Azalea was at that age that could become taxing on one's patience. Unlike Lucky, who would take your word for it, she was inquisitive and determined.

"She gets it from you, Connie," Steven would say as she rested her head against his chest.

She'd snort and sigh. "I know. We made another me."

Steven chuckled and spun her, enjoying their slow dance to no music. "That was the plan, yes."

"Daddy can you come help me with my homework?" Azalea asked as her pigtails swung wildly. "I don't like math."

At the same time Steven said, "Me either, sweetie," Connie encouraged her to keep trying. An annoyed look and the crossing of his wife's arms changed his tune immediately. "Of course. What are we tackling today?"

Faintly, she could hear her tell him it was long division, and her father letting out a strained sigh that may as well have been a scream of agony. "I think this is my 13th reason," He mumbled to himself. Sure fourth grade math was relatively simple, but he didn't have to like it. "Okay, 10/2+8."

Awhile later, Azalea asked her mother if she could go exploring after dinner. Unfortunately, it was starting to get dark out quickly after 6 due to the impending winter. "Sorry, Z. This weekend we can go hiking."

She immediately turned tail and Connie zoned back out until she heard her ask the same question to Steven washing his hands in the bathroom in preparation for mealtime. "Daddy can we go exploring after dinner?"

Connie tensed as Steven hummed. "Sorry sweetie. It'll be too dark out by then. Let's shoot for the weekend."

Azalea pouted but took the answer and raced past them to join her older and younger siblings on the porch and relay the news.

Steven and Connie locked eyes just as he passed her to the living room. He winked and she wrinkled her nose as an unwelcome blush washed over her face.

"Was it worth the wait?" He asked with a roguish smile.

"Yes. Yes it was."