Never Not You

Mama and Teo time

The early morning light streamed through the curtains, casting a soft golden glow over the bedroom. Leah stirred awake, feeling the tiny weight of Mateo snuggled against her side. She opened her eyes to find her son already awake, his big, curious eyes staring up at her. His dino Teddy was clutched tightly in one hand, his little brow furrowed in confusion.

"Mama," he said, his voice high-pitched and slightly raspy from sleep. "Teo seep my bed. How Teo here?"

Leah blinked, stifling a laugh as she reached over to gently brush a stray curl from his forehead. "You don't remember, baby boy?" she whispered, keeping her voice soft so she wouldn't wake Aurora.

Mateo shook his head, his tiny face serious. "No memmer. Teo seep, den poof! Teo here!" His free hand waved in the air for emphasis, as if describing some grand magical event.

Leah chuckled softly, her heart swelling with affection at his earnest expression. "Hmm," she mused, tapping her chin dramatically. "Maybe it was magic? Or... maybe Mama came to your room and brought you here so we could cuddle. What do you think?"

Mateo's eyes widened, his mouth forming a little "O." He leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Mama magic?"

Leah grinned, pinching his tiny nose gently. "Maybe Mama has a little magic. But only for special things, like bringing my favorite boy to bed for cuddles."

Mateo giggled, squirming a little as he hugged his dino tighter. "Teo special!"

Leah kissed his forehead, her voice soft with love. "The most special. My best boy."

As Mateo basked in the warmth of her affection, his eyes drifted to the other side of the bed where Aurora was still fast asleep. Her dark hair fanned out on the pillow, her face serene in the morning light. Mateo gasped softly, pointing a tiny finger. "Mama! Mami seeping!" he whispered urgently, his voice full of wonder as if he'd just discovered a secret.

Leah placed a finger to her lips, mimicking his whisper. "Shhh, baby. Mami's sleeping. We have to be quiet, okay?"

Mateo nodded solemnly, pressing a finger to his own lips. "Shhh. No wake mami." He scooted closer to Leah, leaning into her side as his gaze remained fixed on Aurora. "Mami pwetty seep."

Leah's heart melted at his innocent observation. "She is, isn't she? The prettiest."

Mateo grinned, his eyes crinkling with joy. "Mama pwetty too."

Leah laughed softly, hugging him close. "You're too sweet, Teo."

They sat in quiet companionship for a moment, the soft sounds of Aurora's breathing filling the room. But Mateo, ever the curious little boy, turned his attention back to Leah with a new thought.

"Mama, more magic?" he asked hopefully, his tiny hands reaching up as if expecting her to conjure something out of thin air.

Leah quirked an eyebrow, pretending to think hard. "Hmm... what kind of magic, little man?"

Mateo patted his stomach, his face scrunching up in concentration. "Magic food!"

Leah couldn't hold back her laugh this time, her voice a low, warm sound that filled the room. "Magic food, huh? Well, you've got to wait for Mami for that kind of magic. Mama doesn't do food magic. Only cuddles."

Mateo tilted his head, considering this. "Mami do food magic?"

Leah nodded, ruffling his curls. "Mami's the best at food magic. But we have to let her sleep a little longer before she can make it."

Mateo nodded sagely, as if this made perfect sense. "Mami seep, den magic food. 'Kay."

Leah kissed the top of his head again, a smile playing on her lips. "That's right, smart boy."