a window into my soul

He quietly makes his way downstairs to keep his presence undetected. He peers into the kitchen and can’t help a chuckle at what he finds. Mixing bowls, utensils, and ingredients are scattered across the counter. Dusts of flour coats various surfaces of the kitchen. His daughter Quinnie sits on a stool by the stove intensely watching her mother flip something on the griddle, a contrast to the playful look of concentration on Imogen’s face as she sets the spatula down and leans over to peck a kiss on their daughter’s forehead.

That sweet gesture reminds him just how lucky he is that this is his life. With that thought, he decides to make his presence known, wanting to revel in the moment with Imogen and Quinn. In a booming voice, he asks, “What’s going on here?”

Quinn’s head immediately snaps his way, and she stretches her arms out in an attempt to hide the scene. “Daaad, you’re supposed to be sleeping! We’re making a surprise!”

Garrick reaches his daughter and picks her up into his arms with barely any effort and presses a kiss to her cheek. “Well, honey bun, you woke me up with the noises, and I had to see what it was all about.”

Imogen snorts at his remark while still focusing on her task. “Your patience hasn’t gotten any better with age.”

“Is it wrong that I want to be with my favorite girls all the time?” He teases.

Imogen turns towards him, her face soft as one hand caresses her belly. “You know you’ll have to amend that term to be inclusive our baby boy.”

Garrick stills, processing her words. After a beat, he asks, “Im, we’re having a boy?”

She smiles at him. “Yeah, we are. I found out over the phone yesterday and figured I’d wait to tell you today. Surprise!”

Garrick loops the arm not holding his daughter around his wife, brings her in close, and smacks a kiss on her lips. “I love it, and I love you.” He turns to Quinn and adds, “And I love you too, honey bun.”

Little Quinnie, who had remained silent during her parents’ exchange, bubbles with excitement. “Mommy told me! It was our secret for your surprise,” she squeals at her dad.

“And what is this surprise?”

“I’m not telling until mommy says it’s ready.”

Imogen chuckles and replies, “Guess what, bun? I just finished here. Why don’t you and dad sit at the table, and I’ll bring it over?”

Quinn nods enthusiastically. “Come on, daddy! Let’s sit!”

“Your wish is my command,” Garrick easily complies and heads to the table with Quinn still in his arms. 

They get seated, and a moment later, Imogen appears, places a tray in front of Garrick, and sits with them at the table.

Garrick glances down and sees animal-shaped pancakes laid out on a platter, little ceramics holding butter and honey, and a homemade card. He picks up the card and opens it. In the card, there’s stick figure drawings with labels (clearly written by his wife) atop each figure meant to resemble their little family - daddy, mommy, Quinnie, and baby boy. At the top of the page in childlike scribbles reads, “Surprise!! Happy father’s day, daddy!” Garrick’s heart swells, and he is again in awe of how amazing his life turned out.

Quinn, losing her patience, questions, “Do you like it??”

“I love it, bun. Now tell me about these pancakes.”

Quinn nods with certainty and points to the pancakes. “They’re bunnies and bears! A bunny for me since I’m your honey bunny and a bear for you since you’re our honey bear.” Ever since Quinn heard her Uncle Xaden call her daddy honey bear, she’s latched onto the thought of them “matching”.