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“Perfect,” I answer on their behalf.
Ava shakes her head before mouthing, “Forever bossy.”
“Did you pick a name yet? I remember the fiasco with Niko.”
“Her name is Mackenzie Anita Manarch. Mackenzie after Nana, and of course, Anita after you.” When my mother’s eyes water, Ava pleads, “Don’t you dare cry.”
“I’m honored. I don’t know what to say. You named her after my mother and me.” She caresses Ava’s face, the rest of her praise issued without words.
“It’s nothing,” Ava tells her, snuggling into her embrace.
“Mom, where are the kids?” I ask as I look behind her.
“They’re in the waiting area with Tina and Brenda. I wasn’t sure if Ava was up for visitors.”
“I’m always ready to see my babies. Viktor, go get them.”
“Yes, ma’am,” I mock.
She rolls her eyes, but there’s no anger in them.
As I make my way to the waiting area, I am overwhelmed with happiness. Before I reach the waiting room, Aisling and Niko spot me and sprint my way.
“Is she here, Daddy?” Aisling asks, her excitement exposed in her big worldly eyes.
“Yes. Are you ready to meet your little sister?” I ask them both.
“Yay,” Niko says, clapping.
“But you have to be gentle and quiet. She is really small and sleeping,” I instruct.
“Congratulations, Mr. Manarch,” Brenda adds from her station at the side of the waiting room.
“Thank you.”
“Have you guys named her yet?” Brenda asks.
I lift my chin. “Her name is Mackenzie Anita.”
“Nana would be so happy you chose her name,” Tina murmurs, smiling.
“That was all Ava, not me.” We make our way down the corridor with Aisling and Niko giggling. I stop outside Ava’s room. “Remember, you need to be quiet and careful.”
When they nod, I open the door. Ava is sitting in the nursing chair with my mother beside her.
“Mommy, Mommy,” Aisling shouts.
“Aisling,” I scold her.
“It’s okay,” Ava assures. “Are you ready to meet your little sister?”
“Yes,” Aisling and Niko voice together.
“Gentle,” I warn again. They ignore me, but once they reach Ava, they stand obediently on each side of her.
“This is Mackenzie, your little sister. Mackenzie, this is your big sister, Aisling, and your big brother, Niko. Do you guys want to say hi?”
“One at a time,” I order when I reach them.
