She giggles.
"Did you have fun today?" he asks.
"Best party ever," she says. "Except Dex cheated at red light, green light."
"That sounds on brand," Gabriel says.
"And Daisy won hockey."
"Also believable."
I smooth Maddie's blanket down over her legs.
"Try not to stay up all night reliving your athletic achievements," I say.
"No promises," she replies.
I start to step toward the door.
"Night," I say.
"Night," Maddie says.
I close the door behind me leaving the two of them alone for story time.
Downstairs the house feels very quiet after the earlier party.
I start loading the dishwasher.
A few minutes later I hear them talking upstairs.
Her voice carries down the hallway.
"Daddy?"
"Yeah kiddo?"
"Can I ask you something?"
I pause with a plate in my hand.
"Sure," Gabriel says.
"Do you love Natalie?"
Silence.
I don't move.
Upstairs Gabriel doesn't answer.
"Natalie didn't answer," Maddie says.
My heart skips.
A beat passes.
"She looked scared. Like when Daisy thinks she's in trouble."
