Karen lies down in front of the fire and Harry sits just behind her. "I wonder when the kids are coming home." She whispers. No matter whether the kids are home or not she's always wondering how they're doing.
"I don't know, but I wish they didn't have to be here tonight. I want you all to myself. I'm so glad to be home." Harry whispers as he strokes Karen's hair. Just at that moment the front door slams and Bernie and Daisy rush into the room.
"I'll go call David and get him and Natalie to take the kids for the night." Karen says as she kisses Harry's cheek.
"I'm glad you and mommy are getting along better, daddy." Daisy says as she sits in her father's lap by the fire. She's always been a daddy's girl.
"Me too, Daisy." Harry says as he gives his daughter a tight squeeze.
"I'm glad you're home, dad." Bernie says quietly as he sits next to his father on the carpet. Normally he's not so demonstrative or verbal. "Mum will be a lot happier now."
"What are you talking about Bernie?" Harry asks as he shifts Daisy's position on his lap. She's getting so big. It won't be long before she can't sit on his lap anymore so he's savouring the moments while he can.
"She cried a lot while you were away. She thought we didn't notice, but we did. She listened to the Joni Mitchell C.D. you got her for Christmas over and over, especially that Both Sides Now song." Bernie sighs and wraps his arms around his knees.
"Oh God. I'm sorry that you kids had to try and deal with that." Harry says as he gives both his kids a hug.
"Hey kids! How would you like to go and stay the night with Uncle David?" Karen asks practically bouncing into the room. She wants to make this as positive as possible.
"I want to stay with you and Daddy." Daisy whines as she clings to her father. She knows something is wrong between them. She's the more sensitive of the two children and usually the more observant.
"Daddy and I need some alone time tonight. So I need the two of you to go pack an overnight bag." Karen says firmly. She doesn't know, or hasn't realized, that her daughter knows more than she's letting on.
"But..." Daisy starts, but Bernie stops her. He's two years older than Daisy and is beginning to understand the importance of relationships, even between his mother and father. Bernie drags Daisy upstairs, before she can say anything else, and they begin to pack an overnight bag.
"Hurry up!" Karen calls up the stairs. "Uncle David is on his way!"
Bernie quickly comes back down the stairs. "Dad, did Mom tell you that Uncle David is getting married to Natalie? He called when he came back from his trip to tell mum." he asks as he zips up his bag.
"No. Well, I'll be damned. I never thought he'd get married." Harry says thoughtfully. David always seemed to be more the bachelor, forever young type.
"Where's Daisy?" Karen asks irritably as she's about to call back up the stairs.
"Don't," Harry says as he stops Karen. "I'll go get her. She was quite emotional earlier when I came home and she came back into the house." Harry climbs the stairs and heads in the direction of Daisy's bedroom. He enjoys the time he has with his daughter immensely. "Daisy?" he calls gently through her bedroom door. He leans against the door and hears her crying. He eases the door open and quietly walks into the room. "Daisy, what's wrong, my darling?" Harry asks as he sits on the edge of the bed and rubs Daisy's back.
"Daddy, are you going to have to move out?" Daisy asks lifting her tear stained face from her pillow.
"Of course not, my love. Whatever gave you that impression?" Harry asks as he pulls her into his lap. She cuddles against him immediately.
"If you and mummy need some alone time doesn't that mean you're going to have a fight? I don't want you to leave! I want you to stay forever!" Daisy wails.
"I'm not leaving, Daisy. I promise! Mummy and I are going to resolve some issues, and we're going to have a drink and a quiet evening. Everything's going to be just fine." Harry says holding his daughter. "Now, let's get your bag packed." Harry dries his daughter's tears and quickly packs a bag before taking Daisy's hand and walking downstairs. He and Daisy have always been close.