Page 16 of Noble Expectations

“Yes, I did, thank you.”

“Daddy, Alex is a much better reader than you are. She does way more voices. Her man voices don’t sound as good as your woman voices, but she does way better kid voices.”

Oh, how the humbling honesty of the very young keeps our egos in check.

“You must be enjoying your story very much, then.”

“I am, but I think if you and Alex read to me together where you do all the man voices and she does the woman and kid voices, it would probably be the best thing ever.”

Alex shoots me a big grin. “I’m game if you are.”

“First, I need tea. And now that I’m rested, I must give in to my curiosity. What was in all those boxes, Poppet?”

“This book. It’s calledNo Place for Ponies. Alex brought all her pony books from when she was a little girl like me. And she brought games and puzzles and colouring books and paints, and so many fun things.”

I can’t say everything went perfectly smoothly. But Alex was gentle but firm with her boundaries on the few occasions Pippa tested them. By the end of our weekend, Pippa and Alex were besotted with each other, and I am cautiously optimistic about our future.

15

Alfred

It’s beenover a week since I last saw Alex, and even though we talk almost every day, I find it harder and harder to go more than a few days without being with her.

I’m just sitting down to lunch when a text comes in. I check immediately because it could be Alex telling me she can spend the night after all.

Charlotte

Surprise! Just finished checking out a sweet little mare I think could be perfect. Are you and Pippa free tomorrow to come see her?

Alfred

Absolutely. Just text me time and place.

Charlotte

Confirming with owner, will text details later.

Alfred

See you tomorrow.

I spendthe rest of my lunch trying to decide on the best way to handle Pippa and the potential new pony. By the time I’m done, the only decision I’ve made is to call Alex.

She answers on the first ring, and I can’t believe how ridiculously happy that makes me.

“Freddy, what a lovely surprise. I still haven’t been able to get out of that function this evening.”

“I understand. That’s not why I’m calling. I’m actually looking for some help on a decision.”

“Okay, I’ll do my best.”

“Charlotte thinks she’s found a pony for Pippa. We’re to see it tomorrow. And I can’t decide on the best way to approach it. On the one hand, I like to be up front with her. However, there have been so many disappointments in the past, I don’t know whether it might not be better wait until we get there.”

“She’s your daughter. You know her best.”

“Which also could also mean I’m too close to make the right decision.”

“I think whatever decision you make will be the right one. But if she’s anything like I was at her age, it might be better to not give her too much time to get her hopes up. Or even too much time to worry that it will be another disappointment.”

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