Page 25 of Rule 5: Never Crush on the Captain

The room is empty and dark when I wake up, and Lindsay Lohan has vanished from the screen. I throw off the blanket that someone has tucked over me and make my way upstairs.

It’s easy to find them.

Stella’s voice isn’t exactly quiet. I probably should sign her up for choir. I add it to my list of dad duties.

“I will vanquish the dragon!” Vinnie’s voice booms.

I blink.

I press open the door.

“An intruder is entering!” Stella screams.

“Do not fear, fair damsel,” Vinnie says. “I have sworn to protect you!”

I enter the room.

There, in front of me, is Vinnie.

One of Stella’s blankets is tied around his wide neck like a cape. He wields a plastic sword that looks like an oversized knife.

“Vinnie?”

“SirVinnie,” Stella corrects.

Vinnie’s eyes sparkle. “You heard Princess Stella.”

“Princess Isabella,” Stella corrects. “That’s fancier.”

“Princess Isabella the Awesomest,” Vinnie says.

Stella giggles. “They didn’t say awesome in those days.”

“No?” Vinnie asks.

Stella shakes her head determinedly. “Haven’t you seen any movies with princes?”

“Not in a while.”

“I’m glad you’re having a good time,” I say.

“Daddy, you can play the prince!” Stella exclaims.

“Guess you have to call me Your Highness,” I tell Vinnie.

“Is that so?” Vinnie’s eyes sparkle.

Vinnie’s eyes never sparkle.

He always looks solemn and sullen and sour.

But somehow, playing dress up with my kid makes the difference. Suddenly, now he’s happy.

Something glows inside of me.

“You need a crown, Daddy,” Stella says, giving me her tiara.

I place it on my head. The pink rhinestones are probably blinding Vinnie. That must be the reason he’s still smiling.