In the evening, as the sun began to set, Emma cradled her 5-month-old daughter, Olivia, in her arms. She pressed a tender kiss to Olivia's forehead, eliciting a delighted giggle from the baby.
"Bye, Olivia," Emma whispered, her voice filled with love as she gently handed her daughter over to Alex.
"You guys can really take care of her?" Emma asked, a hint of concern in her voice.
"Of course," Alex and Lily replied in unison, their expressions filled with determination and love.
Emma kneeled down and planted a kiss on Lily's cheek. "Take care," she said softly.
"Ok, Mama!" Lily replied, her eyes shining with confidence.
Before leaving, Emma turned to Alex with a mischievous grin. "Kiss for me?" he asked playfully.
Emma leaned in and pressed a kiss on his lips, leaving him momentarily stunned.
"Bye, honey!" Emma called out as she headed towards the door, excitement bubbling within her for the evening ahead.
"Have a wonderful time at the party!" Alex called out after Emma, a warm smile gracing his lips as he watched her leave, his gaze lingering on the door for a moment longer after she disappeared from view.
As Alex and Lily exchanged glances, the door suddenly swung open again, drawing their attention back to Emma.
"Don't even think about eating ice cream!" she warned with a playful grin before disappearing once more, leaving Alex and Lily chuckling at her reminder.
"Papa! Mama's gone now!" Lily exclaimed, excitement evident in her voice as she turned to Alex.
"Indeed she is," Alex replied with a grin, shifting his attention to Lily and Olivia, who was happily cooing in his arms. "And you know what that means, don't you?"
Lily's eyes lit up with anticipation. "Gaming session!" she exclaimed, clapping her hands together excitedly.
"Exactly!" Alex agreed, his own excitement matching Lily's. "It's time for some serious gaming with my two favorite girls."
Carefully placing Olivia into the baby bouncer in the living room, Alex ensured she was comfortable before joining Lily at the console to start the game.
As they immersed themselves in the virtual world, the intensity of the competition grew. However, after a heated battle, Alex found himself on the losing end, much to Lily's triumphant delight.
"Ha! I win again!" Lily exclaimed, pumping her fist in victory.
Alex chuckled good-naturedly, conceding defeat. "You got me this time, Lily."
"Come on, one more round!" Alex suggested, a playful grin on his face. "I'll definitely win this time."
Lily shook her head confidently. "Nah, I'd win," she declared with a smirk, her competitive spirit shining through.
As their gaming session continued, Olivia in her bouncer started to cry suddenly.
"Hey there, what's wrong, my little princess?" Alex cooed, his voice filled with concern as he gently lifted Olivia into his arms, trying to soothe her.
"What's happening, Papa?" Lily asked, peering over Alex's shoulder with a worried expression.
Olivia's cries persisted, and Alex felt a pang of helplessness. He knew he needed guidance, so he quickly dialed Emma's number on his mobile phone.
"Emma! Olivia started crying suddenly! What should I do?" Alex's voice was tinged with worry as he sought his wife's advice.
"Alex, she's five months old now. Don't you know what to do? You need to be more attentive," Emma's disappointed voice came through the phone.
"I'm sorry, Emma. I'm trying my best here," Alex replied, feeling guilty for not meeting Emma's expectations while still attempting to comfort Olivia.
"It's her feeding time. Give her the milk bottle I left in the kitchen," Emma instructed before abruptly ending the call.
Alex hurried to the kitchen, his heart pounding with worry for Olivia. He located the milk bottle that Emma had prepared earlier and swiftly grabbed it, his hands trembling slightly with nervousness.
Returning to the living room where Olivia lay in her bouncer, Alex carefully cradled her in his arms, whispering soothing words to calm her down. He gently offered her the milk bottle, guiding it to her lips with a tender touch.
Olivia's cries began to subside as she eagerly latched onto the bottle, her hunger apparent as she suckled contentedly. Alex watched her with a mixture of relief and adoration, grateful that he could provide her with the nourishment she needed.
As Olivia drank her milk, her cries gradually faded into soft whimpers, until finally, she fell into a peaceful slumber in Alex's arms. He held her close, feeling a sense of warmth and fulfillment wash over him as he cherished this intimate moment with his daughter.
Alex nodded, a sense of relief washing over him now that Olivia was peacefully asleep. He glanced back at his daughter's cradle one last time, ensuring she was comfortable before quietly slipping out of the room.
Returning to the living room, Alex found Lily waiting for him, curiosity evident in her eyes. She whispered her question, mindful not to disturb Olivia's slumber.
"Finally she is sleeping and don't disturb your little sister," Alex replied with a smile, his tone light-hearted as he gently reminded Lily to be considerate of Olivia's rest.
"Ok!" Lily whispered back with a hint of sarcasm, earning a chuckle from Alex.
"Papa, I'm hungry!" Lily's voice echoed through the room, drawing Alex's attention away.
Glancing at the clock, Alex realized that dinner time had indeed arrived, and Mittens' persistent meowing only added to the reminder.
"Alright, alright! I'll make dinner," Alex replied with a chuckle, acknowledging both Lily's hunger and Mittens' demands.
He first attended Mittens, pouring her favorite cat food into her bowl and placing it on the floor for her to enjoy.
After completing the dinner, Lily's eyes gleamed with anticipation as she asked for ice cream from the fridge.
"Sorry, sweetheart, but we've had our share for today," Alex reminded her gently, trying to temper her disappointment.
Lily's face fell momentarily before she perked up with mischief. "But Papa, remember the secret? I saw you smoking again," she threatened, a playful glint in her eyes.
Alex sighed, knowing exactly what she was referring to. "Alright, alright, you win. But hurry up and eat before Mama gets back," he relented, conceding to her blackmail.
As they indulged in their ice cream, the sound of the door opening interrupted their treat. Emma returned home, her expression shifting to one of disapproval as she spotted them enjoying their dessert.
"Alex!" Emma's voice was stern as she approached them, her disapproval evident.
Alex and Lily exchanged a nervous glance, slowly backing away as Emma approached.
"How many times have I told you not to eat excess ice cream?" Emma's tone was firm as she reached Alex, pinching his ear firmly.
"I'm sorry, Emma! I'm sorry!" Alex pleaded, wincing at the pinch.
Emma then turned her attention to Lily, her disapproval evident. "And you, Lily, you know the rules. No more ice cream for today," she scolded, pinching Lily's ear gently.
"I'm sorry, Mama," Lily apologized, her eyes downcast.
Emma released their ears, her expression softening slightly. "Just remember for next time. Now, let's clean up and get ready for bed," she instructed, leading them to the kitchen to tidy up before bedtime.