Page 22 of The Captain's Little Girl

“Perfect.” Mark kissed the top of her head and grabbed the eggs from the fridge.

She watched him crack a half dozen into a bowl and whisk them together with a fork before giving them a sprinkle of pepper and salt and pouring them into a skillet. Within a few minutes, he had them expertly scrambled and loaded into a large bowl that he brought to the table.

“I can’t eat that much,” she protested.

“We’ll work on it together. Bite,” he directed, lifting a morsel to her lips. When Cricket reached for the fork, he pulled it away. “Daddy’s job.”

Opening her mouth, Cricket allowed Mark to feed her. They were light and fluffy. “That’s good,” she complimented with her mouth full.

“Swallow first, baby girl. I don’t want you to choke. I’m glad you like them. Always tell me if you prefer something done another way.”

“No, I like them just like this. I hate slimy scrambled eggs.”

“Me, too. Have another bite.” Mark fed her again before taking a bite himself. “Mmm. These are good.”

“What’s your schedule today, Daddy?” she asked, loving using the title.

“I’ll have to leave in about thirty minutes. Unfortunately, I’ll be busy all day. Are you working tonight?”

“Yes.” Cricket frowned.

“We have a lifetime together, Cricket,” he reassured her.

Slowly, she nodded. A flash of worry zinged through her mind. His job was so dangerous.

“I’ll always move mountains to come home to you, Cricket,” Mark promised, watching her face carefully.

“I worry about you.”

“There aren’t any guarantees in life, little girl. I could walk across the street on base and get smooshed by a runaway tank. Each man on my team has someone special to come home to. That’s why we train so hard—to give ourselves the edge we need over our opponents. Now, push those worried thoughts out of your mind and let’s enjoy our breakfast. Take a drink of milk,” he instructed.

Cricket lifted the glass and took a big drink to please him. Not too bad. Maybe she could get used to drinking milk.

“Good girl.”

His praise made her feel good inside. She wanted to make him proud of her. Cricket vowed to be the best little girl ever.

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