In that moment, the little face was filled with determination. "Mommy, Daddy will take good care of me. Mommy, you have stomach problems. Without Daddy here, remember to take your medicine when it hurts..."
"You always sleep in and need Daddy to squeeze toothpaste for you. After Daddy's gone, you'll have to learn to do it yourself."
"And Daddy says you shouldn't eat cold food. So eat less of it from now on."
When she finished, Penelope took Wilfred's hand. "Daddy, let's go."
"Okay."
Penelope's maturity was heartbreaking. Wilfred nodded slightly, lifted her into his arms, and held her small body tight.
Walking out through the Pruitt family's front gate, he paused at the threshold. Without looking back, he said, "Next week. Family Court."
"Don't miss this appointment."
"Hmph, this man is so dramatic! He has no real skills, yet he acts like such a diva. Without you, Hildegarde, even if he were sitting on a mountain of gold, he'd burn through it eventually."
Patrick sneered. "Hildegarde, the divorce is for the best. A man who only brings you negativity doesn't deserve you. From now on, I'll take Wilfred's place and look after you and Hilary."