She places her hand on my shoulder and smiles tenderly. “There was no way I would let my kids go another day without them knowing their aunt.” Her comment instantly brings tears to my eyes. “I don’t care what my husband says or thinks. He’s being a donkey and he doesn’t get to dictate who is a part of our sons’ lives and who isn’t.”
I swallow past the burning lump in my throat as I whisper, “Thank you.”
“And I also want you and Shane to come to my party in two weeks. I don’t give a flying horse if Greyson is mad. It’s my birthday party, not his.”
Once I’m done with the second little treasure, I sit back onto my calves just as Lionel comes in, carrying various things, including two diaper bags and a folded-up playpen. He starts off with that, quickly setting it up and attaching the top part that turns it into a bassinet for newborns.
I return to the first one and take a moment to look at him. They’re dressed identically in blue, but his tiny hat has little white stars, while his brother’s hat has little white hearts. I’m guessing it’s to help tell them apart.
“Who is this little one?” I ask as I pick up the first, looking down at his scrunched-up face. He reminds me of my brother. I can’t tell what it is exactly, but his boys clearly have his features.
“That’s Maddox. He’s the quiet one,” she says with a love-filled smile. “You can just place him down in the bassinet, he shouldn’t wake up.”
I nod as I walk over slowly to the portable playpen turned crib. Like Emma predicted, Maddox hardly stirs as I set him down on his back.
“Do I have to undress him? Or cover him? I’m not sure what to do now. Dante was born in the middle of winter and Gracie was six months when she came home. I’m not entirely sure if they’re dressed too warmly, or not enough for this temperature.”
Oh God, I’m going to need to read up on all that. There’s so much I don’t know. I’m still far from ready.
“Breathe, baby Brey. They’re fine just like that. If they get too warm or cold, they’ll let me know, just like when they’re hungry.” She smiles warmly with a soft laugh.
I nod and go back to baby number two. “And this must be Parker.” Contrary to his brother, he begins to wiggle a bit in my arms and opens his tiny little eyes.
“Hi, Parker.” He makes a little displeased sound but doesn’t cry right away. “Are they identical?” I don’t remember if she told us or not.
She sighs. “They are. Which means your brother’s sperm is like Hulk. Knocked my egg so hard, he made it split in two.” She shakes her head with disbelief.
I giggle and scrunch my nose at the same time. “That is not something I needed to know.” Suddenly Parker begins to wail in my arms and panic immediately sets in. “Shh, it’s okay, little one. You’re okay.”
“Just place him down beside Maddox,” Emma instructs me.
“Are you sure?” I ask, bouncing the little boy slightly.
“Yup, trust me.” She nods. “Just put him tucked into his side.”
I head back over to the bassinet and place a crying Parker down beside Maddox, gluing them side by side. Within seconds, Maddox’s little hands search around and clasp onto Parker’s flapping one, and then they both settle down, holding on to each other. It has to be the cutest thing I’ve ever seen.
“Wow,” I say with tears in my eyes.
“Yeah, Parker kept crying in the hospital when one of the nurses came in and asked if I needed help. I told her I couldn’t get him to stop, that he didn’t want to eat or need a diaper change. He was just crying, and I didn’t know why. I honestly thought I was doing a poopy job at being a mom.” She laughs sounding a bit exhausted.
“The nurse took him from my arms, and set him down like you did beside Maddox, who was peacefully sleeping. Maddox instantly searched for his crying brother, and Parker stopped crying the second he felt Maddox.” Her eyes glimmer as she looks at her children from her seat. “She said it was common for twins to search out for the other for comfort. That whenever he cried for no reason, it’s mostly just because he misses his brother.”
“That’s adorable. I can already tell these two are going to be close.” I smile down at them, then look over at Gracie who is showing all her toys to Lionel as he kneels at her side. “How is Gracie handling the new babies? I know it’s only been a day, so it might still be too early to tell.”
“She seems okay. She keeps saying ‘baba’ when she sees them, so I’m pretty sure she’s trying to say baby. I think right now she’s still at the stage where she doesn’t understand that they’re her brothers, but it will come. Although I am expecting some fits of jealousy at some point.” She laughs.
I take my place back on the couch now that everyone seems settled. Lionel gets up from the ground and picks up a cooler bag. “I suppose you want these things in the fridge?” he asks Emma.
“Please, if you don’t mind.” She beams at him with enthusiasm.
“Not at all.” He then looks me over. “Are you okay?”
“Yes, Dad. I’m fine.” I smile as he shakes his head and leaves.
“What’s wrong?” Emma’s worried look turns my way.
“Nothing’s wrong.” I start, but when Em narrows her eyes at me, telling me she doesn’t believe me, I sigh. “It’s nothing. I’ve just been getting dizzy lately. I’m sure everything’s fine. I’m just stressed, that’s all. And I probably need to catch up on some sleep while Shane is away.” I blush hard after admitting to our nocturnal activities.
