Mia picked out Henry’s favorite and paid for it, and Henry was so happy he didn’t even want his dad to carry him anymore.
Clutching his new kite in his little hands, he ran wild and free across the grass.
Back home, he played rock-paper-scissors with his dad during bath time, then challenged his mom for another round before bed.
After a few gentle swats on his tiny bottom, he finally settled down in Mia’s arms, pouting a little as he drifted off to sleep.
Right before lights out, Mia let out a sigh and muttered, “Raising a kid is tough. Raising a little tiger cub is on a whole other level.”
The “little tiger cub” in her arms twitched at that, and Mia didn’t dare move a muscle.
Andre couldn’t help but chuckle. “So, did you sort out the preschool?”
Mia nodded. “The whole family finally agreed to send him. There’s an international preschool and a fancy private academy—those two got the most votes. Looks like it’s up to us to decide.”
Andre stretched out on the bed and thought for a moment. “Let’s go with the fancy one. I’m worried he’ll get too caught up studying kids who look different from him at the international school.”
Mia just stared at him, speechless. But she had to admit—he kind of had a point.
And just like that, Henry’s school was picked.
But despite all their careful planning, Andre missed one thing: even the fancy academy had kids from all sorts of backgrounds. There was no stopping Henry’s curiosity—he was still determined to “study” everyone, and before long, they were getting called in by the teacher on a regular basis. Andre was at his wit’s end.
But that’s a story for another day.
For now, Mia was more worried Henry would pick up a snobby attitude at his new school. Andre just shrugged, “He hasn’t even started yet, and there’s already nothing sweet about that kid’s temper.”
Mia was at a loss for words, looking down at her little drama king.
Meanwhile, Henry—after being accused of having a “not-so-sweet” temper—was off in dreamland, playing endless rounds of rock-paper-scissors with the Sandman. The Sandman tried to get him to play chess instead, but Henry’s stubborn streak meant he’d only play rock-paper-scissors.
She was all dressed up, waiting for the photographer to arrive.
When she turned her head, she spotted her two brothers peering through the crib slats at her.
She pulled out her pacifier and babbled at them, her tiny mouth working overtime.
Now that Conner was finally able to let his daughter soak up the sun every day, Mr. Nettleton—suddenly full of parenting advice—said, “A little sunshine is good for her. Trust me, she’ll grow up strong.” He was so sure of himself, he even started bossing his wife around.
Annie tried to stop him a few times, but eventually gave up. “Fine. She’s your kid. If you want to sun her, go ahead. Just don’t blame me when she turns as dark as you—you two will match.”
The family patriarch grumbled, “Who says I’m as dark as coal? If I’m coal, then Asher’s a chunk of charcoal.”
Officer Chapman was left speechless, wondering how her brother ever wound up in this family circus.
That day, Lizzy was once again rolled over to the window by her doting dad for some sun. This time, her two brothers—trying to be helpful—ended up pushing the crib clear across the room…

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