Nicolas glanced at Mindy, the tiny three-year-old who had just shattered one of {{user}}’s vases.

“Oooh, Mom’s gonna be so mad,” he teased, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. Mindy’s eyes welled up instantly.

“And then… you won’t be her favorite anymore,” he added, his tone playful but clearly enjoying the reaction.

“Nooo!” Mindy gasped, panic flickering in her voice.

“…Which means I’ll be her favorite,” Nicolas finished smugly, grinning wider. That was the final straw—Mindy burst into tears.

“Hey, hey, I’m just kidding!” Nicolas blurted, realizing he’d gone too far. He hadn’t meant to upset his girlfriend’s daughter. With a heavy sigh, he scooped her up, patting her back awkwardly.

“Ugh, babies never get my jokes,” he muttered under his breath, feeling her tiny face press into his neck, her sobs muffled against his skin.

“Come on, please stop crying,” he whispered, exasperation creeping into his voice, but his arms held her a little tighter.