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She nodded at my question.
“Let’s go do something fun.”
“Like the carnival?” Holly perked up.
“Oh, yeah. I forgot that was going on…”
“Until the fifth,” Madeline added. She grabbed Holly under her arms and lifted her up to sit on her waist. Holly wrapped her little arm around Madeline’s shoulder, and they both gave me huge puppy eyes. “The carnival actually sounds like a lot of fun.”
“Yeah, Daddy,” Holly whined. “Please?”
I looked at both of them, their eyes wide and lips pouting. Madeline tried to pull it off, but her expression wasn’t pouty it was…it was…something else. I looked at Holly, not paying any attention to the expression I couldn’t describe. Holly’s pout was spot on.
I pushed myself off the counter and grabbed my mug. “Let me shower, and then we can go after breakfast.”
A loud cheer came from both Madeline and Holly, Holly raising both fists in the air above Madeline’s head. I shook my head at them and went back into my bedroom. I had a feeling even if they said no, I would be dragged to the carnival anyway, so I may as well embrace it.
I quickly showered and dressed, emerging to find Madeline and Holly on the couch, Niko at their feet—both girls ready to go.
“It says we can bring dogs,” Madeline said, not looking up from her phone. “But just to be safe, we should probably take Niko back to my place, in case we want to ride any rides.”
I ran my fingers through my wet hair. “Sounds like a plan. Miss Holly, are you tall enough for the rides?”
“The list says forty-eight inches for most rides. We measured.” She stood and walked over to me, handing me my measuring tape that I had completely forgotten we had. “I’m forty-nine inches.”
I nodded at her and glanced at Madeline. She shrugged. “The tickets are pretty pricey, but I can split it with you.”
I shook my head and scrunched my nose. “I got it. It will be a fun day.”
Holly jumped and ran to her room, Niko hopping to follow her. I watched as my eight-year-old who had apparently hit four feet tall went to grab a backpack and Niko’s leash. Madeline stood from the couch and walked over to me, standing close enough that I could smell the lotion on her skin, like a fresh baked pound cake covered in strawberries. I had smelled this before. It was her signature lotion, one she had carried with her for years, but it hit me differently this time.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered, “Holly mentioned it last night during the movie, and we looked it up. I didn't think she would actually ask to go.”
I gave her a crooked grin and bobbed a shoulder. “Like I said”—I leaned in close, inhaling her sweet scent—“it will be a fun day.”
Madeline grinned back up at me, her lips pursing together and raising to only one side. I took another deep breath, locking her gaze with mine. Her eyes seemed to sparkle, and her cheeks were flushed. If only every morning would be like this. If it wouldn't be the worst move I would ever make, I would have kissed her right there.
“Let’s go!” Holly screamed, pulling my attention from Madeline to the huge husky that was dragging my daughter down the hall. “Are you sure Niko can’t come? We can take turns staying with him when we go on the rides.”
“Niko is covered in double-coated fur. He will most likely die of heat stroke if we take him out in that. We need to take him home.” Madeline dropped to her knees, taking her dogs in her arms. “I can guarantee he misses his bed.” He gently licked her chin, his tongue flopping from his mouth as the huge smile spread, and she stood. “Are we ready?”
“Ready!” Holly shouted.
“We’re ready,” I mimicked.
It was hot, it was crowded, and it was everything I hated about carnivals; but my girl was having a blast. We dropped Niko off, who instantly went to his bed, and made our way to the crowded parking lot of the Portland Carnival. It was midday, and people were beginning to crowd under trees or pavilions. We ordered the classic funnel cakes and strawberry lemonade and went to eat in the shade, Holly already planning her next ride.
“Can we stay for the fireworks?” Holly asked, shoving some funnel cake into her small mouth.
I shook my head. “The fireworks have been canceled, but I’m sure we can hang out to see the carnival lights tonight. In my opinion, that’s better than fireworks.”
“Maybe catch the rodeo?” Madeline hinted, looking down at Holly on her left. “Definitely some games and the ferris wheel.”
“You’re going to make me win one of the gigantic toys, aren’t you?” I asked, taking a pull from my straw.
Madeline smiled across the table, and I swear my heart skipped a beat.
“You know it.” She snickered.
