"Is all that heavy?"
"No."
"How about Mommy carries it?"
"No. Ian will carry it. Mommy, you hold Ian's hand."
Melody Monroe squeezed his little hand a little tighter.
Ian Monroe walked very slowly. Usually, when the nanny came to pick him up, he walked quickly. But today his mother was here, and he wanted to extend their walk. That way, he could spend more time with her.
Melody Monroe glanced down at Ian Monroe, her eyes filled with a doting smile. 'Even though this child isn't technically mine by birth, I adore him completely. I couldn't love a child of my own any more than this.'
Holding hands, the two of them slowly made their way home. Melody periodically teased Ian, managing to make the serious little boy break into laughter several times.
"That's it! You should smile more often. You look the most handsome when you smile, Ian!"
Ian Monroe suddenly tilted his head, offering up what he clearly thought was his most brilliant smile.
