No Strings Attached

Elle watched her son's face light up with anticipation and couldn't bear to let him down. She leaned down to kiss Orin on his forehead, softly saying, "Tonight, Daddy and I will sleep with you." Hearing this, Orin's eyes widened in surprise. "Really? I get to sleep with both of you? Wow, I'm so happy!"

After saying this, he kissed Elle on the cheek, then turned to Anders with a smile. "Daddy, aren't you happy Mommy agreed to sleep with us?"

Anders pinched his son's chubby cheeks, smiling. "I'm happy."

"If you're happy, why not show it? You're so inconsiderate. No wonder Mommy doesn't like you."

Anders was chastised by his son and quickly caught on to his meaning. He leaned towards Elle and gently kissed her lips. He said softly, "Thank you."

Elle stopped being awkward and pulled Orin into her arms, tucking him in with a small blanket. They listened to Anders tell a fairy tale. Just like that, the family of three slowly drifted off to sleep.

The next morning, when Orin opened his eyes, his parents were still asleep. He sneaked out from between them, carefully placing his dad's hand around his mom's waist. After covering them with the blanket, he quietly left the room.

He returned to his room and immediately called Clara. The phone rang for a long time before it was answered.

Clara's voice, still husky from sleep, was soft and sweet. "Orin, why are you up so early?"

bed. "Aunt Clara, I have great news to share with you, but

"Alright, tell

now,

laughed. "Orin, you're awesome! Next time you come to

thrilled and chatted with Clara for a while longer

Clara remembered Orin's adorable

in, and saw her beautiful smile. He approached, propping

at her. He said

Sᴇaʀᴄh

cheeks immediately flushed. Her mind replayed the scene

It stirred excitement within her, even as she's seven months

chest, "Aren't you afraid your son will hear you tease his

her forehead.

be afraid of? If I didn't

would he have existed?