“But that doesn’t mean that I know how to do this.”
“Then you figure it out. They can wash themselves. You stay in there to make sure they don’t drown, do their hair, comb it out, and then put them in pajamas. Don’t you worry, Corinne will tell you what you’re doing wrong,”
Maria said.
“I noticed.”
“You will be fine. Just do not let Corinne use the shower sprayer. She will say that she can, but you cannot let her. Or you will be cleaning up water for weeks.”
“Thanks for the tip. I won’t bug you again, I promise. I’ve got this.”
“I will see you all tomorrow, around ten.”
“After lunch is fine,” he assured her, sounding more confident than he felt.
“Okay, bye bye,” Maria said.
He knew enough to check the water temperature and make sure it wasn’t too hot. He got out towels and washcloths. The doorbell rang and he knew he couldn’t leave the kids by themselves, in case they went into the tub.
“Let’s see who is here, then you can take your baths.”
They agreed and ran downstairs in fuzzy, Snoopy robes. When Madison stopped by to check on the children, he was grateful. Squealing, the children ran up to her and hugged her. She had a small cheese and noodle casserole and put it in the fridge.
“Thanks for the dish,” Harvey said. “That was very kind of you.”
“Not a problem. It’s the kids’ favorite. Hey, you cleaned the kitchen,” she said in a shocked tone. “I didn’t know a billionaire bachelor could clean.”
He laughed. “Yes, I might have maids, but I know how to clean a little.”
“It looks great!”
“Thank you.”
“Looks like you have this under control.”
“Not really. Do you think you can help with the baths?”
She smiled. “Sure.”
They went upstairs. Madison got Corinne in the tub, then he came in. Corinne kept splashing water everywhere and Madison asked her nicely not to do that. She didn’t listen.
“Hey! I said no splashing,” Madison said.
“We’re not. The mermaids are fighting,” Corinne said.
“Can you tell them to please quit? Or else I’ll have to go fetch a mop.”
“It’s okay,” Harvey said. “I can mop.”
“You wouldn’t know what to do with a mop.”
“Do you think I’m all washed up?” he laughed.
“Funny. But I didn’t think you could mop or sweep.”
“I can sweep too.”
“Sweep the room with a glance like the playboy you are. Nah, that doesn’t count.”