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I grabbed the white one and looped it over my head. Seth was quite a few inches taller than me, so I had to tuck it up a little higher before wrapping the strings around my waist.
Laurie pulled the pink strap over her head and twisted around in circles to try and get the ties around the back. When she made three rotations, she finally huffed. “Can you help me?”
I laughed and crouched down in front of her. “Of course. Turn around.”
She spun around and lifted her hair out of the way. She smelled of baby shampoo and watermelon. I dragged her in for a quick squeeze and tickle. She giggled until I lifted her to set her on the chair.
“I can do it!”
“I know you can, but I need to get you in front of the mixer real quick. Your dad is going come down as soon as he smells bacon and coffee.” I reached for the coffeemaker that was always full and ready to go in the morning. One thing Seth never skimped on was his java.
Laurie wrinkled her nose. “Coffee is gross.”
“Coffee is heaven, but it’s not for little girls.”
“I’m a big girl.”
“Yes, but not quite big enough for coffee.”
She made a little humming sound. “I no want it anyway.”
“Coffee is mana from heaven.”
The deep voice behind me made my skin instantly flush. Seth slipped his arms around my waist and dragged me back against him. He tucked his chin into my neck. “I thought I liked the T-shirt, but those boxers are giving me ideas.”
Right then, I was very glad I had an apron on. I elbowed him and Laurie giggled.
“Hi, Daddy.”
“Hi, Munchkin. What are you making?”
“We’re gonna make nana pancakes,” she said.
“Banana pancakes? I could go for those.” He flicked his finger under the apron and stroked across my belly. “Are you having a craving maybe?”
I rolled my eyes and slipped out of his arms. I felt weird cuddling with him in front of Laurie. Weird because I wanted it so very badly.
Her eyes tracked over us and a lopsided smile tugged at her lips. “Daddy has scruffles.”
I slid my palm over my neck. “He does.”
“You have red marks all over. Did Daddy play tickle monster with you?”
Seth snorted and covered his laugh by turning toward the bacon on the stove.
“Don’t eat all of the bacon.” I glanced over my shoulder and sure enough he had a piece in his mouth.
“Just one.”
I moved to Laurie and poured flour and cinnamon into the mixer.
“I can do it!”
I winced. “Sorry, kiddo. You can crack the eggs. Hang onto your chair.”
“M’kay.”
I swung over to the fridge for supplies and with my arms full, I couldn’t avoid Seth’s ambush. He cupped my face and settled a soft kiss on my lips. He tasted like toothpaste and bacon and all of that was wrapped in his toasted sugar scent.
