By the time Jamal and the others returned from their stroll, the house had grown quieter.
The grandparents had left already, and Dawn, Candace, and Mila were talking in the living room.
Josh had fallen asleep on the couch with his head on a throw pillow. Dawn sat beside him, one hand gently stroking his hair.
Dawn glanced up and smiled softly as Jamal walked in. "He tried to stay awake," she whispered. "He fought it."
Jamal smiled faintly. "He always does."
"I'll carry him to the car," Jamal replied, reaching for Josh.
Dawn shook her head gently. "It's okay. I've got him."
She slid one arm under Josh's knees and the other behind his back.
Jamal instinctively moved closer in case she needed help, but she lifted him carefully and stood.
Josh stirred, then rested his head against her shoulder again.
Matt watched quietly from the doorway. "Are you sure you don't want Jamal taking him to the call?"
Dawn smiled softly. "He feels light."
