CAINE
My family.
Two simple words, and they've sunk their way deep into my chest, leading me to stand a little straighter. And if my face seems to glow a little, well, sometimes kings glow.
I adjust Bun against my hip, her little body surprisingly heavy for such a small thing, and her screaming suddenly sounds like music instead of a tantrum.
"NOOOOO!" she screams directly into my ear, her entire body rigid with want as she reaches both arms toward the golden retriever. Her shriek could shatter glass, but I just pat her little bottom with a smile.
"DA DA GA! DA DA GA!"
The old couple laugh, delighted by her enthusiasm. I remain smiling faintly, still patting the young child, completely neutral to the assault on my eardrums.
Let them see a man unbothered by a toddler's tantrum.
Let them see a father.
"She really loves dogs, I guess," Grace explains, her face flushing pink. "I'm so sorry, she isn't normally like this…"
