The kitchen's all smoky, not a place for ladies."

Olivia retorted, "I've been here all morning, and you didn't mention the smoke to me."

Edwin responded, "You insisted on staying. I couldn't stop you! But remember, one day your husband will look out for you."

Olivia playfully complained, "You get a wife and forget your sister.”

She pulled a face and led Laura outside.

As they watered the flowers, Olivia, feeling the chill, decided to use hot water, thinking it would keep the plants warm.

Mark noticed and was aghast.

"Hot water on plants!"

He lamented, cradling a flower pot.

"These were your Grandma's favorite. Today's her day, and now her flowers are ruined."

Olivia blinked innocently, and Laura watched in silence.

After a pause, Mark repotted the flowers, regretfully saying, "I'm not sure they'll survive." He warned Olivia, "If they don't, you're getting a spanking."

Olivia wrapped her arms around his, gazing up at him.

“Dad, I was also Grandma's favorite. Aren't I more important than some flowers?

If you spank me, Grandma would be heartbroken. If you don't listen to her and cherish me, that's disrespectful."

Mark chuckled at her logic.

"Where did you learn such nonsense? You neglect your studies but pick up these silly ideas easily."

Unperturbed, Olivia snuggled closer.

Mark sighed, embracing her.

With both a young and a grown child in the house, he often felt overwhelmed.