Irene looked at the doll and then at Sarah. Sarah returned the doll to the crook of her arm and started for the bed. Edward scooped her up before she had taken several steps and spun her around. “Now is my big girl ready for bed?” Edward asked. Sarah nodded and laughed with her doll held tightly and spinning along with Sarah. Her hair flared as she threw her head back and laughed even harder. Irene watched the doll.

            “Edward, you are going to get Sarah all riled up and she will never get to sleep,” Irene cautioned.  Edward understood what Irene’s comments meant. If Sarah did not fall asleep soon, their time together would be postponed to another time at best.

            “Okay, your mother is right. You have had a busy day and need your sleep.”

            “So does Miss Ginger,” Sarah added.

            “So does Miss Ginger,” her father agreed.

            As he tucked the blankets around her and the doll, Irene stood in the doorway watching her daughter and husband. Edward idolized Sarah. She was definitely “daddy’s girl.”

            “…and tomorrow, you, and mommy, and I will plan your very special day.”

            “Okay, daddy, I can’t wait!”

            “But now it’s time for bed.”

            Surrounded by feather pillows, Sarah snuggled into her comforter, keeping Miss Ginger nearby. Miss Ginger sat on the mattress, leaning up again the feather pillow, arms at her side, legs out straight, with her eyes wide-open… watching.

            “Good night, sweetheart.”

            “Good night, Daddy.”

            Edward leaned over and kissed Sarah on her forehead. Then he left the room with Irene and closed the door gently behind him.

            Once in the hallway, Edward turned to his wife and kissed her. “Time for bed,” he whispered. Holding his hand, Irene followed him into their bedroom. Edward closed the bedroom door.