I’m totally at her mercy.
“Don’t believe me?” Ruby sings, popping the plate in the appliance and pressing a button.
Lillie’s right behind her. “Ask the dishes!”
Ruby holds her hand while Lillie turns, and a smile splits my cheeks. “What’s going on in here?”
“Daddy!” Lillie screams and runs to where I’m standing, leaping into my arms. “Ruby’s making me pigs in blankets! Only they’re not really pigs. They’re little bitty hot dogs!”
She’s so excited, she’s bouncing on my waist, and I look over at Ruby. She blinks down, and her cheeks flush. I’m not sure if it’s me or all the dancing.
“It’s crescent rolls around cocktail weenies. I hope that’s okay.” She looks up at me, and her eyes are so bright.
“I think it sounds great. Are there enough for me?”
Her expression melts into a genuine laugh, and I’m a goner. “I think so. I’ve got baby carrots to go with them.”
She holds up a bowl with carrots and another with ranch dressing.
“My favorite.”
A minute passes, the microwave beeps, and I’m at the table with my daughter, crunching carrots and hearing all about her day.
“Then Louie said girls couldn’t play with toy soldiers. Only boys could, and I said that’s stupid. Hasn’t he seenMulan?”
Lillie hasn’t stopped talking, lifting a small hot dog and pulling the crescent roll off it. “Look, Daddy. My pig lost his blanket.” She starts giggling, and I grin, smoothing a hand down her head.
Ruby isn’t with us. I noticed when we sat down, she slipped out of the room. I don’t know where she went, and it bothers me she’s not here.
“Wrap him up again.” I kiss her head. “I’ll be right back.”
The living room is empty as is Lillie’s playroom. I’m about to jog up the stairs when I see her outside the back doors, standing on the patio.
When I step through the open door, she seems startled. “I’m sorry. Is lunch over?”
“Not quite. Don’t you want some pigs in blankets? Did I eat your lunch?”
Her cute nose wrinkles. “I had a late breakfast. I’m good. By the way, having lunch with your daughter pretty much confirms you’re not a distant or detached father.”
“It’s something I try to do every day. You’re welcome to join us.”
“I think it’s better if you have that time with her.” She tilts her head and gives me a little smile. “She gets you all to herself.”
I don’t know why that pleases me so much. Still… “What are you doing?”
“Would it be okay if we set up easels out here?” She gestures toward the lake. A bridge arches over one end, and cranes stand beneath it. “That’s a really nice scene. I’d like to try painting with Lillie.”
“Do you paint?”
“Just for fun.” She shrugs, seeming embarrassed.
“I think it’s great. I’d love you to give Lillie art lessons.”
“Okay.” She starts for the door, and I catch her hand. Her eyes fly to mine, startled, and I release her. “Sorry. I just wanted to say I think you’re doing a great job with her. I hope you like it here.”
Her shoulders relax, and she smiles. “I do. I like it very much. More than I thought I would.”
“Daddy?” Lillie’s voice is serious. “I finished my lunch. I think you’d better finish yours and get back to work.”
