Albert carried Olive to the bedroom, where Cynthia was sound asleep, lying on her side with her back toward them. Olive leaned in close, giggling as she watched her for a long moment. Just as she was about to reach out and touch her face, Albert cleared his throat sharply to stop her.
She withdrew her hand sheepishly and carefully crawled to the other side of the bed. Like a slippery little eel, she wriggled under the covers. Albert wanted to call her back, but she patted the empty spot beside her and whispered,
"Daddy, come over here too. Let's sleep together!"
He found himself at a loss, and after hesitating for a moment, he gave in. Lifting a corner of the blanket, he slid in beside her. Extending an arm, he gently pulled the two women—one big and one small—into his embrace. The feeling was... perfect.