Pt 2 of them (continued ver)

Chapter 215

Colby smiled and carried Carter back to the living room, settling him down on the couch with his favorite dinosaur blanket and some soft toys to keep him entertained. Carter immediately clutched his T-Rex plushie, nibbling on its tail as he started to perk up.

Malia joined them a moment later, holding a steaming cup of coffee in one hand and rubbing her eyes with the other. She sat beside Colby, leaning against his shoulder.

"You're still shirtless?" she teased, her voice warm.

Colby smirked. "I didn't think Carter minded."

Carter, hearing his name, giggled and waved his T-Rex in the air. "Dada!"

Malia reached over to tickle Carter's little toes, earning more giggles. "Looks like someone's in a better mood already."

Colby leaned back, stretching slightly. "He's teething, though. That's why he's been nibbling on everything lately. I'll grab one of those teething toys after breakfast."

Malia nodded. "Good idea. Speaking of breakfast, I'll get started on some eggs and toast. Can you watch Carter for a bit?"

"Of course," Colby said, pulling Carter into his lap.

As Malia got up, Carter wiggled in Colby's arms, clearly full of energy now. He squirmed until he was standing on Colby's lap, his tiny hands pressing against his dad's chest.

"Whoa, buddy, where are you trying to go?" Colby laughed, holding him steady.

Carter pointed toward the toy bin in the corner. "Play!" he demanded, bouncing slightly.

"Alright, alright, let's go," Colby said, lifting Carter off his lap and setting him on the floor.

Carter darted toward his toy bin, rummaging through it until he found a toy car. He immediately started rolling it across the floor, making little "vroom-vroom" sounds.

Colby watched him with a fond smile. "You've got a lot of energy for someone who woke up crying at 6 a.m."

Malia peeked out from the kitchen. "That's Carter for you. Full speed ahead or nothing at all."

Carter eventually made his way back over to Colby, holding the toy car up for his dad to see. "Dada, look!"

"Cool car, bud!" Colby said, scooping Carter up again. "Want to help me drive it?"

Carter nodded eagerly, and the two of them played together on the floor until Malia called them for breakfast.

Later, after everyone had eaten, Colby took Carter to get dressed for the day. Back in the master bathroom, he set Carter on the counter and helped him brush his teeth.

"Open wide," Colby said, holding the tiny toothbrush steady.

Carter tried to squirm away, giggling. "Nooooo!"

"Come on, buddy. Let's get those teeth nice and clean," Colby coaxed, gently brushing.

Malia walked in just as Colby was finishing up, her face lighting up at the sight of her husband and son. "You're really good at this," she said, leaning against the doorframe.

"Practice makes perfect," Colby replied, rinsing the toothbrush. He turned to Carter and said, "All done! Time to get dressed, little man."

Carter clapped his hands, clearly proud of himself.

As Colby dressed Carter in a comfy dinosaur T-shirt and shorts, Malia helped gather everything they'd need for the day ahead. It was shaping up to be another busy, lively day with their energetic little boy leading the charge.