Page 140 of The Homemaker

Alice laughs. “Noteveryday. The girls have early out on Wednesdays.” She teases the nape of my neck and stares at my mouth.

I duck my head to kiss her and she pulls away.

“I love you,” I whisper.

“I love you too.”

Again, I try to kiss her. Again, she pulls away.

“You have to say, ‘Hi.’”

We turn our heads toward the soft voice. Sophie peeks her head around the corner. “Say it and mommy will kiss you.”

“Why aren’t you in bed?” Alice asks.

“Because I’m too excited for Cam’s birthday party.” She wedges herself between us, stepping on my toes like her mom used to do as she hugs my legs.

We make a Sophie sandwich and continue to sway to the music.

“Say it, Daddy,” she whispers.

I frame Alice’s face and let my lips hover over hers because I know how much our girls love seeing our affection.

“Say. It.” Sophie’s whisper escalates to a hiss.

Alice grins.

“Hi,” I whisper, then press my lips to hers.