Pt 2 of them (continued ver)

Chapter 335

As Colby gently tucked the blanket around Carter, ensuring his dinosaur plushie was within reach, Malia stepped closer, leaning her head on his shoulder. They stood in the quiet of Carter's room, the soft hum of the baby monitor the only sound.

"You know," Malia began softly, "we've been through so much with him, but I feel like we're finally finding our rhythm."

Colby nodded, glancing down at the peacefully sleeping Carter. "Yeah, it's been a ride. He's such a little firecracker, though. Keeps us on our toes every second."

Malia chuckled. "That's putting it lightly. But it's all worth it. Sometimes I wonder..."

Colby turned to look at her, sensing the shift in her tone. "Wonder what?"

"If we should have another baby," Malia admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

Colby raised an eyebrow, both surprised and intrigued. "Another one?"

Malia shrugged. "I mean, we've got our hands full already, but... I don't know. Watching Carter grow has been such a joy, even with the challenges. I can't help but think about giving him another sibling close in age."

Colby sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "I don't know, Malia. Carter is already a handful. And Liam's at that stubborn stage, Caitlyn and Colleen are finally getting into their groove... Do you think we could handle a newborn on top of all this?"

Malia smiled knowingly. "It's not about 'handling' it. It's about what feels right for our family. And I know we'd figure it out, just like we always do."

Colby looked back at Carter, his expression softening. "How do you think he'd react? To not being the baby anymore?"

Malia laughed quietly. "Oh, he'd have feelings about it, no doubt. I can already see the tantrums now—him clinging to you, nibbling on his bottle, refusing to share the attention."

"Sounds about right," Colby said with a smirk. "But maybe... maybe it'd also be good for him. He'd get to be a big brother, have someone to look out for."

"He already loves being with Caitlyn and Colleen," Malia pointed out. "And despite all the bickering, he adores Liam too, even if he doesn't show it in the moment."

Colby chuckled. "Yeah, but he'll need some serious prep if we go down that road. He's so attached to both of us. I can see him getting jealous."

Malia nodded. "True, but we'd involve him in everything—let him pick out baby clothes, show him how to help. He might surprise us."

Colby sighed, leaning against the crib rail. "I guess the real question is, do we want to go through the sleepless nights and diaper changes all over again?"

Malia smirked. "You mean you don't miss midnight feedings and bouncing a baby while half-asleep?"

Colby gave her a look. "Let's not romanticize it too much."

They both laughed quietly, careful not to wake Carter.

"I don't need an answer right now," Malia said, slipping her hand into Colby's. "Just something to think about."

Colby squeezed her hand gently. "Alright. We'll think about it. But if we do this, we're going to need reinforcements. Maybe even hire someone to help."

Malia grinned. "Deal. But for now, let's focus on these four and keep surviving the chaos."

With one last glance at Carter, Colby and Malia stepped out of the room, leaving the door slightly ajar. The conversation lingered in their minds, both of them wondering what the future might hold for their ever-growing family.