Page 40 of Wishes and Research

Ha, I got to say lots and lots and no one would frown at me and say, That’s not proper English.

“You are in a very good mood.” Daddy had a funny smile as he kissed my head.

“I’m funny, Daddy.” And I could tell him I was funny since I didn’t have to be boring. “I don’t tell people that, but you’re not people.”

“I’m not people because I’m Daddy.” He shrugged and sighed as he opened the back of his Jeep. “There are different rules for Daddies and other people.”

“The internet said that.” I was a good boy and turned in a circle so Daddy could take my backpack off. “It said that was supposed to be how it worked, so you knew you were special. It even said that a good Daddy wouldn’t tell me I was being ridiculous.”

Even if other grown-ups wouldn’t understand.

But that was why if I wanted to be boring around other people, I could.

“It had a list and your Daddy stuff was on there.” He was so smart for knowing all the how to be a good Daddy rules. “I’m glad you know all that stuff.”

Having an expert was very important.

Everybody knew that.

“Well, sometimes there will be stuff that we do just because it’s what we want.” Daddy gave me another kiss as I turned all the way around. “So you just have to let me know if we do something that you want to change or talk about.”

“The internet said that too.” It was amazing. “The naughty stuff online is right and not like the doctor website that says you always have cancer.”

How did I not know that?

“I think it’s a secret?” Maybe? “But I figured it out.”

Daddy laughed. “You’re very smart.”

“I am.” And not just about bugs and insects and spiders and— “Oh, I’m thirsty, Daddy.”

And he’d like picking something out for me.

“Yes, that’s next on our plan.” Daddy pretended to look frowny as he pulled the cooler closer. “But I bet you still don’t know what you want.”

“Hmm. That’s a Daddy job.” I was so funny he sighed and looked just as dramatic as the men in the diner and that made me want to laugh.

He huffed and pouted and shook his head as he looked at all the juice he’d brought me. “Just because the internet said so.”

He was so funny.

“It did.” So he was smart too…and trying not to laugh.

“Okay.” Frowning. Big sighs. Hmm, sparkly eyes again? Was it funny? “Orange juice first and then we’ll do lemonade if you’re still thirsty. But I think we’ll be home before you finish with the orange juice.”

Daddies were magic.

Did the internet know that?

I was going to have to look harder.

“How did you know that?” Had I told him? “Did you guess?”

Shrugging, Daddy pulled out my juice and even opened the top. “You were thinking very loudly.”

Did thoughts do that?

I kind of hoped not because I hadn’t been thinking very nice things about the men at the bakery.

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