Page 88 of That Rush

“If you finish your toast and put your boots by the door.”

“All of it?”

“Yes, all of it.”

She sighs as if I have imposed an unreasonable hardship. “Fine.”

Paige gestures for my attention. “Can I tell her something?”

“Miss Paige wants to talk to you.”

“Yes!” Josie shouts.

I hold out the phone, and Paige takes it with a smile.

“Good morning, Josie.”

“Hi, Miss Paige. Daddy says I have to eat toast.”

“I support his decision.”

I raise an eyebrow. Paige ignores me.

“The summer-reading program starts Tuesday,” she continues, “and I need an official page-turner for story hour. You would have to listen carefully and make sure I don’t skip anything.”

“I can do that. I never skip pages.”

“I know. That’s why I’m asking you.”

“Do I get a badge?”

“I can make you a name tag.”

“With glitter?”

“We’ll negotiate.”

Josie accepts that answer far more easily than she accepted the toast. “Okay. I’ll tell Grandma.”

Paige hands the phone back, and I lift it to my ear. “Finish breakfast. I’ll see you soon.”

“Love you, Daddy.”

“Love you too, bug.”

The call ends, and I set my phone beside my plate.

The teasing leaves Paige’s expression, replaced by something quiet and warm. “You sound different with her.”

“How?”

“Gentler.” She considers it. “Still bossy.”

“She needs both.”

“I think you need both.”

I reach beneath the table and cover her bare knee with my hand. “I was gentle with you last night.”