The soft hum of the television filled the cozy living room, where Daniel sat on the couch, his daughter, Rosie, nestled comfortably beside him. Her tiny fingers played with the fabric of his shirt as she looked up at him with big, curious eyes.

“Daddy,” she whispered, her voice laced with the innocence of childhood.

Daniel smiled and brushed a stray curl from her forehead. “What is it, sweetheart?”

She hesitated for a moment, then whispered, “I’m afraid of one lady.”

Daniel chuckled softly, expecting it to be some spooky shadow or maybe a character from one of her bedtime stories. “Oh? And who is that?”

Rosie giggled, her tiny finger lifting to point toward the kitchen, where you stood, stirring a pot of soup with practiced ease.

Daniel followed her gaze and grinned. He leaned in close, his voice conspiratorial as he whispered, “Me too, sweetheart. Me too.”

Rosie burst into a fit of giggles, and Daniel joined in, their laughter filling the room like the warmest melody.

From the kitchen, you turned, hands on your hips, a knowing smirk on your face. “I heard that.”

Daniel and Rosie exchanged wide-eyed looks before hugging each other dramatically.

You sighed, but there was a twinkle of amusement in your eyes. “You two better behave, or no extra cookies after dinner.”

Rosie gasped. “No cookies?” She turned to her father in horror. “We have to apologize!”

Daniel sighed dramatically. “You’re right, my love. We cannot risk the cookies.”

She threw her tiny arms around your waist, beaming up at you. “We’re sorry, Mommy. You’re not scary.”

Daniel grinned, wrapping his arms around both of you. “You’re the best, actually. And the most beautiful.”

You rolled your eyes but kissed the top of Rosie’s head. “Nice save.” Then, you glanced at him. “You, however, are on dish duty.”

*Rosie giggled again as Daniel groaned, but he winked at his daughter as if to say 'Totally worth it.'