Ahoy Daddy!, page 13
This was gonna get confusing with Jackson being both Daddy’s and his dad’s name.
“Come on,” Linda looped her arm through mine, “let them get the luggage. I’ve made raspberry lemonade.”
“Yum. Raspberry anything is my favorite.”
“Lord, help us,” I heard Daddy’s dad say. Geez, that was just as confusing as the two Jacksons deal.
“I love your home.” This place was massive. “Oh my gosh, is that the water?” Standing just inside the entryway had a great view of the sound. Hell, the entire space had a fantastic water view.
“Yes, much like what Jackson did with his condo, we built this house with the water as the focal point and minimal interior walls to block it.”
She sat the pitcher of lemonade and four glasses with ice on a tray and we took it out on the back deck. “Wow. This is nothing short of amazing.”
“Glad to hear you like it.” Daddy walked up beside me and kissed the top of my head.
We chatted for a while then Daddy said he wanted us to go for a walk. We strolled hand in hand along the shoreline. I could seriously stare out at this view for hours on end.
“This is where I always come when I need to clear my head and figure things out,” Daddy said. “There’s something about the water that sooths my soul.”
“It’s doing the same for me. It’s like the weight of the world has been lifted. This place is beyond words.” I couldn’t imagine being able to afford to live here.
“Glad to hear you say that. When I was here last, missing my sweet boy, I made a lot of decisions.”
“Decisions?”
“Yes, decisions that affect us.”
I stopped, not wanting to veer too far off course in case I was dumped. Harder to call an Uber with no service. “How so?”
“I bought this land we’re standing on.”
“Um, what?” How did that affect us?
“I want us to build the house of our dreams on it.”
“Um, what?” I’d turned into a parrot and a brainless one at that. “A house? For us?”
“I want us to design and build the house of our dreams and live in it together. Forever.” Daddy was nervous and I was in shock. “I know it’s fast and I’m not trying to scare you off, but I want a future with you. We can build a separate house for your mom and live our dream here, on the island.”
When I didn’t reply, he rambled on.
“We could build a gym so your monkey can climb away, and I can have a space in it to work out while you do your thing. We can even make a playroom that you and Darcy can use when she comes to visit.”
“What about work? Where will I get a job?” There wasn’t much around us. I supposed I could see if the little red barn was hiring.
“Honestly, if you don’t want to work, you don’t have to. But if you do,” he quickly amended, “that is completely your choice. I just want to be with you. Always. Go to sleep with you, wake up with you. Spend the rest of my life with you.”
Was that a proposal?
Had I been transported to an alternate universe where everything I’d ever dreamed of was handed to me? There had to be a flipside, right? For every positive came a negative and all that shit.
“I-I don’t know what to say.” Quite literally, to be honest.
“You don’t have to say anything, and I didn’t mean to freak you out.” Daddy was sad, and that made me sad.
“Daddy, I love you. It’s just…a lot and you surprised me is all.” Okay, words were good. Communication was helpful. “Have you already started the whole building stuff?” I really had to get the correct lingo down before we embarked upon this adventure. Wait, was I in? My thoughts were a jumbled mess of what the fucks and time was what I needed to get them sorted.
“I’ve talked to an architect I’ve worked with on other projects who has agreed to take this one on. No rush. I told him what I envisioned but that nothing happened until I talked to you. You have just as much input on this design as I do.”
“I-I,” again with the stuttering. Way to sound mature, Vale. “I can’t afford this. I don’t have a job, or savings, or anything to contribute to it.”
Daddy gently gripped my shoulders. “Deep breath, sweet boy. I don’t mean to overwhelm you. Money is not an issue, our current and future needs come first. If it helps soothe you, think of it as an investment. You don’t need to supply any capital, neither does your mother. Honestly, I love the idea of being able to take care of both of you. If you want to work, then do so. If you want to take online classes, then do so. If you want to run around in your monkey suit all day, then do so. The point is this is all up to you and you don’t have to decide right this moment.”
