Page 11

I stopped in the doorway.

He glanced up. “Good morning, sweetheart.”

I looked at the cake. “Please tell me that isn’t breakfast.”

“It isn’t. I already ate breakfast.”

Dad smiled as I walked over and picked up the plate.

“Samantha.”

“Your cholesterol was high at your last physical, and somehow everyone in this house has decided that means you should eat cake for breakfast.”

He leaned back in his chair. “I have a feeling Elena gave you more information about my last physical than she was authorized to.”

I carried the plate into the kitchen. Elena stood at the island slicing fruit, and the second she saw the cake in my hand, she smiled.

“I only gave him a small piece.”

“You’re supposed to be helping me keep him healthy.”

“He already had an egg-white omelet and fruit.”

“Then he didn’t need this.”

Dad followed me into the kitchen, still carrying his coffee.

“I’m perfectly capable of deciding when I need dessert.”

I set the cake on the counter and looked at Elena. “Just watch the sugar and red meat for me. His doctor already told him to.”

“I will.”

Dad sighed. “You two do realize I’m standing right here.”

“Good, you need to hear this.”

He shook his head and sat at the island. I stole a strawberry from the cutting board and leaned against the counter.

Dad watched me for a moment. “Don’t you have class this morning?”

“At eleven. I wanted to stop by first.”

“To confiscate my food?”

“To see you.”

His expression softened. “Well, you could have started with that.”

“I knew you’d get sentimental.”

“I’m allowed. I’m your father.”

I smiled and reached for another strawberry.

“How much longer do you have before graduation?” he asked.

“Not much longer. A few classes, finals, my final project, and then I’m done.”