Pt 2 of them (continued ver)

Chapter 219

As Carter settled against Colby's chest, Malia reached for one of Carter's favorite books from the coffee table. It was a dinosaur-themed story, one that always managed to calm him. She held it up and asked softly, "This one, Carter?"

Carter nodded, rubbing his eyes with his little fists. "Yes. Dinosaurs."

Colby adjusted Carter in his lap so he could see the book too. Malia opened it and began reading aloud, her soothing voice filling the room. Carter listened intently, his fingers gripping the edge of the blanket draped over him.

Midway through the story, Carter yawned, his tiny body sinking deeper into Colby's arms. "Getting sleepy, bud?" Colby whispered, brushing Carter's messy hair out of his eyes.

"Mm-hmm," Carter mumbled, his voice barely audible.

By the time Malia finished the story, Carter's eyelids were heavy. Colby glanced at Malia and said softly, "I'll carry him up to bed."

Malia nodded, standing up and gathering the blanket and the empty milk bottle. "I'll go check on the other kids."

Colby rose from the couch, careful not to jostle Carter too much. The little boy was already half-asleep, his head resting on Colby's shoulder. As Colby carried him upstairs, he hummed a quiet tune, the sound comforting to Carter, who was now fully relaxed.

In Carter's room, Colby gently laid him down in his crib. Carter stirred slightly, his hands reaching out instinctively. "Daddy... stay," he murmured, his voice barely a whisper.

Colby smiled softly. "I'm right here, buddy." He tucked Carter in, making sure his favorite stuffed dinosaur was within reach. He sat beside the crib for a while, watching as Carter's breathing evened out and he slipped into a deep sleep.

When Colby finally left the room, he found Malia sitting on the couch downstairs, sipping tea. "He's out," Colby said, plopping down beside her.

Malia smiled, resting her head on his shoulder. "You're so good with him," she said. "I don't know how you manage to stay so patient."

Colby chuckled. "It's not always easy, but he's worth it. They all are."

The two sat in peaceful silence for a moment before Malia spoke again. "I'll take care of the kids tomorrow morning. You deserve to sleep in for once."

Colby grinned, wrapping an arm around her. "Deal. But don't be surprised if Carter comes looking for me the second he wakes up."

Malia laughed. "I wouldn't expect anything less."