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Two months ago, I would have scoffed at me becoming a dad when my belongings fit into a bag. But that was before three children had played tricks on me and burrowed into my heart. Their father had done the same but without tricks.
I looked at Sinclair, who was still picking at the quilt, and wondered if he was bracing himself for me to bolt. I pulled down the covers and put a hand on my stomach.
“Good thing I finally unpacked.”
His head shot up, and he exhaled and met my gaze.
FIFTEEN
SINCLAIR
“Daddy, you’re holding River’s hand.” Ivy and her sisters were on the family room sofa, and River and I were on ottomans facing them.
Wren got off the couch and felt River’s brow. “You’re not cold anymore. That’s good.”
“River and I have something to tell you.” I searched the girls’ faces for signs of worry or fear, but they were leaning forward, waiting to hear what I had to tell them.
“You’re going to be big sisters.”
Poppy frowned. “I am already the big sister.” She was the first born by four minutes.
“And I’m the little sister.” Wren changed her position and placed herself to Ivy’s left.
“I’m in the middle.” Ivy grinned.
River squeezed my fingers and mouthed, “Go on.”
“River’s going to have a baby.” That was pretty clear, and there’d be no misunderstandings.
“Why?” Ivy asked.
“Because River and I love one another.” He and I shared a glance.
“We love River too.” Wren held her hand up for a high five, and River obliged.
“Where’s the baby now?” Ivy wanted to know.
River patted his belly. “In here.”
“It must be squished.” Poppy tilted her head. “Poor baby.”
I assured her the baby was fine as her sisters got on their knees and peered at River’s stomach.
“Are you still going to live with us?” Poppy wanted to know.
I sent River a help me out look, and he moved closer so his leg was pressing on mine.
“I am, forever and ever.”
“But you’ll love the baby. What about us?” Poppy held a cushion to her belly.
River got up and sat on the couch. “Everybody on my lap.”
The girls scrambled over him so the four were a mess of legs, arms, and laughter.
“My love for you will never change no matter what.”
“Even if you have lots of babies?”
