He gave Shannon an amused huff at the thanks, almost as if conveying what else would I do, silly. Once done putting away the toys, he followed them into the kitchen and started helping out in getting lunch ready, well versed in staying out of Shannon's way while doing so.

"Well you heard her, papa, she wants nothing, so I guess we won't give her anything," he said as he moved in and tickled her belly.

"Dad!" She squealed with laughter as he tickled her. "Stop it! Don't want nothing."

"Aha, my interrogation skills work yet again." Eli stopped tickling and went back to work.