Chapter 82: The World With Family (?)
"I want us all to sleep together."
Zara’s heart skipped a beat. She glanced at Winter, whose expression mirrored her surprise. His brow furrowed slightly, a small frown appearing on his face as he processed Leo’s request.
"Sweetheart, don’t you want to sleep with Mommy tonight?" Zara asked gently, trying to coax Leo out of his sudden stubbornness.
Leo shook his head, his grip on her sleeve tightening. "No, I want Uncle Winter too."
As the fire crackled softly, casting warm flickers of light around the small camp, Leo clung tightly to Winter’s sleeve, his small hand gripping with surprising strength for a three-year-old. Zara sighed, gently trying to coax him.
"Leo, sweetheart, you can’t be stubborn about this," she murmured, smoothing back his curls. "Winter needs his space too."
But Leo’s lip began to tremble, his big eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "Please, Mommy," he whispered, glancing between her and Winter. "I want us to sleep together. Please?"
Zara looked up at Winter, searching his face for a sign of what to do. He avoided her gaze, but a small frown tugged at the corners of his mouth. Of course, he seemed hesitant.
He looked like he was caught between the desire to maintain distance and the soft spot he clearly had for Leo.
Winter finally sighed, his voice low but gentle. "Leo, it’s okay. Let go, and I’ll bring my sleeping bag over, alright?"
Leo’s eyes lit up, but he didn’t release Winter immediately. "Promise?"