Chapter Twenty Six: A Moment of Anxiety

"Hello." Akila joined Layla and Derek in the bedroom. Derek's giggles filled the air while Layla played with him, jiggling his toys in the air with a "Peek a boo." Layla turned to face Akila, smiling. "You're back. Welcome home." "Thanks." Akila crossed the room to greet Derek. She raised him in the air and kissed him soundly on either side of his face. "I'm only greeting my baby boy," Akila said, smiling down at Derek after carefully placing him in her arms. Derek's face radiated with happiness, his eyes gleaming charmingly as he gazed up at Akila. "Should I steal you away as mine? You're too beautiful, Der. Should I elope with you?" Derek babbled in response, moving excitedly in Akila's arms. He opened his fists, and Akila slipped one finger into his little hand. He closed his hand around her finger, pulling it forward. "Derek buys the idea of eloping with me." Akila chuckled. Layla leaned back on both hands behind her over the bed. "He knows you're only bluffing. He's mo