First comes hugs

I knelt by Sam the other morning and gave him a couple tight hugs.

Getting up, I said "Now let's go brush your teeth. Come with me."

I walked a few steps toward the bathroom, but he didn't budge. 

"Come on," I said.

"But, but, mo-om," he said in a little broken voice. His face was twisted with the beginning of a wail.  "After hugs comes kisses."

That was a really sweet moment!