Chad's hair was a mess, falling across his face as he quietly slipped out of his clothes and tiptoed to the bed. He gently lifted the covers and nestled into the cozy warmth of home. There really was no place like it, with a loving wife and a snug bed, even the pillows felt just right.
Lying down, Chad wrapped his arms around his wife, planting a soft kiss on her brow while Molly continued her peaceful slumber. He watched her serene face, not wanting to disturb her tranquility. Holding her close, he let her rest safely in his embrace.
Meanwhile, Jade was an infamous deep sleeper, almost impossible to wake. Just like her little nephew, Henry, who was sprawled out in his own room, chin up and back arched, sleeping soundly. His dad, Andre, playfully tapped his bottom after removing his diaper, saying, "Henry, time to wake up." Yet, Henry slept on.
Andre scooped him up, all without interrupting his sleep. If Henry were older and tech-savvy, Andre might suspect him of sneaking a late-night phone session. Carrying him to the dining table, Andre tapped a spoon against Henry's bowl, finally stirring a response as Henry's eyes fluttered open.
Molly awoke to the sight of Chad, immediately snuggling into his neck and sweetly murmuring, "Chad, you’re back." Chad hugged her and lay back, letting Molly rest atop him. He caressed her back, his hand moving up to cradle her neck as he kissed her, "I'm back, it's all over."
The couple shared another kiss as the afternoon news mentioned Chad’s latest case.
In the Cedillo Inc. CEO office, Andre and Chad sat across from each other. Little Henry, perched in Andre's lap, was joyfully gnawing on his dad’s shirt collar with his tiny teeth. "Andre, did you have anything to do with those two guys from yesterday? Their arms were crippled, tendons cut. Was that you?" Chad asked straight out.
Andre turned off the TV, meeting his brother-in-law’s gaze. "I heard their legs got messed up too, ended up in surgery. Was that your doing?" Chad recalled last night and chuckled, "Not me." Andre grinned back, "Not me either."
They shared a knowing look, choosing to drop the topic. As Chad got ready to leave, he clapped his hands, calling out to his nephew, "Henry, come give Uncle a hug." Henry, having almost drooled his fill over his dad's shirt, turned to his familiar uncle with a happy noise.
Andre wiped Henry's mouth with a tissue before handing him over. Holding the little bundle, Chad couldn’t help but dream about having his own little Henry someday—so soft and chubby.
With fatherly affection swelling, Chad found even Henry's little fist-chewing adorable. "They deserve the death penalty," Andre commented, lounging back in his chair. Chad, gazing at his nephew with gentle eyes, echoed, "Absolutely, death penalty."
Andre added, "Can’t let it be too easy." Despite skipping a few words, Chad caught his drift, "It won’t be an easy way out."
After savoring his moment with the baby, Chad took a call and reluctantly handed the little one back to Andre. "Uncle's got to go, but I'll see you soon," he said, waving at Henry, who waved his tiny arms in return.
Once Chad was gone, Henry cozily settled back into his dad’s arms, yawning and finding the perfect spot on his dad's arm to nap. "Don’t doze off just yet, we’re heading out soon to prepare a 'surprise' for your mom." But Henry was already snoozing.
In the afternoon, Cooper showed up at Andre’s office, lifting his little nephew into the air and catching him securely, making Henry laugh with glee. "Hey, are you all finished up?" Cooper asked.
Andre closed his laptop with a nod, "Let’s head out."
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