“Daddy?” a little voice asks into the developing morning.
“Yes, honey?” a deep baritone answers.
“Can I come see you?” A smile spreads across the father’s lips.
“Sure, baby girl.” The pitter patter of tiny toes is heard approaching. The bedroom door swings open with abandon. At just that moment, the first ray of sunshine streaks through the window, falling onto his daughter. Her light blonde curly hair becomes angelic in the morning sun.
His breath catches in his throat. He sees the beautiful woman she is going to become. He sees the strong face with the bright blue penetrating eyes. He knows she will be successful and loved by a good man. Then she springs onto his bed with one gigantic leap and she is four years old once more.
She giggles and hugs him hard. For now, he is the only man she loves.
She has a serious look about her when she looks into his eyes and says, “Daddy, I love you.”
“I love you too, pumpkin.” She hugs him again, elated.
Then he says, “What would you like to do today?”