Chapter Seventy Eight: A Glimpse of Affection

Derek chirped in Canaan's arm as he played with him. He babbled some incomprehensible words, out of which all Canaan recognized was, "Papa." "Papa!" Canaan grinned at him, making another, "Peek-a-boo." Derek giggled loudly again, revealing all his gum. He only had his upper and lower teeth, and he opened his mouth as he giggled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "What's taking Mama so long?" Canaan asked Derek in sing-song voice, holding his little hand. Derek clutched his larger finger tightly, drawing it toward his mouth. "Eh!" Canaan shook his head in disapproval and tapped Derek lightly on the nose. Derek bounced in his arms, reaching out to bring Canaan's finger closer to his mouth. "It's not your food, Derek." "He might be hungry," Jeremy said, stepping forward. "Should I go up and ask Mrs. Ramirez to come?" Canaan looked toward the door, seeing Layla approach. "She would never miss the time with her son with me." "She arrived late past the time she ought to have come