Love Unspoken

Maddox scratched his head, looking a bit embarrassed. "Well, kids are gonna fall. The more they fall, the tougher they get."

Alexander shot him a look that screamed, "Why am I even talking to you? You don't get a say in this."

Sprout bawled his eyes out in Quinn's arms until he finally cried himself to sleep. Quinn gently laid him on the bed and turned to face Alexander and Maddox. Alexander instinctively took a couple of steps back, distancing himself from Maddox, like he wanted no part in this mess.

Maddox rubbed his hands together, gave a sheepish grin, and then clammed up.

Quinn's voice was firm. "Maddox, no more letting them play with dangerous stuff!"

Maddox nodded. "Got it."

"They're just kids. They can learn when they're older. Sprout's not even two yet; he can barely walk straight. How's he supposed to learn to skateboard?" Quinn went on.

"Yeah, you're right," Maddox agreed.

He was so quick to admit his mistake that Quinn didn't know what else to say.

She opened her mouth, then sighed. "Fine. But if I catch you letting them play with that stuff again, you're done babysitting."

"Okay," Maddox said.

His easygoing attitude made Quinn a bit more annoyed. She huffed and stormed back to the bedroom.

Maddox watched her go and flinched when he heard the door slam.

He muttered, "When did Quinn get so cranky?"

Alexander patted him on the shoulder and sighed. "Man, once they get married, even the sweetest woman can turn into a Tiger Mom."

Alexander pulled his hand back. "You made her kid fall. Of course she's mad. Honestly, I think she's being pretty nice about it."

"I told you, she came over all of a sudden. I was talking to her, and I didn't see Sprout climbing up on his own," Maddox said, feeling a bit wronged.

Alexander sighed. "That's not the point, Maddox. I know you love the kids, but you gotta be more careful with them."novelbin

Maddox was about to argue, but Alexander cut him off. "Don't start. I'm saying this for your own good. Playing with dangerous stuff is fine until something goes wrong. Then what? How are you gonna face Quinn?" Maddox had no comeback.

"Nothing's guaranteed. What if something bad happens? Today was a close call. But if it had been worse, would you want her to blame you or feel guilty forever? You'd both be miserable," Alexander continued. Maddox frowned, deep in thought, pacing around the room.

After a bit, he nodded. "You're right. Little kids are pretty fragile."

Alexander gave a slight nod. "Glad you get it."

Maddox paused, then glared at Alexander. "Hey, I'm older than you! Watch your tone!"

Alexander chuckled and headed towards the bedroom. "I'll go check on her."

He walked in to find Quinn sitting on the bed, staring at the sleeping Sprout.

Sprout was out cold, looking peaceful.

Alexander sat next to her. "Quinn, don't worry. He'll be okay."

Quinn replied, "The doctor said to keep an eye on him. I'll stay here until he wakes up. Don't worry about me. Go make sure Maddox doesn't take Brandy to do anything risky."