“It sure is, Daddy,” she agreed. “Tea?”
“Yes, please.” He picked up a cup and held it up. She poked her tongue out as she carefully poured some tea for him.
“Everything okay, Daddy?” she asked, studying him.
“Of course it is, baby girl.” And if it wasn’t, he still probably wouldn’t worry her. At least not while she was in Little mode. She deserved some carefree time to play.
They drank tea then played with the Barbies until it was time for him to cook dinner. He picked up a coloring book and some crayons, carrying them out to the kitchen while Sunny skipped behind him, holding Moody’s hand and swinging him back and forth.
“Here you go, baby girl. You sit up here and color while I make some dinner.” He lifted her onto a stool at the kitchen counter.
“Okie-dokie,” she said in a cheerful voice, swinging her legs back and forth and looking so carefree his chest actually ached. He loved that he could give her this.
She tapped at her chin, giving him a mischievous look. “I’d rather play with some playdough, though. Think you could make me some?”
“That would be a no,” he growled. “And I seem to recall buying you playdough in every possible color.”
“But it’s so much more special when you make it for me, Daddy,” she wheedled.
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He snatched up a wooden spoon and waved it at her. “Do I need to bring this over here and spank the sass out of you, little rebel?”
Her eyes widened and she gave him an innocent look. “Daddy, I was just talking to you about playdough, no need to get so grouchy.”
She attempted to keep a smile from her face but failed.
“Do your coloring, brat.”
She picked up a crayon as he started on dinner. He glanced over at her picture as he finished plating up their food. He had to smile as he saw the giant mess she’d made. She had drawn out of the lines; everything was the wrong color and it made him absurdly happy.
She grinned up at him. “What do you think, Daddy?”
“I think it’s a masterpiece! Let’s put it on the fridge where everyone can see it.” He carefully ripped it from the book and secured it to the front of the fridge. She wrapped her arms around his waist, pressing her face to his chest.
“You really like it, Daddy?”
“Baby girl, you did a great job. Come on, dinner time.”
He led her back to the counter and lifted onto the stool. He should probably get a proper table and chairs.
She clapped her hands as she stared down at her plate. He’d bought it for her yesterday. It was an elephant with several sections so different foods didn’t have to touch each other.
“Yay, veggies!” she said, spearing a piece of broccoli and chewing on it enthusiastically.
He shook his head. She was so weird.
But cute. Definitely cute.
He ate his chicken stir fry, watching her indulgently as she sat Moody up and pretended to feed him bits of food.
“Moody has had enough. Time for Sunny to eat some more.” He pointed at her food with his fork. He still didn’t think she ate enough. Her asshole ex had a lot to answer for.
“Okie-dokie, Daddy. Moody needs to have his face washed, though. He’s a very messy eater.”
He nodded solemnly. “Very true.” And so could Sunny.
After they’d both finished eating, he stood and grabbed some wipes, cleaning her hands and face. “There we go, all clean.”