"Da da da da," seven month old Donnie Eppes babbled happily in his high chair, squishing banana slices in his pudgy hands.
Amita gently slid the omelet from the pan onto a plate. "We'll see DaDa in a few minutes."
Donnie let out a squeal, "Da da da da!"
"Shhhh. DaDa's sleeping," Amita tried to distract Donnie with Cheerios. His eyes widened and he smacked the Cheerios with his banana covered fingers.
Poor Charlie hadn't gotten to bed until after three in the morning. He had tried not to wake her up, but she hadn't slept well until she felt him beside her. She had snuggled against him and murmured, "Did you and Don finish the case?"
He had hugged her tightly and sighed. "It didn't end well. We got the guy, but not in time. The little girl died."
She wiped a tear from his bristly cheek. "You did everything you could."
"I know. I couldn't stop thinking about little Donnie the whole time."
"Shhhh. Donnie's fine. Get some rest and tomorrow the two of you can play all day." Before she had even finished speaking, she could hear his soft snores.
Now she glanced at the kitchen clock. It was almost noon. They were due at Alan's for a cookout at five. She poured a generous cup of coffee just the way Charlie liked it, arranged the omelet, juice, coffee and fruit on a tray, wiped off Donnie's hands and lifted him into the baby sling she wore. "Let's go wake DaDa up."
She tiptoed into the bedroom. Charlie had gotten himself tangled up in the sheets. He must have tossed and turned after she had gotten up. But he was finally sleeping soundly, and she hesitated in the doorway. Donnie, however, was not as reluctant. He reached toward Charlie and let out an ear piercing squeal of joy, "DA DA DA DA!"
"Hmmm? Mffff?" Charlie fought against the sheets and struggled to sit up. He blinked in confusion for a moment, but then he saw Amita and Donnie, grinned broadly and held out his arms. "Hi, you guys!"
Amita put the tray on the night stand and sat beside her husband. "Happy Father's Day!"
Charlie pulled her into a hug and touched Donnie's cheek. His eyes glistened with tears. "I love you both."