Roxanne was a little confused by the little girl's actions.
The boys had been interacting with Estella long enough that they knew what she meant by observing her expressions and gestures. On the other hand, it remained an elusive task for Roxanne.
Estella was becoming anxious at Roxanne's prolonged confusion. Once more, she pointed to the room and then to herself while pouting.
Roxanne was more bewildered than ever.
“Essie means to tell you that she assembled that part, Mommy,” Archie explained.
Comprehension dawned on
Roxanne's face at last. Smiling so broadly that her eyes were crinkled, she gushed, “That's a lot of bricks, Estella! Great job!”
Estella's eyes sparkled at the compliment from the beautiful woman she held in such high regard. As she turned to look at her father, her little face shone with similar excitement.
The four of them got along well together. Lucian knew what it meant when he suddenly met the expectant look of his daughter, though he could not think of any words of praise of his own except to give her an approving nod. “Well done, Essie.”
Estella smiled so broadly that her dimples deepened.
Lucian's eyes darkened a little at his daughter's delight. He could feel a confused torrent of emotions welling up within him.
It is obvious that Essie is happier with Roxanne. I've never seen her smile this much.
Despite spending all night completing a Lego palace, Benny was not satisfied. He grabbed his mother's hand coyly. “This castle was too simple, Mommy. Could you get us something more difficult?”
Roxanne glanced at Estella hesitantly. She was just about to suggest that the two boys accommodate Estella when Benny added, “Essie is also very good at Lego. She's going to catch up to Archie and me!”
Roxanne stared at Archie in disbelief, who nodded vigorously in attestation.
Meanwhile, Estella patted her chest confidently, her face full of anticipation.
Roxanne did not need any more convincing. “All right. I'll get you a
. . ), new set tomorrow.
Exhilaration shone on the faces of the three children. Archie and Benny delved at once into detailed and long-winded specifics of the model they wanted.
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