"Mommy... for my birthday, can you invite Aunty Stella? And Grandma Martha, too?"
Evelyn chuckled softly.
"That's supposed to be a surprise, sweetheart. I can't tell you who's coming."
He yawned, struggling to keep his eyes open. "But… you'll tell me tomorrow?"
"We'll see."
He mumbled something unintelligible and finally drifted into sleep, his little hand still clutching her sleeve.
Evelyn sat there for a moment, watching him. His soft breathing, the peaceful curve of his lips, melted every ounce of exhaustion she had left.
"Good night, sweetheart," she whispered. "Please don't grow up too fast."
When she stood to leave, Axel was waiting by the door, a quiet smile on his face.
"He outsmarted me again," Evelyn whispered, closing the door behind her. "I think he's planning to steal me away permanently."
Axel chuckled softly. "I can't blame him. I'd do the same. I plan to steal his mommy away..." His voice turned solemn.
