The White House – Early Morning, June 1896
Matthew Hesh sat on the floor of the presidential study, his legs crossed as he held an illustrated book open in his lap. Across from him, three-year-old Maverick sat on a plush rug, his chubby fingers resting on the pages. His small brows furrowed in concentration as he sounded out a word.
"C—ca—cat," Maverick said slowly, looking up at his father with wide blue eyes.
Matthew grinned. "That's right, son. Cat. Good job."
Amber, sitting beside them with a warm smile, tousled Maverick's blond curls. "You're getting better every day, sweetheart."
Maverick beamed, kicking his little legs in excitement. "Read more!"
Matthew chuckled. "Alright, how about this one?" He pointed to an illustration of a steamship, plowing through the ocean waves. "Can you try this word?"
Maverick stared at it, tilting his head. "Ssshh—sh—ship?"
Amber clapped. "That's right! Very good, Maverick."