She knelt to Fiona and gave her a once-over. “Hey, Fiona. Hi, Annie.”
The girls sat together, knees dangling and their hair covered by a shower cap filled with what appeared to be Miracle Whip.
“I tried the barrettes, too,” Annie said.
“How much gum did each of you end up with tangled in your hair?” Ethan asked.
“Not even a lot,” Mom dodged in that special way of hers. “We’re working it out, and it’s looking good.”
“Do I have to come home?” Fiona full court whined.
“I don’t want to go home, either,” Annie announced.
“I thought I got to stay at Gramma and Grandpa’s?” Fiona said. “You said I got to spend the night!”
If it was possible for a little girl to stomp her foot while dangling her feet, she would’ve done it.
“I want a sleepover, too,” Annie said, eyes on Ethan.
“What muscle, exactly, do you think she sprained?” Emmaline asked her mom, because if she was going to leave Fiona there for the night—everything that happened notwithstanding—she should probably ensure that the child didn’t need an x-ray or anything along those lines.
“Oh, gosh.” Mom fluttered around, lifting Fiona’s arm, and pressing the bag of peas to her elbow. “Just a little tap to the funny bone. She’ll be right as rain tomorrow. Kids are pretty bendy like that. And we’d love Annie to stay, too.”
“Please, can I stay?” Fiona asked, practically begging.
“Me, too!” Annie added.
“I…uh…” Emmaline glanced at Ethan.
“I’m okay with it,” Ethan said. “If Em is, too.”
“Mooom,” Fiona used her special super nails-on-chalkboard tone.
“Oh, gosh, c’mon, Em,” Mom said. “The girls were looking forward to the sleepover. I promise we’ll wrap them in bubble wrap. Not to worry, we’re also done with the gum and piano portion of the night.”
Emmaline pursed her lips. “Fiona, no more using your feet for things meant for your hands.”
Fiona nodded. “I promise.”
“That goes for you, too, Annie,” Ethan added.
“And no more sticky things near your head,” Em continued down the list.
Fiona nodded again. “Double promise.”
Annie agreed as well.
“And do not eat things that aren’t meant for eating. Agreed?” Em kept going.
“Triple promise.” Fiona made wide eyes at Emmaline like she was the one embarrassing everyone.
“I promise, too,” Annie said.
Fine. Then Emmaline would just go back home. By herself.
“I’ll see you tomorrow.” Emmaline sighed and pressed a kiss to Fiona’s forehead, below the Miracle Whip line.
Chapter Seventeen
