Chapter 33

Amy

“Wake up, buddy,” I whispered in Liam’s ear, my fingers tracing gentle circles on his back. He grunted, sinking deeper into his blankets, and I couldn’t help but smile.

“Come on, baby,” I coaxed, leaning closer. “We have to be at school today.”

He stirred, his eyelids fluttering open reluctantly. “But it’s Saturday,” he whined, his voice still heavy with sleep.

“But Mrs. Perry’s note says you have to be there,” I murmured, brushing a lock of unruly hair from his forehead.

That got his attention. His eyes widened as he sat up, rubbing the sleep from them. “But I don’t… I can’t.”

“Why not, baby?” I asked, feigning innocence.

“Because… because...” His lower lip jutted out in a pout, and he clutched his left leg dramatically. “My owie hurts, and my leg hurts too.”

I wanted to pull his cheek so hard. Suppressing a laugh, I mirrored his expression. “Oh, that’s bad,” I said, my voice dripping with mock concern. “I thought you, Daddy, and I could have some fun in the competition. But since