“To us. This is all up to us. I appreciate that you want to take care of me and Mom but it’s just a lot to think about.” I glanced out at the water as the sun began to set. I already knew my answer but had the sudden urge for a mother-son conversation prior to giving it.
“Take your time,” Daddy pressed his lips to my forehead. “I’m not going anywhere.”
“Hey, next weekend do you and Darcy want to go to Blush?” Daddy sprang on me as we walked back toward his parents’ house.
“Darcy, too? Doesn’t she have to be a member first?”
“I know the owner,” Daddy winked. “Full disclosure, I’m a silent partner, in finance only, at Blush. But please, keep that to yourself.”
Wow, he wasn’t kidding when he told me he was invested in other non-start-up businesses.
“So, I know the owner and I can assure you it’s okay. Based upon what you’ve shared with me about her life, I think she’d have fun playing with other littles.”
“She would love that.” I fired off a text to her about it.
Me: Daddy wants to take us to Blush next weekend. You up for that?
Before we reached the house she replied.
Darcy: YES!!!
I turned the screen toward Daddy so he could read it and he smiled. “I’ll make all the arrangements.”
The rest of the weekend was spent relaxing. Daddy and I took his parents’ boat out and had a day out on the sound. It was hard to leave at the end of our trip and Linda made me promise to come back soon. For the drive home, we took the long way around, across Deception Pass and up through Anacortes.
“You’re awfully quiet over there, Vale.”
Vale. He hadn’t called me that since we first started dating.
“Just have a lot on my mind.”
“Oh. Anything I can help with?”
How do you tell someone you love that they’re the one that sent your mind into overdrive without it sounding bad? “No, but thank you for asking.”
Daddy kissed me goodnight at the door after carrying my bag inside then he left. Things were off with us, and I hated that. He offered me the dream of a life and I panicked.
“All right, Vale,” Mom crossed her arms. “Spill it.”
And so, I did. I told her everything about the house and working and how Daddy offered to include her in all of it.
“I don’t know what to do.” My brain was a murky mess and Mom always found a way to help me work past the sludge. I needed her enlightening words now more than ever.
“I was in love once, with your father. Only he didn’t feel the same way.” She sat beside me on the couch. “Sadly, he shared that with me when I told him I was pregnant.”
“Mom, I’m so sorry.” I couldn’t imagine the heartbreak she felt.
“I was twenty, he was much older than me and he was married and one of my college professors. I didn’t know about his marriage, or I never would’ve given him the time of day, but I found out once it was too late. Since I was a little girl my only dream was to become a mother. I loved children and when I found out I was pregnant I was elated.”
“Mom, I never knew.”
“Of course you didn’t, I refused to ever give you a reason to think you were a burden. You, my love, are a blessing. My one true gift in life. I finished college and got my degree before you came along. The moment I saw you everything in my world felt right. I didn’t need a partner. I would make it on my own and give you the best life I could.”
“Mom.” Tears streamed down my face as I pictured a much younger version of my mother working hard while taking care of a baby by herself. This woman was made of much stronger material than I’d given her credit for.
“Vale, all I’ve ever wanted for you was for you to be happy. Jackson makes you happy. That man looks at you like you’re made of gold. If he is offering you the life you want, a life with him where you will never want for anything again, you’d be a fool to deny yourself that.”
“What about you, Mom? We’re a team.”
“My sweet baby boy. You have a heart that’s made of that very gold that Jackson sees. You need to start your life together, just the two of you. I appreciate the offer to live there with you both, but I still have a few more years before I can retire. Maybe then I will reconsider but for now, it’s your time to start your life. You can’t stay home and look after your reality TV-addicted mother. I promise you I will be just fine.”
“I love you, Mom.”
“I love you, too, Vale. Now go get your man.”
