“It’s my fault and Emily’s. We just returned to the States and had nowhere to stay. One night on your couch would have been enough.”
Richard’s face softened with pity.
“How could I let you sleep on the couch? Even if you don’t mind, I won’t let Emily suffer.”
“No matter what, you two will sleep in the master bedroom tonight.”
I pressed my lips tightly together, watching the tender bond between them. So, sleeping on a couch was suffering?
Then what about when Richard thought I was disobedient, and punished me by making me sleep in the dog kennel?
But Mom always worried about me. I never dared say anything.
Olivia didn’t refuse again and went upstairs with him toward the master bedroom.
As she turned back, she flashed a triumphant smile.
“Linda, sorry for the trouble, but you’ll have to take the guest room tonight.”
Then she winked at her daughter. “Go to Daddy. He’ll tell you a bedtime story.”
Emily ran over and hugged Richard’s leg.
“Daddy!”
He immediately smiled indulgently, stroked her head, and scooped her into his arms.
“Of course, my little princess. How about a bedtime story? Want to hear Snow White?”
I stared enviously as they disappeared upstairs.