shit they proclaimed me to be.

I took my grandmother’s inheritance and turned it into a profit-making business with the help of my best friend.

“No. I mean, we had plans and goals but who doesn’t when they’re in college.

Usually, they change a million times over, but you and I kept our heads up and worked hard.

I always hoped to find the love of my life but when I hit forty I’d all but given up on that.

Now,” he glanced down the hall toward the playroom.

“There’s no way I’d ever survive without him. ”

“Words every mother-in-law hopes to hear.” Sarah patted Jack’s shoulder as she passed him by, drink in hand. “Is it just me or is it odd that both my kid’s spouses are closer to my age?”

“And yet you hobble around like you’re seventy,” Jack rolled his eyes. “Now, we need to find you a special someone to whip you back into the proper age bracket.”

“I’ve got batteries, I’m fine.” Thank fuck I wasn’t drinking when Sarah said that. Poor Jack had just taken a big swig of water which was now all over the floor.

“Mother, what did you do now?” Vale ran over to his daddy and started patting his back.

“Nothing and don’t mother me.” Oh. My. God. I was dying. This woman was the absolute best.

I was still laughing when my girl walked up. “Mommy, what’s in this box?” She picked it up off the kitchen island and shook it.

“No clue, why don’t you open it and see.” I knew what it was, only one more package was due to come. Plus, Rhett let me know it arrived.

She peeled back the tape and pulled out the bag inside. “Binkies, Mommy!” She held it up. “There’s a pretty pink and purple princess one, and a rainbow one, and a really cute unicorn one. Thank you, Mommy. Kisses!”

I kissed my sweet girl and smiled. “You are very welcome, but let mommy wash them before you use them. Should be one more thing inside the box.”

She dug through it and pulled out the strap. “Is this a binky strap?”

“It is. Don’t want you to lose them when you’re playing.”

“You think of everything, Mommy.”

I try but I’d forever be a work in progress.

I washed them off and she plucked the princess one out of my hand and popped it into her mouth. At first, she sucked it slowly then got used to it and smiled at me around it. Who knew sucking a binky could be so damn cute?

Darcy and Vale went back to playing until the food came.

As soon as we finished eating we said goodbye to our friends.

I started the laundry and brought the toys to her playroom for her to sort through.

She sat on the floor in the middle of the room staring off into space. Overstimulated and worn out for sure.

“Sweetheart, why don’t you clean up your toys and get ready for bed.”

She crossed her arms and pouted. “I’m not tired.”

“Your attitude says otherwise. I’m not going to ask you again to put your toys away.

” I went back to sorting our luggage and locking up and when I got back to the playroom nothing had been done.

Nice mommy wasn’t cutting it, time to pull out the alter ego.

“Strip down and wait for mommy at the foot of our bed.” She blinked and when my words and no-nonsense tone sunk in she paled and walked past me with her head down.

I stood there for a few minutes, reminding myself I could do this.

Punishments were something I excelled in, until they came to my girl.

But this was a necessary reminder of who was in charge.

After I gathered my wits, I went to our room and there she stood just as I asked.

“Do you know what’s happening?”

She nodded. “I’m getting a spanking for sassing Mommy.”

“That’s right, but you’re actually getting ten swats. Tired or not, you do not talk to your Mommy that way. Do you understand?”

“Yes, Mommy. I’m sorry.”

“Keep in mind this is a punishment and there will be no tickles at the end.” Her eyes widened and tears fell. I had to look away. I brushed my clothes off, mostly to calm my heartrate and sat down. “Over mommy’s lap and you are to count with me.”

I ran my hands over her precious bottom and landed the first slap. “Count.”

“One,” she sobbed. I landed the second and by the time we got to ten she was a snotty mess.

She shivered and silently cried as I put her in her pjs.

“Now you and that red behind are going to bed without an orgasm.” I slid one of the binkies I’d stashed in the bedside table into her mouth.

“Go lay down and Mommy will tuck you in. I don’t know what’s gotten into you little girl but that wasn’t my princess in that room talking back to me. ”

“I-I,” she stuttered, “I want my mommy binky.”

Now I’m a human binky. “Mommy has things to do and it’s time for you to go to bed. Now, in you go.” I tucked the sheets in around her and handed her Loxi. “Mommy will be in after a while.”

“I love you, Mommy.”

“I love you too, baby. Sweet dreams.”

I’d clearly created a tiara wearing monster that knew how to play me.