Ian Shaw lay on his little bed, covered by a thin blanket. All sorts of stuffed animals were arranged beside his pillow.
Hearing his mother's gentle voice, Ian Shaw slowly closed his eyes.
'He didn't actually like childish fairy tales. He just wanted to hear the love in his mother's voice. He really wanted his mom to stay with him forever.'
Hearing Ian Shaw's shallow breathing, Naomi Kenway knew he had fallen asleep. She put down the storybook and pressed a light kiss to Ian's cheek. "Goodnight, sweetheart."
Naomi Kenway turned off the light and was about to push the door open to leave when she heard Ian's faint, sleep-talking voice:
"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 teach Ian to grow up slowly."
Ethan Shaw put down the document in his hands. "Naomi, I'm Ian's father."
