The year was 1928, and Jean Louise Finch was just past her second birthday. Her father, Atticus, walked into her room one evening, after everyone else had gone to bed. He couldn't sleep, and it seemed that little Scout couldn't, either. He picked her up and her cries subsided quickly.
Atticus held his baby girl in his arms, and sat down in the rocking chair with her. He never would have predicted that over the years, the moments he held her in his arms and rocked her would be some that she would treasure forever.
After about fifteen minutes, little Scout fell asleep, but he didn't want to let go of her. The soft, warm feel of her in his arms comforted him. Atticus eventually laid her back down and went back to his room. He laid awake for a few more minutes until he could picture himself holding Scout in his arms. That thought comforted him and he fell asleep soon after that.
He awoke the next morning to a bit of sun streaming in through his window. He was the first one up, as always, so he washed up and went in to check on Jem and Scout. Jem was still sleeping, but Scout was laying awake, and content at that. Atticus smiled and picked up his little girl. She giggled when he swung her around. "Good morning, baby," he said to her, smiling. "Yes, you're my little girl." Scout just giggled at him. Atticus smiled, feeling lucky to have such a beautiful little girl.
Jem walked in, rubbing his eyes. " 'Mornin, Atticus," he mumbled.
"Hey there, Jem," said Atticus, ruffling his hair. "Sleep alright?"
"Yup. Thanks."
"Calpurnia should be here soon, so why don't you get dressed and washed up for breakfast?"
Jem nodded, and headed to do so. But before he left, Scout reached down and tugged at his hair. Jem smiled. "And mornin' to you too, Scout."
When Jem left, Atticus turned his attention back to Scout. "Everyone sure likes you," he said, smiling at her. She reached up and pushed his glasses back up on his nose with her tiny little hand. She managed to smudge a handprint on his left lens.
"Thanks, baby," he said, laughing. Atticus held her tight and headed downstairs to wait for Cal.