A Perfect Love Story - Book 9

Summer Vacations

STEF POV

"Francesca Marie Adams, over here. Now! Do not make me cause a scene at this airport because I will young lady," I warn my stubborn and defiant daughter as Frankie, Jude and I have just arrived at San Diego International airport to head to New York.

Honestly, I was rather excited to take the kids on a little vacation, especially since I knew how badly Frankie missed New York, and to see my father along with my brothers, Taylor and Johnny. Maybe I was a tad nervous about seeing Johnny, but the truth was I missed him so very much, possibly even more than my other brothers, because we had always been close as kids regardless of his disabilities. I had not spoken to Taylor in quit some time either, and I was just as nervous to see him, his wife, Laura, and son, Mickey.

Despite my mood which was mixed with both anxiety and excitement, Francesca had been working my last damn nerve ever since we got up at four this morning to leave, and I was two seconds from wailing her behind for that fresh ass mouth of hers. Part of me continued to wonder if this child would ever learn that I was just not the one to fuck around with. But it seemed she'd NEVER learn that and would most likely continue to test my patience no matter how old she got.

"It's Francesca Marie Adams Foster, Mama Dukes. Or do you not want me to have your name since you and Mama are like done?" She sasses as I pull the luggage out of the cab trunk and hand Jude his bag, glaring at Frankie yet again.

"Take your bag and STAND OVER there with your brother. STOP testing me because I am not ABOVE whipping your ass in the airport in front of everyone," I grit my teeth as she takes her bag along with Jude's as I shake my head.

Taking my own bag out and tipping the driver, I place my wallet back in my purse and pull our tickets out to see where our gate would be.

"Can I get a cinnamon bun, Mama D?" Jude asks rather politely as I place my readers on seeing we are at gate 35.

"Sure, babe. Let's check in and find our gate and then I'll get you some breakfast, yes?" I say as he smiles.

"Can I at least get a coffee?" Frankie asks as I look back at her like she's lost her mind, for she was so damn defiant it was unreal.

"No you can't, Francesca. You can have milk, water, or juice."

"Why, so I'm supposed to starve because I'm on punishment?" She mouths off as I turn back to glare at her again.

"Look, I'm not having it anymore today. AT ALL. You are lucky I even let you still come on this damn trip after what you were caught doing with your sister when Mama and I were away in Redding. VERY LUCKY because I could have left your little behind back home scrubbing the floors of the bakery and doing drills with your brother at Uncle Eddie's. SO be careful, I have a soft spot for you in regards to missing NEW YORK which you should be grateful for. But let me tell you, YOU will be in my sight every single second of this trip. EVERY SECOND. Because I don't trust your ass so let's go. DO NOT give me a hard ass time!" I threaten yet again as she glares back at me, and I raise my eyebrow as she lets out a sigh backing down.

"Why don't you just cuff me, Mama?"

"Don't tempt me, child. Let's go," I say as the three of us make our way through the massive airport, and I make sure my kids stay close to me for it is rather large. Jude especially, for I knew this was a rather crowded place for him, but he seemed to be doing okay as we found our gate, and we all headed to grab cinnamon buns.

I order Jude his usual and one for Frankie along with myself and a large coffee. I needed it desperately as I stop at a magazine stand to grab my three morning papers so I can try to relax before this six hour flight because Lord knows I hated flying with a damn passion. Finding a seat by the window I hand my kids their breakfast as I sip my coffee realizing that we still had another hour to kill before we would board our plane.