Chapter Fifteen
Jack
I’d just sat down, stiff drink in hand, when there was a knock at the door. “Hi.”
“Vale, what are you doing here? Are you okay? Is Sarah okay? Please, come inside.” Every question tumbled out with no break between.
“Daddy, I owe you an apology.”
“You owe me no such thing, sweet boy.”
“I do. You opened your heart and your dreams to me and I just…froze.”
“It was a lot all at once and I got ahead of myself. I didn’t mean to scare you off.” Fuck, had I ruined the best thing that’d ever happened to me? Always in forward motion I was, thinking of myself and my wants when I should’ve asked Vale first.
“You didn’t scare me off. I’m here now, aren’t I?”
“Yes, but the question is why?” Though I wasn’t sure I’d like his answer.
“Okay, this isn’t going the way I expected.” Vale drew in a deep breath. “Sit.”
I wasn’t sure if it was the command in his voice or the serious look on Vale’s face, but I did as he ordered even though I was supposed to be the Daddy here.
He paced a couple of times in front of the windows before he finally came to a stop. “I had a very interesting conversation with my mom when I got home. Learned a lot of things I didn’t know about a father I never met.” He shook his head. “Sorry, veered off course. Long story short, I want all the same things that you do, and I want them with you. The house, the life, marriage—the whole enchilada, but you blindsided me with it and I guess I just had to take a step back and assess it. And talk to my mom.”
“Come here, sweet boy.” I patted my lap, and he curled right up. Fuck, to think I almost lost this, or so I had thought. “I’m sorry, that wasn’t my intention. I want to build a life with you, when you’re ready. From now on when I go too fast, tell me to take it down a notch and I will. I love you more than anything in the world, Vale.”
“I love you, too, Daddy, and I don’t ever want to be without you.”
In the back of my mind, this was a good idea, though it too could go horribly wrong.
“Good evening, Darcy. How are you today?” Vale and I had just shown up at her house to take her to Blush with us.
“I’m good, Daddy Jack. I’ve got my bag. I’m ready to go.” Already slipping into little space it seemed as she took my hand and walked to the car with us. This bit of information gave me ideas for the playroom I wanted to build for her and Vale and future gifts for Darcy.
“I like your backpack. Are you a little princess?” Vale asked her and she nodded. “It’s sparkly and I like the big silver tiara on top.”
“Thank you. I like your monkey bag,” she giggled. “It fits you perfectly.”
These two were adorable. We’d not even made it to the club yet and I couldn’t wait to see them play. I knew at some point my cheeky boy would veer away from the pet play area and wind up in the littles’ room with his friend. I bet the other littles would love that. Silly monkey.
“All safe,” I buckled them both into the back seat as neither wanted to be separated. They were so cute, holding hands and grinning wide-eyed up at me.
We arrived before the club opened and came in through the employee entrance at the rear of the building then walked toward the front where Vivienne’s office was.
“Knock, knock,” I called out at the open door and peeked my head inside. “Open to guests?”
“Always. It’s wonderful to see you, my friend,” Vivienne said as we embraced. “I’m dying to meet the boy who stole my best friend’s heart.”
“Hi,” Vale peeked around me. “I’m Vale.”
“Vale,” Vivienne hugged him. I loved how personable my dear friend was. Don’t get me wrong, cross her and you’d pay a hell of a penance. Her inner Domme took no shit. “I can’t believe you tamed the bachelor’s heart but given how adorable you are, I can see why. And who is this little one?”
Showtime.
Let’s see if my feeble attempt at matchmaking worked.
“Ms. Vivienne, this is Vale’s best friend, Darcy.” I forgot to ask if she used a different name as a little, something to remedy later.
“Hello, Princess. It’s wonderful to meet you.” Vivienne extended her hand to Darcy. Vale still protectively held Darcy’s other hand. Curiously, Darcy assessed Vivienne before reciprocating and I wondered if my forethoughts of a possible connection had been incorrect.
