Chapter 20 Bed-time Of Three

• After dinner, Tarquin settled onto the sofa with Pandora nestled comfortably in his lap. The soft glow from the living room lamp cast a gentle warmth around them, wrapping the room in quiet intimacy. Ada was busy at the sink, washing dishes, though Tarquin wanted to help. But Pandora wasn’t having it — her small voice was firm.
• “Daddy, you sit here. I don’t want you in the kitchen,” she declared, arms crossed stubbornly, a small pout tugging at her lips.
• Tarquin smiled, surrendering with a chuckle. “Alright, your wish is my command. I’m the best sitter anyway.”