My Best Friend's Girl

31. Daddy Daughter Day

Joe's POV

Today I was having a Daddy Daughter Day. Dianne had to go back to work unfortunately. So I had the day off, and the pleasure of looking after little jelly bean.

Dianne had left pretty early this morning, as she had meetings and an interview for one of the biggest dancing shows on TV. Strictly Come Dancing. She had been asked to take part in this year's, 2017's, series of the show and of course it was a massive opportunity for her. If she did take part it would mean long hours over five/six days a week, but I'd be immensely proud of her. It would be a struggle with two kids. But we'd make it work. The new series starts in September, and our wedding is in June, so she would be known as Dianne Sugg before the new series starts. Which was exciting. For me and for her.

It was late for Dianne to get this interview as someone had dropped out, and Dianne hadn't be picked originally during her first interview. Not because they didn't want her, but because they had to narrow it down to three, and as much as they fought for Dianne to be one. The big boss, Aaron, chose the other girl. But, turns out, due to her lying, she had to leave. So Dianne was given another chance.

I had been up with Esme since 5AM because as soon as Dianne left, she decided to wake up and not go back down. So here I was.

I couldn't believe my little girl was now eight months old. She was growing so quickly, and I couldn't be more proud and privileged to watch her grow up.

////
I'd made Esme and myself some breakfast, before I placed her down on the floor and started to crawl over to her toys.

I heard giggling, so turned my head to see she had a bucket on her head.

"What are you doing, silly munchkin?" I chuckle, as she takes the bucket off, and repeats for about five minutes before getting bored. The little things babies find entertaining fascinates me.

"Shit." I whisper, hearing a thud as Esme's cry could be heard. She had faceplanted the floor, when she rolled over. I picked her up and started to rock her back and forth, stroking her hair to calm her down. "Alright princess, Daddy's here. You're okay." I soothe, rubbing her back. "hey let's play your favourite game." I say, sitting on the floor with her. I lay her on my stomach, as I start to blow bubbles on her belly. Her loud, infectious and adorable laugh echoed through the living room. "that's better baba, see your okay, silly munchkin." I coo, as I throw her into the air, catching her everytime.

It was the little moments like this that I treasured the most.

////

Around two hours later, once Esme had finished playing, she was now unsettled and bored. So I took her to the park to see the ducks. She was talking to herself, in her own baby language which was adorable. I smile to myself, as I'm sat down on the bench at the local park as Esme is facing the direction of the pond with the ducks in. She was laughing away to herself which was the most cutest thing I'd ever heard.

A little while later, I turn Esme round to face me, as I hand her her bottle. I still couldn't grasp the fact she can hold it on her own now. She's too grown up.

I start to walk back home with her, as she babbles to herself causing me to smile.

Once home, I take Esme out of her pushchair and lay on the floor with her. I start being silly and roll around on the floor, making her laugh.
"Is your Daddy silly, hey?" I chuckle.
"Dada." She smiles, catching me off guard.
"No. You didn't." I smile, with a slight tear in my eye.
I roll closer to her, and sit her on my knee. "Hey Es, who's that?" I point to me, as Esme strokes my cheek.
"Dada." She repeats, clapping her hands excitedly.
"Oh my goodness." I whisper. "clever girl." I say, grabbing my phone as I text Dianne.

Guess what Esme has just said I text.
Oh my goodness, what Joe? Dianne texts back.
She has only gone and said Dada I can feel my lips turning up into a smile again.
Oh my god, Joe. And I missed it She sounded sad, bless her.
Hey its okay Di, I'm sure she'll say it again later. Don't worry, okay?

My phone pings,
Yeah I guess your right. Anyway. I've got some exciting news to tell you. I'm just getting an Uber now, I won't be long. Love you, and I'll see you soon xxxx

Oh I'm intrigued now. I wonder if she got the gig.

////
About twenty-five minutes later, I hear Dianne's key in the lock.

"Hi, love." I smile as she places her keys down on the table, as I automatically wrap my arms around her waist, and kiss her forehead.
"Hey." She smiles, standing on her tiptoes to kiss my lips.
"How did today go?" I ask.
"Really well. So well in fact, I got offered the gig. Joe. I'm going on Strictly." Dianne beams.
"Baby, I'm so proud of you gorgeous. I knew you could do it." I beam. Proud was an understatement.
"Thanks Joey. I'm so excited. I can't believe it." She cries, as happy tears roll down her cheeks.
I wipe them away as she places her head on my shoulder.
"Dada." I hear Esme cry.
"Joe." Dianne beams.
"Sounds like someone is awake and wants to say well done to Mummy." I say, as I smile, Dianne not leaving my side.

"Honestly though Di, I couldn't be anymore proud of you. Well I could, but my insides would burst." I say, as we approached Esme's room.
Dianne giggles, burying her head in my chest. "I love you." She smiles.

"And I love you, too." I beam, my heart bursting with pride.