Page 40 of In Bed with the Ice Queen

“Promise?” Sloane asked, a playful glint in her eyes.

“Promise,” Helena replied with a wink before hopping out of bed. Sloane watched as Helena rushed to the other room, her heart full of love and admiration.

While Helena attended to their toddler, Sloane quickly pulled on a comfortable t-shirt and shorts. She couldn’t wait to cuddle with Maui, their two--year-old son. He was the joy of their lives, a bundle of energy with big brown eyes and messy brown hair.

Helena returned carrying Maui, who had tears glistening in his eyes. “What happened, buddy?” Helena asked with a soothing voice.

Maui reached for Sloane, and she opened her arms wide. “Come here, sweetheart.”

As soon as Maui was in her embrace, she felt the familiar tightness in her heart. It was a mix of happiness and protectiveness. “What’s wrong, baby?” she asked gently.

Maui sniffled, burying his face in her neck. “I want mommies!” he cried, his voice muffled but clear.

“Oh, sweet boy, we’re right here,” Sloane said, hugging him tightly. “You don’t have to cry.”

Helena climbed back into bed beside them, wrapping her arms around both Sloane and Maui. “See? We’re all together now.”

“Bouncy, Mommy! Bouncy!” Maui squealed, his little feet hitting the mattress with soft thuds. Sloane couldn’t help but smile at his enthusiasm, even if it was past midnight.

“Maui, sweetheart, it’s time to sleep,” she said, trying to sound firm but unable to hide her amusement.

The toddler paused for a moment, considering her words. Then, with a loud laugh, he jumped higher, his chubby arms waving like he was flying. “Bouncy!”

Sloane chuckled, shaking her head. “You’re like a little kangaroo! We cannot bounce at this hour. The moon is sleeping too.”

“But, Mommy! No sleeping!” Maui protested dramatically, throwing himself onto the bed with an exaggerated sigh. His round cheeks were flushed with energy, and he giggled again, rolling onto his back. “More bouncy!”

Sloane propped herself up on one elbow, her golden hair falling messily around her face. “What if you bounce just a little bit longer? But then we have to snuggle, okay?”

“Snuggle! Yay!” Maui clapped his hands, his excitement bubbling over. He jumped once more, then plopped down beside her, curling up into a little ball. His warmth radiated against her side.

Sloane smiled at her son, feeling a wave of love wash over her. “Alright, little kangaroo. Just five more jumps.”

“Okay! One! Two!” Maui counted as he bounced again, each number punctuated with a gleeful shout. His laughter filled the room like music, and Sloane found herself swept away by the joy of the moment.

“Three! Four! Five!” He counted faster now, his feet moving as he bounced. “Six! Seven! Eight! Nine! Ten!”

“Okay, that’s ten. Let’s lay down now,” Sloane said, reaching over to scoop him up in her arms. She held him close, the warmth and softness of his small body bringing comfort to her.

“No sleep!” Maui protested, but the defiance was fading, and he yawned widely, his eyes fluttering.

Sloane brushed her fingers through his hair. “You need some sleep, buddy. You’re so bouncy because you’re tired. Remember how we read your favorite book about the sleepy bear? He always sleeps.”

Maui looked up at them, his big eyes filled with wonder. “Book!” he said, as if realizing they hadn’t read him a bedtime story yet.

“Yes, sweetheart,” Sloane replied, her heart swelling as she looked into his eyes. “We’re all cozy now.”

“Maui, do you want us to tell you a story?” Helena asked, nudging him playfully.

“Yeah!” Maui said excitedly. “Book!”

Maui’s eyes sparkled again with recognition. “Bear! Sleepy bear!” he echoed, snuggling deeper into her side.

“Yes, just like that. The sleepy bear,” she continued, her voice softening. “And what happens when he gets a good night’s sleep?”

“Wakes up!” he replied, his voice still a bit slurred from his fatigue.

“Exactly! He wakes up all ready for adventures,” Sloane said, leaning back against the mountain of pillows. “Like jumping on beds/”

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