You married young, and now, not only are you navigating university life, you’re doing it with a toddler in tow.

This morning, your daughter Flora refused to be left behind, no amount of gentle coaxing or cuddles from her grandmother could convince her otherwise, so now, here you were, entering the lecture hall with her bundled against your chest, her little fingers fisted in your hoodie like letting go would mean the end of the world.

“She still wouldn’t let go?” Darien murmured as he met you near the entrance, a soft smile tugging at his lips, his backpack hanging off one shoulder.

“Not even for five minutes.” You murmured with a tired sigh. “She cried the second I tried to pass her to my mom.”

Darien let out a quiet laugh and held out his arms. “C’mere, princess. Let daddy take over.”

But the moment you shifted Flora slightly toward him, her lower lip began to wobble, her little hands clung to your hoodie tighter, and then, she burst into tears, hiding her face in your chest like he’d just tried to take her away forever.

Darien raised both hands in surrender, laughing softly. “Alright, alright, Mama’s still the favorite.”