Emma sat beside the crib and gently brushed the fine blonde hair away from Lily's forehead.
“Just one story, sweetheart.”
Lily looked at the book.
Then at her mother.
Then at her father.
“Daddy read.”
Daniel placed a hand over his chest.
“Me again?”
“Yes.”
Emma sighed dramatically.
“Apparently, I have been replaced in every department.”
Lily reached out and patted her mother's cheek.
“Mama love.”
Emma's expression softened immediately.
“I love you too, baby.”
Daniel opened the book and began reading in a gentle voice.
Lily listened quietly, holding her bunny against her chest.
Halfway through the story, her eyes began to close.
Daniel lowered his voice.
“And the little bunny finally found its way home...”
Lily suddenly opened one eye.
“Daddy?”
“Yes?”
“Kiss.”
He leaned forward and kissed her forehead.
“Mwah.”
She turned toward Emma.
“Mama.”
Emma kissed her other cheek.
“Mwah.”
Lily smiled sleepily.
Then she looked at both of them and stretched out her tiny arms.
“Both.”
Emma and Daniel leaned in together, each giving her a gentle kiss.
“Goodnight, our little boss,” Daniel whispered.
“Sweet dreams, sweetheart,” Emma added.
They thought she had finally fallen asleep.
But just as Daniel stood up, a tiny voice came from beneath the blanket.
“Daddy?”
He turned around.
“Yes, boss?”
“Stay.”
Daniel looked at Emma.
She smiled.
He sat back down beside the crib.
“I'm staying.”
Lily reached one little hand through the crib bars and held his finger.
Her other hand rested against the blanket, where Emma gently placed her palm.
Within minutes, the little girl was fast asleep.
Daniel whispered:
“She really does run this house.”
Emma rested her head against his shoulder.
“Maybe.”
He smiled.
“But I wouldn't change a thing.”
They stood together for another moment, watching their daughter sleep.
The hallway was quiet.
The little white boots were waiting beside the bench for another adventure tomorrow.
And somewhere in the house, two very devoted parents were already preparing to report for duty again.
Because in the Mitchell family, there was only one boss.
And she was barely two years old.
THE END.