Leo's decision had been right.
Perhaps he had worried unnecessarily. He had wondered whether Bella would be ready, whether Eli would accept them, whether bringing a child into their home would be a good decision or not. But seeing them together now, he couldn't imagine the house without that little voice anymore.
Jay was holding several papers in his hand and after watching them for another moment, he grinned mischievously.
"Bella Bell, little Champ!"
Bella looked up.
Before she could say anything, Eli immediately lifted his head from her shoulder and corrected him with complete seriousness.
"Big Champ!"
The room went silent for half a second.
Then Jay burst out laughing. His laughter echoed through the room, bright and warm.
"Big Champ?"
Eli nodded proudly, his small chin lifting.
"Yes!"
Jay walked farther into the room, shaking his head in amusement.
"Of course. My mistake. How could I possibly forget?"
Eli sat straighter, puffing out his tiny chest.
"I am four."
