Neither parent realized that this was only the beginning of her management career.
CHAPTER 2 – The Breakfast Negotiation
By 8:45, the family had moved into the kitchen.
Daniel was making pancakes while Emma prepared strawberries and poured milk into Lily's little pink cup.
Lily sat in her high chair, watching everything with the concentration of a restaurant inspector.
Daniel placed a small pancake on her plate.
“Breakfast is served, Princess.”
Lily looked at the pancake.
Then she looked at her father.
Then she looked at the strawberries.
“Strawberry.”
Daniel nodded.
“Of course. Would you like some strawberries?”
“Yes.”
He placed three strawberry slices beside her pancake.
Lily studied the plate.
“One more.”
Emma laughed.
“Sweetheart, you already have three.”
Lily held up four tiny fingers, although she wasn't entirely sure how many she was showing.
“More!”
Daniel immediately reached for another strawberry.
Emma gave him a look.
“Daniel, don't encourage her.”
He shrugged.
“I'm negotiating with management.”
Lily accepted the extra strawberry and smiled.
But when Daniel offered her a bite of pancake, she turned her head.
“No.”
“Not hungry?”
“No.”
He offered another piece.
Lily pushed it gently away.
Emma leaned closer.
“What's wrong, baby?”
Lily pointed at Daniel's plate.
“Daddy.”
Daniel looked down.
“You want Daddy's pancake?”
Lily nodded.
He laughed.
“You have the exact same pancake!”
But Lily was already stretching her little hand toward his plate.
Daniel finally gave her a small piece.
She took one bite, chewed thoughtfully, and smiled.
Emma raised an eyebrow.
“So that's how it works. Daddy's food tastes better.”
Daniel leaned toward his daughter.
“That's because Daddy's food comes with extra love.”
Lily reached out and patted his cheek.
“Love.”
Daniel froze.
His smile softened.
“Did you just say love?”
Lily nodded, then immediately pointed at his plate again.
“More.”
Emma burst out laughing.
“Congratulations. You've just been emotionally manipulated by someone who can't even pronounce your name.”
Daniel handed her another piece.
“Worth it.”
CHAPTER 3 – The World's Smallest Bodyguard
After breakfast, Emma went upstairs to get ready.
Daniel stayed in the living room with Lily, who was busy playing with her stuffed bunny.