“I’ll take them to the changing room and get them ready. I’ll bounce between the playroom and pet area.” Vivienne nodded though her eyes hadn’t moved from Darcy. Did they already know each other? What was I missing here?
Darcy waited in the hall while I changed Vale then took her turn in the room. When she reappeared, she took my free hand as Vale held the other and together we went to the littles’ room first.
“Squee!” One of the littles in the room squealed and ran toward us. “Look, Daddy, a monkey.”
“My monkey,” Darcy said rather firmly.
“Be nice, little one,” I warned her, though not as firmly as she’d claimed Vale.
“Is that your Daddy?” another pointed to me and asked. “Do we have to ask him if we can play with your monkey?”
“What do you think, Little Monkey? Do you want to play with the littles tonight?”
Vale glanced from me to Darcy. Insecurity marred her adorable face, and I knew he wouldn’t leave her alone. “Yes, please, Daddy,” he whispered.
Hand in hand, Vale and Darcy walked to the center of the room where a handful of littles stood, waiting for the silly monkey to pounce. My boy was such a sweetheart and in no time he chased the giggling littles around the room. He’d drop on the floor and roll over and they’d try to catch him. With no obstacle courses in here, he sure had found another way to entertain the crowd and himself.
“He’s perfect for you.” My friend’s sultry voice drew me from the hilarious scene.
“More than you know. What do you think of Darcy?” I had to ask. The suspense was killing me.
“Ah, I wondered how long it would take for you to ask. I see what you’re up to, but I can’t deny there is just something about her.” Vivienne’s gaze was on Darcy the entire time we spoke.
Darcy’s head popped up as if she’d heard her name and she wobbled over to us and tugged at Vivienne’s skirt. “Will you be my Mommy?”
I’d never witnessed a Domme, well, this Domme, stunned silent before as it took her a few moments to answer.
“Yes,” Vivienne finally replied, took Darcy’s hand and together they went to the reading nook.
My sweaty monkey appeared, having freed himself from the littles pile “Daddy, did you do this?”
“Mayyybbbeee.”
Vale laughed. “I think Darcy’s okay with us going to the pet room now.”
I smiled as I watched Darcy sit in front of the chair Vivienne had claimed, the book Darcy had picked in hand, ready to read to what I hoped was her new girl.
“I think so, too, my love.”
The pet room was full of wild animals, literally. There was no rock wall, though I’d be adding one soon along with a rope area where my monkey and others could swing. Vale stood beside me, taking it all in until a rogue puppy appeared at his feet.
“Hello, pup,” I said, and he barked. “You want to play with my monkey?”
Bark. Bark.
“What do you say, Monkey? Care to entertain the pup?”
Vale’s head bobbed. The pup ran out and came back when Vale hadn’t moved and barked at him.
“Better go, Monkey. I don’t think your new friend cares to wait any longer.”
I watched as the pup led my monkey into the waiting group of new friends. Pups, kittens, another silly ferret, or perhaps the same one from the ship. Now that I thought about it, many of these costumes were familiar so I bet these were old friends Vale didn’t realize he’d made.
The other handlers/Daddies and I gathered, chatting about our pets and come to find out, these were some of the same pets from the cruise. What a wonderful world my monkey and I had come into. Play dates were arranged and before I knew it, the time had come for the club to close for the night.
We gathered in the lobby, exchanging numbers and what not. Darcy joined us and as security locked the door, Vivienne emerged from her office.
“Did everyone have fun tonight?” she asked.
“Yes!” Vale energetically answered, though how he still had any energy at all I’d never know. I was worn out just from watching him. “My new friends are the same ones I played with on the cruise. This is so awesome!”
Vivienne smiled. “I’m so happy to hear that, Little Monkey.”
“Are you ready to go, Darcy?” Vale asked her and Darcy stared wide-eyed up at Vivienne.
“I’ll see to it she gets home safely,” Vivienne smirked.
