To Infinity and Beyond

Surprise?

Mark's POV

"Wow, is that you cooking in the kitchen dada?" My baby girl was finally up and using her small button nose, she sniffed me to the kitchen following the aroma of her favourite pancakes.

"Yes, princess. Pancakes coming right up, only for you."

"Yayy. I love you, dad. You know Tracy cooks them alright, but yours are just delicious." She smiled ear to ear. Her eyes twinkled in excitement as she settled herself on the kitchen counter beside me.

"Really Mia? Only yesterday you told me that I was the best cook in the world! Was that just a bribe?" Tracy asked in an interrogatory tone as she joined us in the kitchen as well.

"Umm.. yes kind of. I wanted to eat my favourite cheeseburger, but you were forcing me to eat Ms Healthy Brocoli. I had to butter you a bit." Tracy's mouth dropped in shock, while Mia gave her a sheepish grin. I couldn't help but chuckle at her smart-ass response.

"Come here, you brat! Just see how I will feed you vegetable soup all seven days of the week now."

"Yuck. Never. I hate it." Mia made a displeasing frown, while Tracy replied in sass, "we will see about that princess. I won't give in to your tactics from now on."

In no time, they started running around in circles, while their teasing and giggling filled our otherwise quiet home.

"You are such a slowpoke Tracy, catch me if you can!" Mia stuck her tongue out, and suddenly her gesture reminded me of Alice. She too was usually this playful whenever she loved to mess around with me. Unexpectedly, a small smile crept up my face. It was close to a month since I started dating her, and I haven't felt happier.

"Okay okay. Time Out, girls. Let's all settle down and eat. We have to get ready for school too." They calmed down a bit, and we were now comfortably hogging on our breakfast in the dining room. I had been up all night thinking about the impending conversation I wanted to have with Mia today. My heart was racing in anticipation, and I was suddenly at a loss of words. I had to get it out.

Summoning all my courage, I looked at Mia apprehensively.

"Bunny, umm.. can I ask you something, sweety?" She looked at me with curious eyes and nodded in consent. "And promise me you will be completely honest with dad?"

"Sure dad." She took another piece of pancake in her mouth. The chocolate syrup was smudged all over her lips, she blinked her eyes, gesturing me to go ahead.

"Umm... how do you like Aunt Alice?" I had meant to have this conversation with Mia since a while now, but somehow I always bailed last minute. I had always been sceptical in having her innocent heart go through a turmoil of emotions at my behest.

"Aunt Alice is so pretty dada. I like her. And I know you like her too." Mia grinned and looked at me with a confident smirk on her face.

"Umm... you know?"

"Yes. I know it, dad. I even saw you giving her a good night kiss the other day. I like her, and I think she can definitely be my mommy." Mia stated simply, and my heart dropped to my stomach.

"Mommy? Kiss?" I gulped.

"Yes, she is your sleeping beauty, and you are her Prince Charming!" Before I could register what she said, Tracy started laughing hysterically and gave Mia an instant high-five.

"Come on, Mark. You even have Mia's blessing now, what are you waiting for? And for the record, I like Alice too. I think she is sweet and very kind." I didn't realise, but I was blushing like an idiot by now. I raked my hand through my hair and gave my daughter an embarrassing grin.