His new shoes were squeaking just a bit. He hoped no one would notice, but as he and Cooper headed up the sidewalk to the church, Cooper began to verbally creak along with the offensive shoe, causing a few others getting out of their car to turn their heads and then smile at how precious he was. Paul returned the smiles and politely asked Cooper to stop—which he did not. “Next time, you can ride with Grandma and Uncle Casey,” he joked.
Cooper didn’t think it was funny. He looked up at his dad with wide eyes. “I thought you liked taking me to church.”
“I was kidding, Coop. Now come on before we freeze.”
With suspicion still in his blue eyes, the little boy returned his gaze to the sidewalk in front of them and headed up the stairs. As they entered the vestibule, the creaking sound was ba
