Page 20 of Daddy’s Little Secret

“One day, Sammy, the little kitten was bored. His mother was off resting in a beam of sunlight while his siblings napped alongside her. Sammy wasn’t much for naps, he was far too adventurous. Sammy’s idea of fun was romping through the dandelions in the back yard, fighting evil, and rescuing the prince. Sammy didn’t live in a world of reality, no. His head was always in the clouds, dreaming up his next adventure.”

“I love Sammy, Daddy, he’s so brave.”

“Yes, but there is a fine line between bravery and not too bright. Hopefully Sammy doesn’t cross it.”

“No, Daddy, that would be scary.” Trey shivered, imagining it, then switched sides. I was one lucky Daddy to have such a brave little helper by my side.

“Today,” yawn, “Sammy was off to battle the high seas.” Yawn. “Their owner left the sprinklers on, and there was a puddle calling his name.”

“I thought kitties didn’t like water, Daddy.”

“I guess there are some that do.” Yawn. “Daddy’s getting sleepy, Angel.”

Yawn. “Me too. Nappy time? Finish Sammy later?”

“An afternoon nap sounds perfect to me, Angel.” I set the book on the nightstand, curled up with my boy, and we enjoyed our own afternoon nap in a beam of sunlight. Mostly because I was too lazy to get up and shut the curtains.

9

“Are we there yet?”

“Angel, we only left home an hour ago. We would’ve been on the road sooner if you and Tae hadn’t been so silly.”

“We weren’t being silly. It was hard to say goodbye.”

“We’ll only be gone for three days. It’s not like we’re moving away. How in the world did you handle us moving up here and not seeing him for those first couple months?”

“I dunno.” I shrugged. “He’s my best friend.”

“Yes, and you’ll see him in three days. Unless you want to cancel Vegas and go back home? Then you won’t miss him.”

“Noooooo, Daddy. I want to go to Vegas. It’s gonna be so much fun. I’ll ride the merry-go-round, and play games, and win lots of new stuffies. Oh, and candy. I want to get lots of candy from the candy stores.”

“Did a bit of Vegas internet searches, I take it?”

“Yup. They have sooooo many candy stores. It’s like candy heaven.”

“Great,” Daddy sighed. “Do you want to stop for lunch on the way or eat there after we drop our luggage off at the room.”

“Eat there. They have all kinds of food, did you know that?”

“I had an idea there would be an overwhelming selection.”

“Are we getting married there, Daddy?” The tires squealed when Daddy swerved. “Oopsie.”

“What in the world makes you think we’re getting married there?”

“I dunno. Internet said lots of people do, and Tae said he wouldn’t be surprised if we did.”

“My brother is in dire need of a noogie. Remind me to thank him for that minor heart attack.”

“You don’t want to marry me, Daddy?” My Little was far more brazen than I was. He didn’t hold back at all.

“Of course I do, but running off and doing it in Vegas will hurt our family. Imagine how sad your grandmother would be if she wasn’t there. We should plan something at the cabins, like what Chuck and Tae did but outside, surrounded by the gorgeous forest we now call home.”

“Ooohhh, I like that. And our kitties can be there then.” I wondered if I could get a pretty dress for Sabrina to wear. “When do you want to do it?”

“Shouldn’t Daddy ask you properly first?”