“You haven’t seen the half of it yet,” I warn her.
She takes a bite of scrambled eggs with the spork and moans. She even tips her head back as if my eggs are orgasmic.
I fist her hair and pull so she’s looking up at me. “If you make that noise while you eat, I’m not likely to let you have clothes next time.”
Another giggle. “Maybe put your hairdressing skills to work while I stuff my face. I’m starving.”
“You should be. You ate almost nothing yesterday.”
“I feel slightly more human today. As long as I don’t go too far into my head.” Her voice dips at the end, and I know she’s thinking about her father.
I wrap my arms around her from behind and kiss her ear. “I’m sorry, Baby. I know you’re hurting.”
She sniffles. “Tell me something happy, so I can eat.”
I release her, sit on the stool next to her, and lean against my elbow. “Let’s see. Do you like to color?”
She narrows her gaze at me. “Who doesn’t?”
“I don’t know. Crazy people, I guess.” I grin.
“You saying you have some supplies?”
“Oh, Baby, I have all the supplies. I’ll show you after you eat.” I nod toward her food. “Do you want a bib over your white sweater?”
She hesitates, staring at me. Her spork is in her fist, frozen in midair. “Do you have one?”
“Why do you keep doubting me?” I tease. I stand and head for one of the kitchen drawers. When I return, I’m holding a large pink bib, the kind that’s made from a dishtowel, with a hole cut out and Velcro on one side. I place it around my girl’s neck and fasten it.
After once again kissing her temple because I can’t help myself, I head for the bathroom for hair supplies. “Be right back, sweetheart.”
Chapter Twelve
Mace
* * *
While Autumn eats everything on her plate, I divide her hair into two sections and plait it into braids behind her ears. She reaches up to stroke them when I finish.
Twisting around, she smiles at me. “I can’t believe you know how to braid hair.”
“I wouldn’t be a very good Daddy if I couldn’t at least manage a few important hairstyles.”
“So you’re not going to be able to give me a fancy updo for a charity event or anything?”
“Not a chance, but I bet I could do pigtails if you wanted them someday.” I pull her off the stool into my arms, letting her slide down to her feet. With my hands at the small of her back, I meet her gaze. It’s time to introduce her to the playroom.
“I need to touch base with my team in Indianapolis. Would you like to color while I do so?”
“Can I color next to you and eavesdrop?”
“No, you may not, naughty girl. You’ll let me gather information and deliver it to you in a way that won’t cause you to panic.”
“But you won’t keep things from me, right?” She narrows her eyes.
“Autumn, I can’t guarantee I will tell you every single detail. You don’t need to know things that might give you nightmares for no good reason. There may be some facts that I choose to keep to myself. I might reserve other details for another time. Please trust me to know what’s best.”
She sighs. “Okay.”