The energy in Alistair’s apartment remained festive as the new year settled in. Despite the late hour, Riley and Alistair were determined to make the night memorable for baby Sam. They didn’t have extravagant toys or high-end entertainment, but they had plenty of creativity and a shared determination to keep the atmosphere lighthearted.
“Alright, Sam,” Riley said with a grin, kneeling on the soft carpet and holding up a small plush toy. “This is Sir Teddington, and he’s going to joust Sir Sockington!” She held up a sock puppet on her other hand, moving it theatrically.
Sam squealed in delight, her chubby little arms flapping with excitement.
“You’ve got some serious competition there,” Alistair said from his spot on the couch, where he’d taken one of Sam’s building blocks and was preten
