"Daddy!" she huffed.
"Oh, right." He laughed, shaking his head. "No pumpkin. Err, what was it again?"
I smiled; I knew what she wanted him to call her just as well as he did. She was on an obscure vegetable kick lately, and she had a new one practically every other day.
"Spaghetti squash." She sighed as she diligently colored. "You remember."
"Spaghetti squash." He ran his hand through his hair. "Where did I get you?"
"From Mommy’s tummy."
"So, what did you want to tell me?" he asked.
"That Grandpa Jack is on his way to get me?"
"Really? What makes you think so?"
"Because when you were on the computer, I called him and told him to come and get me," she said. "I pushed the button that said Dad on your phone."
"Did you?" He laughed. "And what did he say?"
"He’ll be right over," she said. "Can I have that blue crayon?"
"Sure." He kissed her cheek.
I could watch the two of them all day. Alex was perfect with her, and she adored him. Sometimes, he was the only one who could make it all better for her. She was a Daddy’s girl.
"Mama’s home," I said as I stepped out onto the porch.
"Mama!" Alexa screamed as she jumped off the chair and into my arms. "Are you smart now?"
"Yes." I laughed. "I think so." I carried her over to Alex and leaned down to kiss him.
"Hey, beautiful." He kissed me back. "How was the exam?"
"Good," I said. "But, I’m happy it’s finally over."
"You’ve worked really hard, and I’m so proud of you," he said. "I knew you could do it."
"I couldn’t have done it without you."
"Now we get to have the graduation party." Alexa clapped as she squirmed out of my arms. "I’m helping Grandma plan the party."
"Then it’ll be the best party ever," I said as I put her down. "Did you have a good morning?"
"Yes," she said. "But now I have to get ready."
"Oh." I smiled. "Have a date?"
"She does," Jack said as he came through the path that connected the two houses.
"Grandpa!" Alexa ran toward him and jumped into his arms.
He spun her around and gave her a tight hug. "Miss me?"
"Yes," she said. "What took you so long?"
"I had to take a call from Aunt Brenna’s doctor," he said. "But I’m here now, and Grandma is waiting for you. I hear you two are busy spending my money."
