Just a dream

As I awaken fully, I heave a heavy sigh. 'Was that just a dream? Damn.' I shower, dress, and make my way to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. Passing by my daughter's room, I resist the urge to knock or poke my head in. Knowing that the smell of breakfast will lure the girls out in due time.

Not wanting a repeat of the dinner fiasco, I prepare a breakfast with enough food for three people. Bacon, waffles, fruit, eggs, toast with butter and jam, hash browns, juice, and coffee. As I'm cooking I hear the girls exit Amber's room.

"Oh, that smells so good!"

"Yeah dad, that smells great!" Amber exclaims as she hugs me from behind. I flip the hash browns over then turn to hug her back. When we disengage I see Hanna take a half-step forward, her arms rising slightly, then catch herself and quickly takes a seat at the table, a blush lightly coloring her face.

Smiling, I respond. "Aw, thanks girls. I thought that, with today being our first full day together, I'd start us off right with a hearty breakfast."

With the girls sitting and chatting, I finish cooking and plate us all up three plates. Sitting down at the table I watch as the two of them grow quiet and focus mainly on their plates. As I eat I notice that they both, quickly and silently, steal glances at me and at one another. Occasionally they'd meet each other's eyes and look away. I can't tell if it's funny or adorable, but after a while I feel like taking pity on them.

"So girls, any plans today?" I ask pleasantly to the both of them.

"Not really," Amber states while mopping up the last of her egg yoke with her toast." Today just feels like a stay at home and chill kind of day, you know?" Hanna nods in agreement with her friend.

"Sounds like a fun time. I have a little work to do, so I'll be in my office. If you two need anything, just let me know." I start to turn to go, but stop and turn back to the two of them. "Oh, Amber, I just remembered. Our board games are downstairs in the basement, if the two of you want to play at any time."

Amber gives a small gasp. "I was wondering where those were! Thanks dad!" With that she rushes off, leaving Hanna and me alone. The result is instant. Hanna sits straighter, her face in an intense blush, and she can barely look at me, yet her eyes keep wandering my direction.

"Hanna, is everything alright?" I watch and smile at her nod, then slowly walk over to her. I can hear her breathing get heavier the closer I get, then stop all together when a rest my hand on her shoulder, my fingers softly caressing her neck. "You look like you're about to pass out, are you sure you're okay?" A small squeaking, "Yep" is her only response. I chuckle softly and lean in close. "Upstairs, second door on the left. If you can find the time, I'll be there." With that said, I softly kiss her head and leave, passing Amber in the hallway. "You two have fun, girls."

"Thanks dad, I'm sure we will." She replies, making her way towards the kitchen. As I reach the top of the stairs, I hear Amber say, "You alright, girl? You look a little warm?" I smile as I enter my office and close the door.