Part 177
It hadn’t been quite a week since they’d become a family but in that time, Jesse hadn’t missed a morning yet. At six every morning, she made her way into their room and crawled into bed with them. This morning was no exception.
Howie heard the door open and he whispered, "Here she comes."
Sarah moved so that Jesse could climb between them. Quietly, she did just that thinking that her parents were still asleep. When she was settled, Howie began tickling her sending her into raucous giggles trying to get away from him.
"Stop…DADDY! STOP!"
"Not until I hear the magic word," laughed Howie.
"PULEEEEZ!"
Howie stopped and leaned to kiss her, his morning stubble tickling her cheek. "Good morning, Princess."
Sarah whispered in Jesse’s ear and she looked up at him, "Happy Birthday, Daddy."
"Thank you, Jess. So, what’s on tap for my two beautiful girls today?"
"Girls’ day out. We’re going shopping while you clowns are in make-up and wardrobe, trying to make yourselves presentable. We’ll be at the studio in time to watch you tape the video."
Jesse announced happily, "We’re gonna get your birthday present."
Howie laughed at Sarah’s scowl and said, "I don’t think Mama wanted me to know that, Princess."
Jesse looked at Sarah, "But Mommy…I didn’t say anything about the cake."
Sarah groaned in exasperation causing Howie to laugh even harder. He hugged Jesse and said, "Thank you, Princess."
Jesse sighed, "Oh Daddy! All you had to do was ask."
Howie kissed her again and then looked at Sarah who was thoroughly disgusted that her surprise had been blown. "Sarah…it’s okay. I already knew about the cake."
"How?"
"There was a message on Kevin’s machine that the cake was ready. You can pick it up at ten."
"Mommy, do I have to go with you?"
"Yes, why?"
"I wanna go with Daddy."
"Not this time, Jess."
Jesse began to pout, "Why can’t I?"
"Princess, I have to work. Mama is gonna bring you by to see me later."
"I don’t care!" she stated crossing her arms over her little chest. "I’M NOT GOING SHOPPING!"
Sarah had had enough and said, "JESSICA PAIGE…STOP IT!"
"Sarah, I could take her with…"
"Please, Daddy," begged Jesse looking up at him with those blue eyes.
"No, Howie. You can’t watch her and do what you have to do with the
video. She’ll go with me like I planned."
Jesse got up and stomped off yelling as she went, "I HATE YOU, MOMMY!"
Sarah lay back sighing. "Damnit! Make me the bad guy, why don’t
you?"
"I’m sorry, Angel. I just thought it would be easier on you. She doesn’t
want to go and she’s gonna make your morning miserable. Why torture BOTH of
you?"
"Because you have to work. Howie…you have to learn to say ‘no’ to her on the IMPORTANT things…not over piddle shit like an ‘Nsync poster."
"Hey…that’s not piddle shit!" protested Howie as he rolled on top of her. "I’ll go talk to her and straighten it out. I have experience with those types of temper tantrums."
"Oh yeah? And just where did you get experience with temper tantrums
thrown by five year olds?"
"From her MOTHER!" he said as he kissed her.
Jumping out of bed to avoid Sarah’s attempt to slap him, Howie headed for the door. He had to duck to avoid being hit by the pillow Sarah threw at him as she said, "YOU’RE MEAN!"
"But I love you," he said winking at her. "Go get ready! Breakfast is at seven."