Page 29 of Maid for Daddy
“You say that every year.”
“Yes, and you disobey me every year. You’re such a bad girl,” I jest and splash her lovely tits.
“Your eldest son is very excited about tomorrow. Stephen Jr. would be devastated if he couldn’t help his father blow out the candles.”
“And Sara? Is she excited too?”
“She’s three, Daddy. She’ll be excited about the cake.”
Until now, we’ve celebrated birthdays and holidays alone as a family. Tomorrow marks the first time we’ll be opening up our home to the outside world. Samantha oversaw a complete remodel of the ballroom, and it was completed just in time for my birthday. It’ll be a small gathering compared to the parties that my family held here, but she’s excited to begin entertaining.
“Really, tell me. What have you been working on for me?”
I know her well enough to know that she won’t bring it up if she’s not dying to show me.
“Well, okay but you have to act surprised tomorrow. We can’t disappoint little Stephen.”
“I promise to act surprised.”
We spend a few more minutes enjoying the warm water then towel off and return to the house.
“Sit down and I’ll bring it to you,” she tells me.
I move Sara’s doll aside so I can take a seat on the sofa. Several minutes pass and Samantha returns, dragging a framed canvas across the floor.
“It was much lighter without the frame.”
I get up to assist her. “Okay, what is this? You bought me a painting?”
“No. I bought you a frame. The painting I did myself.”
“You started painting again?”
“The weather is nice so I’ve been bringing the kids out to the pasture to play while I paint.”
“Let me see it. I can’t wait to see what you painted for me.”
“First, you have to remember that I never made it to the visual arts school so my technique might not be the best.”
“I think you’re selling yourself short. I’ve seen your portfolio, and you’re very talented.”
“Thank you.”
“Alright, come on now, little girl. Turn that canvas around so I can see it.”
“I really hope you like it.” She turns the painting.
I stand up and step closer. It’s so realistic I almost don’t believe my eyes. “It’s like I’m looking out a window. You did this? Baby girl, this is incredible.”
“I’m so glad you like it.”
“Like it? I love it. It’s getting mounted in the foyer so it’s the first thing I see when I come home at night.”
Samantha has painted the pasture and stable down to the tiniest detail. Our three children are depicted all dressed in white, sitting on a blanket in the lush green grass while the horses graze in the background.
“This could be hanging in a gallery. Screw that, it should be in a museum.”
“Come on. It’s not that good.”