Pt 2 of them (continued ver)

Chapter 233

It was early morning, and the house was still quiet except for the faint sound of birds chirping outside. Colby was the first to wake, heading to Carter's room to check on him. As he opened the door, he was met with a surprising sight.

Carter was sitting up in his crib, clutching his favorite dinosaur plushie. The usual redness that often reflected in his eyes from restless nights or crying spells was gone. Instead, his bright blue eyes—strikingly similar to Colby's own—were clear and vibrant, catching the morning sunlight streaming through the window.

Colby froze for a moment, taking it in. "Well, look at you," he said softly, walking over to lift Carter out of the crib.

Carter rubbed his eyes sleepily, then rested his head on Colby's shoulder, as if unaware of the little moment that had just left his father in awe.

"Your eyes are so blue today, buddy," Colby murmured, smiling as he ran his fingers through Carter's still-messy hair.

The Breakfast Table

When they came down for breakfast, Malia was already in the kitchen preparing oatmeal for the kids. Caitlyn and Colleen were at the table, giggling over a book, while Liam was busy rummaging through a box of cereal.

"Morning, everyone!" Colby said, setting Carter in his high chair.

Malia turned to greet them but paused when she saw Carter's eyes. "Oh, wow. His eyes..." she trailed off, stepping closer.

"Looks like someone's got your eyes today," Colby said, grinning.

Malia knelt beside Carter's high chair, brushing his hair back so she could get a better look. "They're so blue. I don't think I've ever seen them this bright before."

"They've always been blue," Colby said, "but it's like they're glowing today."

Caitlyn and Colleen looked up from their book. "Let me see!" Caitlyn said, hopping off her chair to peek at Carter.

"They're like Daddy's!" Colleen exclaimed, clapping her hands.

Liam, of course, didn't want to be left out. "My eyes are cooler!" he declared, pointing to his hazel-brown eyes that matched Malia's.

A Family Trait

As the morning went on, Malia couldn't help but notice the contrast between Carter's eyes and those of the other kids. Caitlyn and Colleen both had their mother's warm hazel-brown eyes, while Liam's had a touch of green mixed in. But Carter's bright blue eyes were a mirror of Colby's—a trait no one else in the family seemed to share.

"You know," Malia said to Colby as they cleaned up after breakfast, "it's funny how genetics work. I thought all the kids would get my eye color."

Colby chuckled. "Well, I guess Carter wanted to take after me in some way."

"He really is your mini-me," Malia said, smiling.

A Quiet Moment

Later that day, as Carter napped on the couch with his dinosaur plushie tucked under his arm, Malia sat beside him, gently brushing a strand of hair from his face. His blue eyes were closed now, but the memory of them glowing that morning stayed with her.

"Even on his fussy or sick days, he's such a little miracle," she thought to herself, leaning down to kiss his forehead.

Colby, walking by with a cup of coffee, paused to take in the scene. "He's got the best of both of us," he said quietly, sitting down beside her.

Malia nodded. "He really does."