Hayden carried Lillian to her room and gently set her down. "Daddy, when can I watch 'The Fairy Princess'?" Tears still glistened in her eyes, but excitement shone through.

Hayden wiped her tears. "Next time we draw lots, if you win, you can watch it," he said warmly.

Lillian's brow furrowed. "If I win next time?"

Hayden nodded. "Yes."

"Then let's draw lots again! I'll win this time!" She tried to scoot past him.

Hayden chuckled, gently pulling her back. "Not today, sweetheart."

Confusion clouded her face. He knelt, explaining, "Remember what Mommy said? Whoever won gets to watch their show tonight."

"Tonight's draw is for tonight. We'll draw again later."

Lillian's eyes widened, struggling to understand. He knew it was a lot for her; she wasn't even two yet. He picked her up, carrying her to the bathroom. He wet a towel and wiped her face. "Don't cry so much, okay? It makes your face dirty."

Lillian was silent.

Downstairs, Jeremy, fidgeting, glanced at Stacey before heading upstairs, worry etched on his face. Stacey considered following, but decided Hayden likely had Lillian occupied. Even Kevin watched them, his neck craned.

Stacey adjusted Kevin's collar. "Stay here and watch cartoons. No need to worry." She trusted Hayden.

Upstairs, Jeremy paused at Lillian's door, hearing Hayden's voice. He hesitated, knowing he shouldn't enter without permission. Hayden and Lillian saw him. Lillian's face lit up. "Jeremy!"

"Lily, can Jeremy come in?" Hayden asked, understanding Jeremy's limited speech.

Lillian nodded. "Yes! Come in, Jeremy!" Jeremy grinned, rushing in.

"Daddy, tell the story!" Lillian urged. Hayden glanced at Jeremy, then continued his impromptu tale. It was about fairies in the Fairy Forest, the Fairy Queen, and her children: Princess Lillian, Prince Kyle, and Prince Dylan. Lillian was enthralled.

"The Fairy Queen brought back a beautiful flower crown, but only one crown. Who should she give it to?" Hayden's voice was soft.

"Princess Lillian!" Lillian shouted.

Hayden smiled. "Yes, she wanted to give it to adorable Princess Lillian."

Lillian's eyes sparkled. "Yes! Amazing!"

Hayden chuckled. "But she loved Kyle and Dylan, too. If she gave it only to Lillian, they'd be sad." He paused. "What should she do?"

Lillian frowned, clearly invested in the story.

Hayden smiled. "The Fairy Queen asked the royal wizard for help. He suggested...drawing lots!"

Lillian's eyes widened. "I know about drawing lots! Mommy plays that with us!"

Hayden continued, "The Fairy Queen called her children and prepared three lots. Whoever drew the marked lot would get the crown."

Lillian, clutching her clothes, listened intently. Hayden's voice was soothing. "Princess Lillian, Prince Kyle, and Prince Dylan each drew a lot. Guess who got the marked one?"

Lillian shook her head, her face a mask of suspense.

Hayden leaned closer. "Princess Lillian!"

Lillian clapped her hands. "Yeah!"

Hayden continued, "But Kyle and Dylan didn't agree. They wanted the crown!"