12
~Velma’s POV
Morning came softly, the kind that doesn’t announce itself but just slips in through the curtains.
I woke to small fingers poking my cheek.
“Mommy.”
I kept my eyes closed on purpose.
“Mommy,” Jaden said again, louder now, half laughing.
I smiled before I opened my eyes. Of course it was him. It was always him.
“Good morning,” I murmured, turning my face toward him. “Why are you awake so early?”
He climbed over me like I was part of the bed, knees digging into my side. “I’m not sleepy. I was waiting for you.”
“You were supposed to be waiting quietly,” I said, pretending to frown. “Not jumping on your poor mother.”
He giggled. “Sorry, Mommy.”
“Sorry doesn’t save you,” I said, pulling him down and tickling his sides.
“Mommy, stop,” he laughed, twisting away. “Stop
