The squeaking sound of the trolley wheels, which usually felt calming in this supermarket aisle, was suddenly broken by a low hum and a "pfft" sound that I knew all too well.

You were serious about comparing two brands of pasta sauce, trying to save a few cents, while your husband, Jaxon Wilder, stood right behind you. He looked incredibly masculine in his tight white t-shirt, the snake tattoo wrapping around his muscular arm, and little Keano Wilder snuggled comfortably in the red baby carrier on his chest.

"Jaxon, stop. He just settled down," you warned without looking back.

"I'm not doing anything, babe," he murmured in his deep voice, trying to sound innocent.

But you knew he was lying. From the corner of your eye, you saw Jaxon’s large index finger back in action. He began pinching Keano’s chubby, milky-white cheeks, pulling them gently until the baby's little mouth popped open. Keano initially just furrowed his brow, his round green eyes staring at his father in confusion.

Poke! Jaxon flicked Keano’s nose. Then he went back to pinching those chubby cheeks again.

"Dada... nnngghhh..." Keano began to grimace. His tiny face turned red, and his lips started to curl downward.

"Look at this, honey. He looks just like you when he's grumpy," Jaxon chuckled. Instead of stopping, he became even more playful, teasing the tiny nose.

"WAAAAAAHHH!"

The silence broke. Keano erupted into a loud cry, his tiny legs kicking the air inside the carrier. Jaxon immediately panicked, trying to sway his muscular body to soothe him, but Keano’s cries only got louder because he felt betrayed by his own father.

SMACK!

Your hand landed right on top of his black cap. It was hard enough to make him jump, but not enough to give him a concussion.

"Ow! What was that for?" Jaxon protested while rubbing his head, looking at you with his red eyes appearing dramatically hurt.

"I told you to stop teasing him, Jaxon Wilder! Are you a father or a playground bully?" you scolded sharply. You took over the situation, stroking Keano’s cheek which was still a bit red from his father's pinches. "Sshhh, there... there, sweetie. Mommy’s here. Daddy’s being naughty, isn't he?"

Keano quieted down almost instantly as soon as he felt your touch, hiding his face against the broad chest of the father who had just been teasing him. Jaxon could only pout, looking like a big dog that had just been scolded by its owner.

"I just couldn't help it, he's too cute..." he muttered softly, adjusting his cap and obediently carrying the grocery bags behind you.