Pt 2 of them (continued ver)

Chapter 213

The evening started with a spark of energy that Carter seemed to have saved for the night. While his siblings were already tucked in bed, Carter was bouncing around the living room, holding his dinosaur toy and giggling as he avoided Colby's attempts to scoop him up.

"Alright, buddy, let's get you ready for bed," Colby said, finally catching him and hoisting him into his arms. Carter squealed in delight, kicking his legs but not fighting too hard.

Colby carried Carter into the master bathroom, where he set him down on the counter. Colby, shirtless and still looking sharp despite a long day, quickly grabbed Carter's toothbrush. Carter, meanwhile, was distracted by his dad's abs and reached out with his tiny hands to poke them.

"Hey! What are you doing?" Colby chuckled, squirming a bit. "Are you checking out my six-pack? Not bad, huh?"

Carter giggled, clearly entertained, before Colby gently redirected him. "Come on, let's brush those teeth."

Colby carefully brushed Carter's tiny teeth, making silly noises to keep him engaged. "Dinosaur teeth need to be strong, just like yours, right?" he said, earning more giggles.

After finishing, Colby helped Carter rinse his mouth and then washed his little face, wiping away the sticky remnants of dinner. Carter squirmed, not entirely enjoying the process, but he didn't protest too much.

Malia walked into the bathroom, a soft smile on her face. "Looks like someone's having a party in here," she teased, leaning on the doorframe.

"All the other kids are asleep?" Colby asked, glancing at her as he reached for Carter's pajamas.

"Finally," Malia replied, stepping forward to join them. She kissed Carter's forehead. "But this one's still going strong, huh?"

"He's got energy for days," Colby said, pulling Carter's shirt over his head and then guiding his arms through the sleeves. Carter let out a little yawn, which Malia caught immediately.

"Someone's getting sleepy, though," she said softly, rubbing Carter's back as Colby slid on his pajama bottoms.

With Carter changed and ready for bed, Colby lifted him into his arms and kissed his cheek. "Alright, let's get you settled, little man."

Carter snuggled into his dad's shoulder, his fingers clutching the collar of Colby's shirt. Malia followed them out of the bathroom, her heart melting at the sight of her husband and son. Together, they walked to Carter's room, where Colby gently placed him in his crib and tucked him in with his favorite dinosaur blanket.

"Goodnight, buddy," Colby whispered, brushing Carter's hair back.

Malia kissed his forehead. "Sweet dreams, my love."

Carter's eyes fluttered closed, and within minutes, the little ball of energy had finally settled down.