MadisonTwenty minutes in, his laughter grew quieter. Thirty minutes, and his breathing slowed to the steady rhythm of sleep. "Out like a light," Mom whispered from her chair, glancing over with a soft smile. I looked down at Ethan, his face peaceful, one hand clutching my sleeve. "I'll take him to his room," I murmured, carefully extracting myself from the couch. Ethan stirred slightly as I lifted him, his arms instinctively wrapping around my neck. He wasn't heavy yet, but he was getting there. Growing faster than I wanted him to. "Sweet dreams, baby," I whispered. I navigated the minefield of toys and settled him into bed, pulling the covers up to his chin. He mumbled something unintelligible, rolled onto his side, and went still again. I stood there for a moment, watching him sleep. His hair fell across his forehead, his features relaxed and innocent. Alexander's eyes stared back at me from Ethan's face. I pressed a kiss to his forehead and backed out of the room, closin
Last Updated : 2026-01-10 Read more