We can read his emotions now. Before, no matter what he was feeling, his face stayed stoic and unreadable.
Right now, his eyes are on Max.
And he’s smiling.
Just a little.
But it says more than words ever could.
“Ultimately, it’s not my decision,” Max tells his daughter. “You’ll have to take that up with the big man.”
“God?” Bree asks, eyes wide with wonder.
We all laugh, which only makes her smile.
“No, darling,” Lila says. “Uncle Spike.”
“Oh,” she says. “Phew. That was close.”
“Why’s that?” I ask her.
“Because,” Bree says very seriously, pressing a hand to her chest, “I already asked God for a unicorn. I didn’t want to bother him again so soon.”
“Wise planning,”Micah says.
Max snorts. Lila bursts out laughing, bending at the waist.
“That’s fair,” I tell her solemnly. “You don’t want to overwhelm him.”
Bree nods, clearly relieved. “Exactly. Uncle Spike is much easier to talk to.”
“And much scarier,” someone adds.
Bree shrugs. “Only if you’re in trouble.”
Her eyes flick toward the men gathered nearby…specifically Skip
“I’m not like you, Uncle Skip,” Bree adds quickly. “I never do things that make Uncle Spike mad. So I think we’re good.”
We all laugh again.
“Uncle Spike, if we can have a swing, I promise I’ll push you when it’s your turn,” she says sweetly.
“I don’t think a swing is a very good idea,” Spike tells her, earning an immediate pout. “It would get boring swinging all the time. How about we put in an entire park instead? That way, there’s always something to do.”
Her eyes light up. “A slide too?” she asks, bouncing on her toes.
“Wouldn’t be much fun without one,” he smiles. “We’ll need a baby swing for Asher as well. He’s way too little for the big swings.”
She nods solemnly, taking this responsibility very seriously.
“And,” Spike adds, pointing at her, “I’m holding you to your promise of pushing me when it’s my turn.”
“Deal,” she says, thrusting out her hand.
“Deal,” he agrees, shaking it and sealing the bargain.
Watching them, I can’t help but smile.
