"I'll make cupcakes with daddy too." Alex grinned up at her, his hands covered in flour.
Heather sighed dramatically. "And I'll miss that?"
Alex nodded eagerly.
She smiled, running her fingers through his soft hair. She planted a gentle kiss on his forehead. "I wish I could stay. But I really have to go. You'll save me one, right?"
"Two!" he declared with full sincerity.
Heather laughed. "Even better."
She turned toward the door, her fingers already brushing the handle and twisting it. But before she could take a step, Alex called out again.
"Aren't you going to kiss Daddy too?"
Heather stopped mid-stride.
She paused.
A too-long pause.
Then she turned back slowly, her expression schooled into a light and practiced smile. "He doesn't like kisses. Isn't that right, Caius?" Her tone was sweet, but her stare—that was a command.
But Caius, of course, disobeyed.
"I don't mind," he said smoothly, glancing at Alex with a wink.
Heather's smile stiffened.
