“Daddy!” Wyatt’s gleeful grin warmed Casey’s heart as he hugged him tightly. Being with his little boy melted away all his worries.

Wyatt was a sweet, chubby boy with messy chestnut hair, fair skin, and rosy cheeks. Having a child at only twenty hadn’t been something Casey expected. When he learned he’d be a father, he felt like his life was over. But everything changed after his son was born. Getting full custody of him last year had proved to be a challenge, but he was happy to have Wyatt with him.

Nights snuggled up with his son were the best. Wyatt always loved the whimsical stories Casey made up for him. Despite it being such a hectic day at the bakery, Casey still created a new bedtime story like he promised.

“Long ago, a young pirate named Davey crossed the ocean on his ship, seeking a buried treasure on a far-away island. He brought his crew with him to help. They spent many days on the ship, passing the time with games and cooking and cleaning. While Davey was cleaning the deck, he realized they were almost at the island.” Casey continued on, detailing how the pirate and his wicked crew sneaked onto the island and found the treasure they desired.

Casey didn’t even finish the story before Wyatt drifted off to sleep in his arms. He didn’t put him down in his toddler bed beside him right away. He wanted to savor the moment just for a little longer. Sometimes it felt like he was growing up too fast. Casey dreaded to think about when his sweet boy would reach his teenage years. Why couldn’t he stay small and innocent forever?

After some time passed, Casey gently placed Wyatt down in his own bed. He snored soundly as Casey crept out of their bedroom for a late-night snack. Framed photos of the family adorned the hallway walls. Most were from years ago, back when Casey and Lani were goofy gap-toothed brats. Casey missed being that carefree kid.

“You still up, Dad?” Casey asked as he made his way into the living room. Amid the darkness, the television set blared.

“Yeah. I’m sorry about tonight.” Mr. Lockhart sat up on the recliner. “If I’d known some weirdo would show up, I would’ve stayed until closing.

“I mean, it’s not like you could’ve known that would happen. What matters is we’re okay,” Casey replied. “We handled him.”

“I won’t leave y’all alone like that anymore for a while now. I’m just relieved that you’re all okay. Lani said the guy didn’t threaten you or try to rob the bakery.”

Casey fought back a yawn. “The guy probably won’t come around anymore. Just got himself into some trouble and had nowhere else to go. Anyway, I’m gonna head to bed soon after I grab something to eat. Just got Wyatt down and I’m tired.”

“Alright, good night.”

“Night, Dad.”

While rummaging through the fridge for leftovers from supper, he couldn’t stop thinking about the man who’d barged into their bakery. It wasn’t just how he’d been injured that concerned him. When he bandaged August’s wound, the viper tattoo had stuck out to him. It belonged to the Black Vipers gang; a trademark for their members. He only knew so much about the tattoo because Wyatt’s mother had the same one.