“I’m glad,” he said, lifting her easily into his arms. “What did you learn today?”
“We learned about butterflies and then we made paper butterflies,” Palmer said. “And Heather spilled glue everywhere, but it’s okay because accidents happen.”
Her words made his heart soar. “That’s right, baby. Accidents happen.”
“It was very sticky.”
“Did you help her clean up the mess?”
Palmer’s eyes grew comically wide. “No. I just offered emotional support.”
Beau laughed. “That’s fair.”
“I also learned a new cow fact!”
It seemed she learned a new cow fact every hour since they’d visited the petting zoo.
“Oh, wow! A new one! What did you learn this time?”
“That highland cows can live up to twenty years. That’s longer than any other breed of cows!”
“That’s a happy thought, isn’t it?”
“Yes, Sir.”
Beau held her close as they walked down the busy hallway.
“Daddy?”
“Yeah, pretty baby?”
“Can we get ice cream today?”
Beau glanced over. “Ice cream?”
She shrugged. “I’ve really been wanting to go to the ice cream bar in the cafe, but I’ve been too scared. I think it’s time for me to be brave about it now.”
He grinned. “I think we can manage that.”
Palmer smiled. “Yay!”
“Yay!” he repeated, delighted that her Little one was coming out to play.
He kissed her forehead before setting her on her feet and taking her hand. “Was Allysa good in class today?”
“Well,” Palmer said, tapping her chin. “She might have said a bad word.”
“Well, that would be very naughty,” Beau said.
“Would you be mad at her?”
“No, pretty baby. She made a mistake and I would have to discipline her, but I wouldn’t be mad.”
“How would you discipline her?” Palmer asked, nervously.
“I think the appropriate punishment for saying ugly words would be to put some soap on her pacifier. When your mouth says dirty words, we have to clean it,” he explained gently.
“Gross,” she shivered. “Then what would happen to Allysa?”