Pt 2 of them (continued ver)

Chapter 217

It was one of those mornings where Carter was not in the best of moods. He woke up crying, clutching his dinosaur blanket tightly as Malia entered his room. His cheeks were flushed, and his sniffles made it clear he still wasn't feeling well.

"Good morning, sweetheart," Malia cooed softly, leaning down to pick him up. But the moment her arms reached for him, Carter turned his head away, whining.

"Want Daddy," he whimpered, tears streaming down his face.

Malia sighed, understanding his attachment to Colby, especially when he was feeling this way. She gave him space, sitting on the edge of his bed. "Daddy's coming, love. Let's get you ready for breakfast, okay?"

But Carter wasn't having it. He flopped back onto the bed, kicking his little legs in frustration. "No! No touch!"

Colby soon entered, shirtless and rubbing the sleep from his eyes. "What's going on here?" he asked, his deep voice calm but concerned.

"Daddy!" Carter cried, immediately reaching for him.

Colby stepped in, scooping up his little boy, who clung to him tightly, burying his face in Colby's shoulder. "It's okay, buddy. I've got you."

Malia watched with a mix of relief and exasperation. "He's refusing to let me help him this morning. He's still fuzzy."

Colby nodded, gently bouncing Carter in his arms. "It's okay, I'll handle it. You get the other kids started."

Downstairs, Liam was already at the breakfast table, loudly complaining about wanting pancakes instead of the oatmeal Malia had prepared. Colleen and Caitlyn sat quietly, their angelic behavior a stark contrast to Liam's stubbornness.

As Colby carried Carter into the kitchen, Carter whimpered again, clinging tightly. "No chair. Stay with Daddy," he murmured.

"Alright, alright," Colby said, pulling a chair to sit with Carter on his lap. He grabbed a banana from the counter and peeled it, offering small bites to his son. "Let's try this, okay?"

Carter sniffled but took a bite, leaning heavily against his dad.

Meanwhile, Liam, sensing that Carter was getting more attention, crossed his arms and pouted. "Why does Carter get to sit with Daddy?"

"Because Carter's not feeling well," Malia explained patiently. "And you're a big boy who can sit by himself."

"But I want Daddy, too!" Liam insisted, his stubbornness flaring up.

Colleen, ever the peacemaker, piped up. "Liam, maybe after breakfast, you can have some Daddy time. Right now, Carter needs him."

Liam huffed but resumed eating his oatmeal.

After breakfast, Colby took Carter to the living room, settling him on the couch with his favorite dinosaur blanket and a bottle of warm milk. Carter sniffled but seemed calmer, clutching his blanket tightly as Colby stayed nearby, rubbing his back.

The day continued with Carter's fuzziness ebbing and flowing. Anytime he grew upset, Colby was there to comfort him, whether it was with cuddles, his favorite toys, or just sitting by his side.

By bedtime, Carter was still clingy but finally started to relax as Colby rocked him gently, humming a soft tune. It had been a challenging day, but with patience and love, they managed to make it through.