Mackenzie and Miles O'Connor Love Wins In The End

Chapter 3 Mermaid Queen

Three Months Later
Mackenzie: 6 years old
Miles: 4 months old

Kenzie's Perspective:

The next morning, sunlight peeked through the curtains of my room, waking me up slowly. I yawned, rubbed my eyes, and sat up in my bed. I was still wearing my favorite Little Mermaid nightgown, the one with Ariel and Flounder on the front. After slipping on my fuzzy slippers, I tiptoed down the hall to my baby brother's room.

Miles was awake in his crib, kicking his little legs and babbling softly. His tiny fists reached up when he saw me. "Good morning, baby brother," I whispered, carefully lifting him out of his crib like Mommy had taught me. He was so warm and smelled like baby lotion.

I carried him into the kitchen, humming one of Mommy's songs. Then I set him down in his rocker chair and went to make him a bottle. I measured the formula slowly, making sure not to spill, and shook the bottle until the milk was smooth. Just in case, I grabbed some napkins, because sometimes Miles spit up and I didn't want to get milk all over his little onesie.

Once the bottle was ready, I sat in the rocker with him in my lap and began to feed him. His eyes fluttered as he drank, and I felt proud-like a real big sister helping out.

Mia's Perspective:

The morning sun had already brightened the house when I got out of bed. After a quick shower, I pulled on a yellow crop top and a pair of shorts, feeling ready for the warm day ahead. As I walked into the kitchen, the sweetest sight greeted me-Kenzie sitting in the rocker, carefully feeding Miles with the bottle.

"Hey, Mommy! Good morning!" Kenzie chirped happily.

I smiled, my heart melting at the scene. "Good morning, Kenzie! Good morning, Miles," I said softly as I leaned down to kiss both of them on the head. Miles cooed around the bottle, and Kenzie beamed with pride.

I turned toward the stove and began making breakfast. Kenzie asked if we could have pancakes, and I happily agreed. The smell of butter sizzling in the pan filled the kitchen, soon followed by the sweet scent of golden-brown pancakes stacking high on the plate.

By the time the pancakes were ready, I carefully took Miles from Kenzie's arms. Just then, Brian came out of our bedroom, his hair still a little messy from sleep.

"Hey, Daddy!" Kenzie exclaimed excitedly.

"Hi," he replied with a grin, kissing the top of both our heads before reaching down to ruffle Kenzie's hair.

I handed Kenzie her breakfast plate, and she dug in happily. Afterward, I reminded her it was time to get ready for school. She hurried off to her room and soon returned wearing her school clothes-her hair neatly brushed and her backpack slung over her shoulders.

"Bye, Mommy!" she called as she rushed to the door.

"Bye, sweetheart," I replied warmly.

"Bye, Daddy!" she added, hugging Brian's legs.

"Bye, Kenzie," Brian said, smiling.

"Love you guys!" she called as she headed out.

"Love you too," I answered, my chest tightening with affection.

With Kenzie off to school, Brian looked at me and asked, "So... what do you want to do today?"

I adjusted Miles on my hip. "Hmm... I don't know. What about you?"

He thought for a moment, then smiled. "How about a walk?"

"That sounds perfect," I said, grinning.

I dressed Miles in a tiny blue romper and slid his little socks on. "Isn't this outfit adorable? Cute, right? Yes, I am Mommy's prince," Brian said playfully, tickling Miles's tummy until he let out a baby giggle.

I laughed softly. "You're ridiculous," I teased, but my heart swelled at how much love Brian had for our son.

"Are you ready?" he asked, slipping on his sneakers.

"Yes," I said as I settled Miles into his stroller, clipped on the sunshade, and grabbed my sunglasses. Together, Brian and I stepped outside, the stroller rolling smoothly down the sidewalk.

Dom's Perspective:

The day was calm, the streets buzzing with life as I strolled through town, enjoying the fresh air. That's when I spotted them-Brian pushing a stroller, Mia walking by his side, and the two of them looking every bit the happy parents.

"Hey, Dom!" Brian called, smiling. "What's been going on?"

"Not much," I said, walking up to them. "Just volunteering at the animal shelter lately."

"That's great!" Mia said warmly.

I stepped closer to peek at the stroller and spotted a baby boy with bright eyes and chubby cheeks-Miles. "Well, hello there, little guy," I said softly, smiling at him. Then I looked back up. "Where's Mackenzie?"

"She's at school," Mia explained, her eyes shining with pride. "She was really helpful this morning." She glanced at Brian, and he nodded in agreement.

"Yeah, she was," he said.

"What did she do that was so helpful?" I asked curiously.

"She fed Miles his bottle all by herself," Mia replied.

"Mackenzie is such a wonderful big sister," I remarked.

"She really is," Mia agreed, her smile widening. The three of us walked together for a while, chatting as the stroller rolled along peacefully.

Later That Afternoon

When Mackenzie returned home from school, she dropped her backpack near the couch and went straight to the table to start on her homework. "Mommy, can you help me with this math problem?" she asked, pointing at her notebook.

"Of course, sweetheart," I said, sliding into the chair beside her. Together, we worked through her assignments step by step until she was smiling with pride again.

Meanwhile, Brian had taken Miles upstairs for his nap. He gently placed him in the crib, tucking a soft blanket around him. "Goodnight, little man," he whispered.

"Goodnight, Miles," Mackenzie added, tiptoeing in for a peek before heading back to finish her schoolwork.

That Evening,

Dinner was simple but cozy-spaghetti and garlic bread, Mackenzie's favorite. Afterward, Kenzie got ready for bed, brushing her teeth and slipping into her pajamas.

"Goodnight, Mom. Goodnight, Dad," she said sweetly, giving us both hugs before heading to her room.

"Goodnight, Kenzie," we both replied, smiling.

Brian and I soon got ready for bed as well. As we climbed under the covers, he leaned over with a tired but content smile.
"Goodnight, Mia," he said softly.

"Goodnight, Brian," I whispered back, reaching for his hand.

The house settled into silence, our children safe and asleep, and I closed my eyes with gratitude for the family we had built together.