The Parenting Truth

3

Jensen Sterling, surprisingly, didn't get up early today.

He's usually much busier than I am, so I normally sleep in while he gets up and heads to the office.

I was still a bit dazed when I saw the faint smile on his face.

It wasn't until he leaned in for a kiss that I suddenly remembered what happened yesterday.

"Jensen Sterling! We're not done with yesterday's business! You have to give me a harsh scolding when you get to the office today, you hear!"

Jensen Sterling looked at me teasingly, completely unconcerned. "Oh? And how would you like me to scold you?"

He leaned in close to my ear and whispered, "Like last night?"

My face instantly turned red.

I shoved him away and scrambled out of bed, putting distance between myself and this indecent man!

Jensen Sterling laughed heartily.

I couldn't be bothered with him. I quickly changed and went downstairs, ready to give my son, whom I hadn't seen all day, a big kiss.

My son, Chase Sterling, is already four years old this year.

He's perfect in every way—cherubic, well-behaved, and bright—just a little too clingy.

Normally, those two are always bickering over who gets a few more minutes of my attention.

And sure enough, the moment I got downstairs, my son was already leaping into my arms.

"Mommy! You didn't come give me a goodnight kiss last night!"

I hugged my son as he looked up at me, his big, dark eyes brimming with grievance.

I found it a little funny and patted his head. "Mommy got home too late yesterday, and you were already asleep. How about I make it up to you today, okay?"

"No!"

Jensen Sterling's voice suddenly cut in.

Before I could react, he had already lifted our son out of my arms and pulled me into his own.

"Why should my wife give you a goodnight kiss? She has me, and that's enough!"

Jensen Sterling felt no shame whatsoever about getting jealous and vying with a child for attention.

The moment his feet touched the floor, our son started protesting indignantly.

"Daddy, you've been hogging Mommy for days! It's my turn for her to spend time with me!"

Jensen Sterling immediately tightened his grip on me, eyeing our son with a vigilant look.

"No way! If you want someone to keep you company, go find your own wife! Why should my wife keep you company!"

"You...!"

Our son's face turned red with anger.

But he was just a little kid with a limited vocabulary; of course he couldn't win an argument against Jensen Sterling.

I pressed a hand to my forehead, my head aching. 'These two probably have the same mental age,' I thought.

I pushed Jensen Sterling away and gave him a disdainful look. "You're a grown man, picking a fight with a child. Have you no shame?"

Jensen Sterling immediately put on an aggrieved expression.

He mumbled quietly, "What's so shameful about fighting for my own wife? Even a kid shouldn't be allowed to steal another man's wife."

I shot him an amused glare, then picked up our son and went straight to the dining table to get ready for breakfast.

Jensen Sterling followed behind me. As he sat down, he shot a glare at our son, who responded by making a defiant, goofy face at him.

I put a fried egg on each of their plates.

I sincerely hoped the food would shut them up.