My answer stuck in the back of my throat and I chuckled weakly, my head dropping to the rug with a dull thud.

I thought for a moment, torn between comfort and immediate satisfaction, and eventually heaved myself upright with a effortful groan. "Okay, up. We're getting up," I said, gently pushing him from my lap and shoving myself to my feet. "Let's go. We haven't got all day," I teased, offering him a hand.