Chapter Twenty-One

“Valin Masterson Reid, get your naked butt back here,” Marcus yelled, running after his slippery son, who had a love-hate relationship when it came to taking baths, and it seemed like today was one of those days he detested water.

“Now, sweet pea, listen to your daddy and go take your bath,” Marcus heard his mother gently coaxing his son.

“No, Nana, not dirty,” the tiny voice whined.

“Don't you feel sticky from traveling all day?” Marcus said, entering the living room and seeing his mother holding Valin in her arms.

“Not sticky,” Valin pouted, shaking his tiny head.

“If you take your bath, I promise to read that favorite story you like,” Charity said, trying to bribe him, who seemed far more receptive than Marcus would have liked.

“Okay,” Valin agreed, quickly wiggling to get down, then ran toward the bathroom.

“It's not even been a full day since you’ve been with him, and you're already bribing him with his favorite things,” Marcus grumbled.