Sam stirred a pot of oatmeal on the stove, humming softly as the morning light spilled across the kitchen. Just as he reached for the cinnamon, a tiny voice called out behind him.

“Chocolate, Daddy!”

He turned to see two-year-old Lily standing on tiptoes, pointing at the pantry with determined eyes.

“Not for breakfast, sweetheart,” Sam said gently. “We’re having oatmeal today.”

Lily’s face scrunched. “But Mama said no last night… and then she said yes!”

Sam blinked. “What?”

Lily nodded, her curls bouncing. “You said, ‘Please, baby,’ and Mama said, ‘No, Sam, not now,’ and then she said ‘yesyesyesyes!’ So I want chocolate!”

Sam froze, spoon mid-air. “You… heard that?”

Lily beamed. “I was awake. Mama said no, then yes. So chocolate is yes now.”

Y/N walked in, catching the tail end of Lily’s declaration. Her eyes widened. “She’s quoting me?”

Sam pointed at the pantry. “She’s trying to negotiate breakfast based on your moaning.”

Y/N groaned. “We need better soundproofing.”

Lily looked between them, hopeful. “So… chocolate?”

Sam crouched beside her, brushing a crumb off her cheek. “How about oatmeal with bananas and a tiny bit of chocolate after lunch?”

Lily considered this. “Only if bananas say yes.”

Sam smiled. “Bananas are very agreeable.”

Y/N laughed, shaking her head. “She’s definitely yours.”

Sam grinned. “Smart. Sneaky. And terrifying.”