Page 33 of Forever Ink

Mouse finally looked up and gave a one shouldered shrug. “I’m not sure. It could be okay, but work and stuff is keeping me pretty busy, and I’ve told Cal I can help watch Alice for him some more to give his mum a break.”

“We understand. But the offer’s there, Mouse. I don’t have to be there if that’s what you’re worried about.” Simon put a plate piled with pancakes down on the rug in front of us, carefully avoiding my animals, and another bowl with cut up fruit and my sippy cup full of juice.

I went to snatch a pancake, but Daddy stopped me. “No baby bear, plates first.”

Well, that was just silly, I could put a big blop of butter and cream on it and fold it over and eat it that way, plates were just going to get in the way. I reached out again and got a warning growl from daddy.

Mouse sat up and grinned. “Time for me to head downstairs. Thanks Rhee, I needed this.” He crawled over and smacked a kiss to my cheek then grinned up at Simon. “You should let Rhee get messy with his food, then you can clean him up.”

I giggled at the thought and Daddy made one of his growly sounds that had Mouse cackling. “Don’t worry, I’ll tell everyone to avoid this end of the house for the next few hours.”

“Cheeky bastard,” Daddy grumbled but Mouse just laughed, jumping up—but not before he stole a pancake.

I looked at the pancakes, trying to decide if I should pinch one like Mouse did. They looked so fluffy and good.

Daddy gave another low warning growl. “Don’t even think about it baby bear. I can’t and won’t put Mouse over my knee, but you, I can and will.”

I tipped my head back at Daddy and gave him a serious look. “Oh I know, Daddy. My bottom still smarts from the last one.”

“So, you’re going to be a good boy and wait for me to get you a plate?” Daddy asked, smiling.

“Are you going to feed me?” I asked eagerly.

Daddy smiled. “Would you like me to?” He moved a couple of the pancakes onto a plate for me.

“Yes, please.” Daddy cut my pancake up into smaller pieces and dipped a slice in syrup.

“Okay baby, open up.” Daddy held the fork to my lips, and I greedily ate the piece of pancake. It was perfect and fluffy with sticky syrup all over it. I smacked my lips together and bounced, wanting Daddy to hurry up with the next piece.

But instead, Daddy handed me a sippy cup with juice. I wrinkled my nose at the flavour, but knew Daddy had views on hot chocolate for breakfast. He was wrong in those views, hot chocolate was an all–the–time drink and I’d have it morning, lunch and dinner if I could, but my arguments that it had milk, so it had to be good for me, didn’t sway Daddy in the slightest.

“Juice, then more pancakes.” Daddy said watching me as I eyed the cup. I held it up and drank it quickly. I wanted more pancakes. “It’s nearly eight. Your grandad should be here in an hour or two. Dad is already downstairs getting the Ribbe ready for tomorrow.” I was going to help him cook today and talk to him and Grandad Joe about my surprise for Daddy. Drat. I was going to have to let go of my little space soon. But this morning had been perfect, so I didn’t mind too much.

“He said I could help him make the glögg and the per—Something.”

“Persetorsk.” Simon said. “Pressed cod. He makes it special for Christmas eve.”

“He said he was going to teach me some recipes, things I could make for us. Is he starting without me?” Panic started to creep in. Had I made Magnus wait? Would he be cross with me?

“Okay, Rhee, I need you to slow your brain down for a minute and listen to me, okay?” Daddy’s voice was a soft rumble, but there was no hiding the gentle command in his tone. I nodded, trying to stop my tumbling thoughts. “We’re going to finish eating breakfast then we’ll get dressed and go downstairs. Dad’s in no hurry. In fact, he told me I should be letting you sleep in.”

“Really?”

“Really. Rhys, Dad loves you, and he wants you to have a special time up here. He doesn’t know much about our lifestyle, but he also doesn’t judge. I told him you needed some time to wake up this morning, and that’s when he told me you needed to sleep in, and I shouldn’t wake you.”

I snorted. “I woke you up.”

“I know, but it doesn’t matter. In Dad’s eyes you can do no wrong, and I agree with him.” Daddy leaned in and brushed a kiss over my sticky lips.

“I think you’re pretty awesome too, Daddy. You’d be super awesome if you gave me more pancakes, though.”

Daddy gave a surprised laugh and pulled the plate closer. “More pancakes for baby bear coming up.”

“As I said, awesome daddy.”

* * *

I could hear voices as I descended the wooden stairs. Simon walked behind me, giving me a gentle push in the direction of the kitchen. Everyone was gathered at the large wooden table, empty plates and cups all stacked neatly by the kitchen sink.

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