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“These aren’t the first babies I’ve ever seen or held.”
Zola grunted and turned to me with a sad and annoyed look on her face. “Suit yourself. Have a good night, Dr. Wright.”
“You’re leaving?”
She nodded. “Suzie will be asleep in no time, and I figured you wanted some time with your real family.” Zola walked away before I could deny her words or attempt an offer of an apology.
I fought the urge to go after her, to make her listen. When she was gone from view, I turned in the other direction to go meet my nieces.
Zola
The sun streaked through the windows of Gavin’s massive living room and I blinked against the soft, bright streaks, stretching myself away with a smile. Only my brother would own a sofa that was so comfortable to sleep in that I’d slept fifteen minutes past my alarm clock.
Only the best for rock star, Gavin Ross.
But I hadn’t just conked out on the sofa while watching television, no, I’d intentionally slept here so I could hear Suzie if she needed anything throughout the night. At mine and Granddaddy’s insistence, she had come to the mansion three days after the twins were born, where we had set up the guest room on the first floor for them. It was easier than hoping I could hear her from one of the rooms upstairs, and more convenient for her than going up and down the stairs for middle of the night feedings.
So yes, I was beyond grateful that my brother had spent a small fortune on the most comfortable sofa I had ever had the privilege of sleeping on. I was up later than I’d planned, but the silence around me said that I’d beat everyone else awake. I enjoyed a moment of sunshine and peace before I pushed off the sofa and made my way to the bathroom at the end of the hall where I washed my face and brushed my teeth before checking on Suzie.
“Morning, Mama. How are you feeling?”
“Good. They slept through the night other than one feeding each. I know it’s not going to last, so I’m enjoying it while it does.” She looked so beautiful and all Earth Mother with her wavy red hair, one baby in each arm, baby boobs on full display. “Hey,” she groaned when I snapped a photo.
“Gavin will love this photo,” I assured her and sent it off before I showed it to her. “See?”
“My hair is a mess,” she complained.
“Shut up, you look fantastic. Need some help?”
Her shoulders sagged in relief. “Yes, please. I would love to take a shower. It’s been a few days.”
I laughed and stepped inside the room, reaching out to the twins. “Good morning, Gigi. Come to Aunt Zola.” I scooped up one of the girls and pulled her close to my chest, loving the clean baby fresh scent. And she was so, so soft!
“How did you know that was Gigi?” She shook her head in disbelief. “I’m still trying to tell them apart.”
“Well I do spend most of my day with kids of all ages. And Gigi has a tiny dimple on her right cheek while little Berna has that dip in her top lip like a perfect little heart, just like Gavin.” I stared at Berna, snuggled deep in Suzie’s arms. “I’ve heard enough about that little dip from girls ever since our parents got together. It means trouble for you,” I told her with a smile.
“Bite your tongue.” Suzie placed Berna in her carrier and I somehow managed to wrangle them both into the kitchen while Suzie enjoyed a shower.
“Morning, Granddaddy.”
The old man turned with a bright smile. “Good morning, girls. Who’s in the mood for breakfast?”
I laughed. “Only one of us is on solid food, but I won’t say no to some of your famous scrambled eggs and toast.”
Granddaddy laughed. “I don’t know how famous they are, but the eggs are delicious and the toast is perfect and buttery.”
“Good enough for me.” Gigi’s warm little body snuggled in close and I couldn’t help but smile at how trusting these little bundles were.
“Looks like you’re gettin’ pretty comfortable with the girls.” Granddaddy nodded at Gigi, a knowing smile on his face.
“They’re absolutely wonderful, which makes it easy to be around.” Kids were easy to be around in my experience. Adults were the ones who made things harder than they needed to be. “Want a cuddle before you start cooking?”
Granddaddy’s eyes lit up and he set down his bowl and whisk. “Don’t mind if I do.” He grabbed Berna up and I swear, her green eyes opened in recognition and a teeny tiny smile touched her face. His loud booming voice didn’t startle her, instead she snuggled closer into his familiar scent.
“Adorable.” If anyone had told me five years ago, that I’d be sharing living space with a senior citizen and newborn twins, I would have laughed. Yet here I was, and even stranger, I enjoyed it. Every moment of it.
