“How are you growing so quickly, huh?” my mum says to Emberly, who’s now awake and looking around a little suspiciously.
“Too quickly,” Maya laughs. “Those four months have gone by in a flash.”
“How are you guys?”
I nod. “We’re good. Ivy here?”
“Not yet, soon. Come on, let’s get you all settled.”
Skye’s already digging around the box of toys my parents got down from the loft. Toys me and Ivy used to have as kids; it’s a nostalgic feeling seeing them being reused.
“How are you, son?” My father slaps his hand onto my shoulder.
“Well,” I say. “Tired, but well.”
“Life with a newborn,” he says with a chuckle.
“Even tougher with two kids, but worth every second.”
I glance over at the kitchen as my mum has a cuddle with Emberly while Maya flicks on the kettle, and they laugh together. My heart is filled to the brim because my parents always go above and beyond for our girls.
When Ivy and JJ arrive, Skye immediately rushes towards them, and she’s greeted with hugs and kisses. That kid is a sucker for affection, and I wouldn’t want it any other way.
Once we’ve all settled and sat around the sofa, my dad holds Emberly, and I play with Skye on the floor with the toys and a room full of chatter and joy. It’s a full circle moment…I can’t believe this is my life.
Ivy nudges me gently with a smirk. “You’re such a girl dad.”
“And what about it?”
“Nothing,” she laughs. “I just love seeing you all together. You’re such a good dad, Finn. Those girls literally adore you.”
“Auntie Ivy,” Skye calls. “Look at my hair. Daddy did it.”
Ivy strokes over her loose French plaits. “Wow,” she says with wide eyes. “I’m impressed. They’re so pretty, Skye.”
“He does them every day for school,” she says.
“Wrapped around your little finger, huh?”
My eyes roll as Skye returns to play with her dolls. “Do you know how hard it is to braid hair?” I mutter. “It took me months to learn.”
“Well, as someone who has always been able to braid their own hair, no. But this is what I mean, you’re a great girl dad, and I’m here for it. Wanna do mine next?”
I shove her shoulder playfully, and we both release another laugh. “Shut up.”
Ivy stands up and dusts herself off before walking towards her bag and catches eyes with JJ. I watch them for a moment as she clears her throat, and everyone’s attention turns to her.
“Guys, we have something to share,” she says slowly as JJ stands by her side.
My mother blinks, panic stretching over her face. “What is it?”
She draws in a breath as JJ gives her a supportive nod.
After a few seconds, she removes whatever she’s holding behind her back and flashes us a tiny babygrow with ‘Baby Woodford’. My mouth falls open immediately, and my mum starts to sob—just like she did when we told her Maya was pregnant with Emberly.
While my mum ambushes Ivy, I step forward to hug JJ and clap a hand on his back. “Congratulations, man,” I say sincerely. “You guys are going to make great parents.”
He embraces me tightly. “You’re gonna have to give me all your secrets.”
