Everything was peaceful until Daniel heard a tiny voice.
“Daddy?”
“Yes, sweetheart?”
“Up!”
He picked her up and carried her toward the sofa.
Lily rested her head against his shoulder, holding her bunny tightly.
Daniel kissed the top of her head.
“Are you sleepy?”
She shook her head.
“Mommy?”
“Mommy is getting ready.”
Lily immediately lifted her head.
“Mommy!”
“She's coming, baby.”
But Lily wasn't convinced.
She pointed toward the staircase.
“Go!”
Daniel smiled.
“You want to go find Mommy?”
“Yes!”
He carried her upstairs.
When they reached the bedroom, Emma was standing in front of the mirror, brushing her long blonde hair.
Lily spotted her mother and stretched out both arms.
“Mama!”
Emma turned around.
“There's my little girl!”
She reached out to take her, but Lily suddenly wrapped both arms around Daniel's neck.
“No!”
Emma stopped.
“Excuse me?”
Lily looked at her mother, then pointed at Daniel.
“Daddy.”
Daniel tried not to laugh.
“Apparently, I'm still the preferred employee.”
Emma crossed her arms dramatically.
“Fine. I see how it is.”
She turned away and pretended to leave.
Lily immediately became concerned.
“Mama?”
Emma stopped.
“Yes?”
Lily reached toward her.
“Mama, come!”
Emma turned back with a huge smile.
“Oh, now you need me?”
Lily nodded eagerly.
Emma leaned forward and kissed her cheek.
But just as she did, Lily reached one tiny hand toward Daniel, making sure he stayed close.
Daniel chuckled.
“What's this? You want both of us?”
Lily nodded.
“Both!”
Emma and Daniel looked at each other.
Their little girl had apparently decided that neither parent was allowed to leave her personal security team.
Daniel kissed her forehead.
“Don't worry, boss. We're both here.”
Lily smiled and rested her head between their shoulders.
For a few quiet seconds, the three of them stood together.
Then Lily suddenly pointed toward the hallway.
“Snack!”
Daniel sighed playfully.
“Back to work.”
CHAPTER 4 – The Great Family Kiss Attack
By late afternoon, the family returned home from Grandma's house.
Lily was still full of energy, despite having spent most of the car ride singing to herself and demanding that Daniel hold her stuffed bunny.