A Family Christmas. Carrie Alexander

      The girl nodded, pursing her lips into a mischievous smile. “Daddy says I’m getting spoiled.”

      “Spoiled, huh?” Rose put on a show of looking Lucy over, squeezing her arms and legs to make her double over in giggles. “I hope he doesn’t have to throw you in the trash like a mushy banana.”

      Rose heard the door to the locker room open behind her. “What’s going on here?” Evan said.

      She straightened with a snap.

      A limp Lucy dropped to the floor. “I’m a banana-nana, Daddy. I’m covered in squishy black spots.”

      Evan approached, holding his wallet. He opened it and withdrew several bills, handing the money to Rose. “What did the ape say to the banana?”