Ian Shaw lay in his little bed, a thin blanket covering him. All sorts of stuffed animals were arranged next to his pillow.
As his mother's gentle voice drifted over, Ian Shaw slowly closed his eyes.
'Actually, I don't like childish fairy tales,' he thought. 'But I can feel the love in Mom's voice. I just want her to stay with me forever.'
Hearing Ian Shaw's light breathing, Naomi Kenway knew he had fallen asleep. She put down the storybook and placed a soft kiss on Ian's cheek. "Goodnight, sweetie."
Naomi Kenway turned off the light and was about to leave when she heard Ian's faint, sleepy murmur:
"Mommy, Ian is going to learn how to protect you..."
*
Back in the bedroom, Naomi Kenway thanked Ethan Shaw. "They say you can't see the forest for the trees. I really should let Ian grow up at his own pace."
Ethan Shaw put down the file in his hand. "Naomi, I'm Ian's father."
