"You're still in bed," she announced.
Dakota deadpanned. "Congratulations. Your observation skills are improving."
Takoda ignored the sarcasm completely and climbed onto the bed without hesitation, crawling directly toward Dakota beneath the blankets like a determined little wolf seeking warmth.
Kade watched the entire thing silently. No reprimand. No warning.
Takoda seemed to notice too. She relaxed almost instantly, curling comfortably against Dakota's side before glancing cautiously toward her father.
"Daddy," she asked carefully, "are you still angry I entered without knocking before?"
Dakota looked toward Kade as well.
The room quieted briefly. Kade's gaze rested on his daughter for a moment before he answered evenly, "You knocked this time."
Takoda blinked. Then visibly brightened. "So I did well?"
"Yes."
Simple. Direct. Yet the little girl looked absurdly pleased by the single word.
