Andre had just been thinking how grown-up his son seemed, and then—just like that—the kid was back to being his silly, playful self. Andre grinned and stretched out his arms. “Come here, you little rascal. Let Dad tuck you in.”
Once his son was out like a light, Andre’s night could finally begin. His wife was on vacation, but honestly, Andre was the one enjoying it the most—freedom at last.
He walked back into the bedroom to find Mia sprawled across the bed, deep in conversation with her girlfriends.
She heard him coming and glanced back over her shoulder, catching his eye as he approached…
Meanwhile, in the group chat, Molly messaged: Why are there so many scammers lately? Chad’s been working nights for days—sweetie barely knows what her dad looks like anymore.
Three minutes ticked by. No reply.
Molly typed again: Mia, you asleep already? No way. You’re on break—why hit the sack so early?
Five more minutes. Nothing.
Jade just stared at her phone, then turned to Wayne, who was still up with her. “Sweetie, do you even remember who your dad is?”
Wayne blinked at his mom, giving her a look that screamed, Seriously?
Mom might not see Dad much during the day, but as the unofficial “home guard,” Wayne always managed to catch Dad coming in.
Chad would swing by during the day, and sure enough, Wayne would be standing at the door, waiting. Chad would scoop him up, plant a kiss on his cheek, then head upstairs to shower and change. Before heading out again, he’d give Wayne another big hug and rush off.
Lately, Molly was working late too, so husband and wife were like ships passing in the night.
“Wayne,” Molly called.
Wayne looked at her like, If I had a choice, I’d be over at Grandma and Grandpa’s, getting a good night’s sleep instead of listening to you talk my ear off.
Jade eventually quieted down and dug out her favorite romance novel from under the bed, climbing up to read.
Wayne crawled over, curiosity getting the better of him, and peeked at the book along with his mom.
If anyone knew how to spoil a kid, it was Mia and Nina.
After just a few days under their care, Jade posted on Facebook: “Our boy’s getting chubby! Auntie and big sis are feeding him up!”
She attached a photo of Wayne standing on the scale, his chubby hands rubbing his round little belly.
Mia spent several fun days with Anya at Havenbrook, and Anya stopped worrying about helping her boyfriend. Life was good.
When Anya was about to head home, Mia lounged against her pillows and video called Molly that night.
Jade was genuinely grateful, laughing that her son was now adorably pudgy. “Only thing is, my arms are getting a workout just carrying him!”
“Oh please, sweetie’s still not as hefty as Henry yet,” Molly replied, but she sounded pretty pleased too.
“Anya’s leaving soon, Dad’s not home, and Naomi’s busy with her own family,” Mia said. “Let’s get some gifts together for Anya’s family too. Leo can take everything over at once.”

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