Chloe was relieved that Vernon didn't seem mad, at least not as bad as last night. She didn't want to fight with Vernon, it was mentally exhausting, and it hurt her heart so much whenever she saw him looking so distressed.
So she began to speak gently, "Why don't you go there and kiss your daughter first? I bet Mackie would be happy if you give her a morning kiss and say Merry Christmas to her."
"I will do that later," Vernon replied. He grabbed the hot chocolate cup and sipped it. "She's still busy with her cousins."
"And when will that 'later' happen?" Chloe asked. "You know those boys will be accompanying Chloe for the whole day, right?"
Vernon's body stiffened. He couldn't get mad at Chloe when she was being so gentle like this. So he was forced to reply civilly, "I feel awkward around them. They're not exactly in my family list. My family list consists of you, Mackie, and I."
