"Good morning sweetheart" she said.

For a minute Nikki thought she was going mad.

Walking to her father Helen slipped an arm around his waist and kissed his cheek.

"Morning dad, what’s for breakfast? she asked
.
"Why you hungry?.he said.

"Starved" Helen laughed.

Serving up pancakes and crispy bacon he ordered the women to tuck in.

Nikki was gobsmacked watching the two of them woofing down their breakfast. Helen felt happy. She knew what her dad was doing. This was his way of saying sorry and that everything was fine. Helen had gone through this routine many times in her life. Whenever her parents had had a fight this was how her dad made up. Even when he had been upset with Helen he would make her his famous pancakes and all would be forgotten. Plates empty John got up to collect them and take them to the sink.

"That was wonderful thank you Mr. Stewart" Nikki said.

"I think you can drop the formalities Nikki seeing as we are practically family now." he replied. Helen got up and hugged her dad.

"Thanks dad." she said really meaning it. She loved him dearly and knew he was trying to make an effort.

Turning his back to the sink he said just loud enough for them to hear. " Could have been worse I suppose. You could have married that Sean. Weak ***** he was."

Nikki and Helen looked at each other in disbelief. Disolving into laughter they both scolded John lovingly.

Once all the dishes were done John told the girls he had to leave. He had only come prepared to stay over night but promised them he would visit soon. Collecting his things he took a good look around and admitted to himself that the flat truly did have a loving feel to it. Still not totally at terms with Helen’s life style he did how ever want to be apart of it. With the two women standing before him waiting to say goodbye he made the comment.

"Looks like I have two girls now eh!". Smiling the biggest smile Nikki had seen he hugged Helen then Nikki and said his farewells.

Closing the door behind him Nikki slid her arm around Helen and said. "You Stewarts are something else."

Reaching up to kiss Nikki Helen smiled and said. "You’d better believe it."