Gabriel closed the last button of the warm, thick sweater over Noah’s small body. The boy was utterly engrossed, contentedly sucking on his milk bottle. Gabriel then gently worked the soft socks onto Noah’s feet, ensuring every piece of clothing was secure before allowing the boy to settle back and fully enjoy his bottle.
"Gabriel, Grandma wants to see us now," Amelie said, stepping quietly into the room.
"Wait just a moment. Noah is still drinking his milk," Gabriel replied, turning his head to look up at her. Amelie moved to his side, her hand instinctively resting on his shoulder. Gabriel leaned his head back, finding momentary comfort against her presence.
"I have already asked Karmen to stay nearby and help Noah if he needs anything or finds discomfort while we are gone," Gabriel explained, a slight tension in his voice. "We both will be in a deep sleep for a few hours. The maids are here, of course, but sometimes babies don’t take well to unfamiliar hands, especially when they wake up."
"You’re right," Amelie murmured, appreciating his foresight regarding Noah’s care during their vulnerable state. "I just hope Karmen won’t mind the imposition."
"No, he won’t," Gabriel stated with confidence, his eyes conveying a reliance on his trusted friend. "He understands the necessity."
They both heard a soft, respectful knock on the door and turned in unison. Gabriel immediately stood up as he recognized Karmen entering the room.
Amelie, meanwhile, focused entirely on Noah, who had just released the milk bottle from his mouth. She gently wiped his face with a small handkerchief before placing the bottle safely on the bedside table.
She then cradled Noah closer in her arms, swaying softly, hoping the motion would lull him back to sleep so he wouldn’t disturb Karmen or the others during their absence.
"Karmen, we truly didn’t want to cause you any kind of inconvenience, but this was necessary," Amelie said, her gaze fixed on him, a hint of apology in her tone.
Karmen’s warm, easy smile immediately dismissed her concern. "Don’t say that, Amelie. Being with Noah is my pleasure, not an inconvenience at all. After all," he asserted, stepping closer and looking down affectionately at Noah, "he’s my little nephew."
"Thanks, buddy. Just a warning, Noah may cry, or even annoy you," Gabriel remarked, feeling a touch of parent guilt but trusting his friend completely.
"It’s alright. I’ll get some valuable training to be a father in the future," Karmen chuckled, already positioning himself to carefully take Noah from Amelie’s arms.
"Here, boy! Uncle Karmen is in your service," he said enthusiastically, gently allowing the pup’s small, warm weight to settle against his chest.
Amelie took a moment to caress Noah’s tiny belly one last time before stepping back. "We will be back soon," she promised, her eyes lingering on her son.
"Hmm. Go ahead. Don’t delay it," Karmen urged, recognizing the urgency of their task.
Noah, still somewhat awake, looked up at his parents, his curious eyes wondering where they were heading. However, Karmen’s bright, distracting voice immediately drew his attention as he presented him with a sparkling toy, gently tossing and catching it in the air. The distraction worked, and the parents were free to depart without Noah’s crying.


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