“I’m teaching Dad how to wash dishes, Mom,” Kael announced, his voice returning to its normal volume.
Nina’s brows lift as she stands.
“Did you like it?” my son asks proudly.
MyLittle Faelooks me up and down, lingering on the dish towel draped over my shoulder. Then she looks at the empty sink, and finally back at Kael.
“I loved it, sweetheart.”
The smile Kael gives her is the most beautiful thing in the world. And when she smiles too—fuck—my heart forgets to beat.
“Did he do a good job?” Kael asks.
Nina’s smile sharpens into a suspicious squint.
“He did,” she answers.
“As a reward, can we have chocolate pie?” Kael asks. “But I don’t want yours, Mom. I want Mrs. Anna’s!”
I cross my arms, holding back a smile. I probably shouldn’t feel proud of him trying to negotiate a reward for washing dishes—but I do.
Nina looks away, purses her lips, then looks back at us.
“You know we have a rule, don’t you?” she says.
My brows knit.
“We can only buy it on payday,” Kael answers, deflating a little.
My mouth opens—but I close it before doing something Nina would definitely disapprove of.
“Exactly.”
“And how long until that?”
“Six days.”
Kael nods in agreement. Then suddenly turns to me.
“When is your payday, Daddy?” he asks.
I could laugh—but I’ll take the victories I can count. I didn’t offer. Nina can’t blame me for my answer.
“Yesterday,” I say.
Kael beams.
“If Mom lets us, we can go buy it.”
***
Kael stares at the display window of the small café in the town center, torn. Alongside his favorite pie, there’s one decorated with Batman’s colors and symbol, and he can’t decide whether he wants the one he came for—or the one that surprised him.
I look at Nina, silently begging her to let me buy both. She’s unmoved. A firm shake of her head. I feel miserable.
I step back from the window and tilt my head, inviting her to join me.
She does, her expression making it clear she’s not open to negotiation.
