“So,” Dennis continues. “Be spontaneous for a change.”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” I mutter.
He claps me on the shoulder. “You do that while I babysit Ronnie on New Year’s Eve.”
My daughter chooses that moment to pay attention, squealing at her grand-uncle’s meddling. “Can we have a slumber party?”
“That’s the idea. I’ll be sure there are extra snacks and crafts to keep us busy. Bring the dogs along for the fun,” Dennis says.
Ronnie cheers loudly, managing to steal the spotlight over the crowd’s noise. “Yay! We’re gonna have the bestest time. Darla and Dottie looooove to stay up super late watching movies.”
“With those two pups in charge, we might never go to bed.”
My little girl giggles. “That’s okay. Just don’t tell Daddy.”
“It’ll be our secret.” How this cheerful man is related to my surly father remains a mystery.
“I appreciate the offer, but it’s not necessary.” There I go, dumping a cold bucket of water on their excitement.
“Nonsense.” Dennis swats my argument away. “This will allow you to let loose. Release your inhibitions. Dance the night away with a certain redhead. Whatever tickles your fancy.”
“Oh, oh!” Ronnie leaps off her chair. “You can take Frannie on a date. Just like you used to do with Mommy. Make sure you buy her pretty flowers.”
“What a great idea,” Dennis praises as his primary focus takes shape.
Pressure settles on my shoulders. “I doubt Frankie likes flowers.”
My little girl scoffs. “How do you know?”
“She’s not the traditionally romantic type,” I defend.
“Plan something more unexpected,” Dennis suggests.
Ronnie gasps. “Get her a knife! She loooooves knives. Can I have a knife, Daddy? Frannie told me to ask you.”
“Nobody is getting a knife,” I state evenly. That woman is going to be the death of my sanity. “And I’m not going on a date with Frankie.”
My daughter’s broad grin wobbles at the edges. “Why not?”
“She’s your nanny,” I say as if that will settle this dispute.
Ronnie immediately dashes those strands of hope. “She’s a superhero too! If you’re nice, maybe she’ll let you ride her motorcycle. It goes really fast. Like a rocket ship.”
“I’ll stick to horses. They’re more my speed.”
She blinks at me. “Horses can pull a sleigh in the snow.”
“That’s right,” I agree with her random thought.
“Just like Sven inFrozen. Anna and Kristoff were together in his sled. You can do that with Frannie on a date!” The connection she makes is baffling.
I’d be more impressed if it wasn’t at my expense. “How about I take you on a sleigh ride?”
“No, thanks.”
A sharp snort flies free, offended by her brashness. “We could try—”
“I want you to go with Frannie.” There’s an edge of finality in her voice that dares me to argue.