TIFFIN 3

82

Turned out that one night and an afternoon wasn't as bad as I thought.

Hero hadn't been too happy when they informed him that they wanted to keep me and Eleanor a few more hours, but again, there was nothing we could do about it. 

I wanted to be sure our daughter had the help she needed. 

After all the necessary paperwork was finished and it had been announced that Eleanor didn't need the tubing anymore, we all but ran out of the hospital. 

Couldn't have been happier to escape that hell hole. 

As expected, our friends and family were gathered in reception. All the women gushed over how adorable and small Eleanor was, though the men merely sat back and muttered their congratulations. 

Life was good. Jake Evengot was behind bars, as well as Diedre, Kylie was safe again, the Tiffin headquarters still ran smoothly and... Eleanor of course inherited her father's features. 

That was fine. I wouldn't have had it any other way. 

Nothing could ruin this moment. Nothing.

"She's going to be trouble." Emma stated, fixing a smile at Hero. 

"What do you mean?" I laughed. 

She rolled her eyes. Clearly there was something I was missing. 

"I don't know what side of the family she gets it from, but those crystal blue eyes and that doll face are going to have the teenage boys lining up at your door."

Hero shocked me by taking Eleanor out of my arms and growling a sharp response. 

"Not if I have anything to say about it. She'll be under lock and key and if that doesn't work, the boys will have to go through me."

I wanted to chuckle at this. He was a natural at this parenting thing. I don't know what I was even afraid of. 

Archie released a booming chortle. 

"I'm with you on that one." 

I smiled, watching the exchange between my father and husband. Yes, things had been confusing for some time, but it was clear it was all water under the bridge. 

I had my family and that was all that mattered. 

Later on when we finally arrived home, I was exhausted. Unfortunately, sleep wasn't in the near future.

Eleanor has grown fussy and there was a list of things to prepare for motherhood I hadn't taken into account. 

While the men attempted to calm the crying baby with stories of their lives, all us women (and Brendan) congregated to the kitchen to go over essentials. 

Emma was like a stern teacher, pointing out the pro's and cons of different brands of diapers, the importance of stocking up on formula, and important sessions such as "Tummy Time".

Jesus, there was so much to remember.

I had a feeling that my mother felt so impassioned by this because she'd lost her chance with me. I grinned at the prospect. At least I could help her out somehow.  

I could even learn a thing or two from watching.

As we became engrossed in our activities, a knock sounded at the front door. 

Strange. I knew we weren't expecting anybody. 

Before I could move to the door, Brendan beat me to it, stiffening at what he saw on the other side.

I couldn't tell what it was from where I stood which infuriated me. 

Who was it?

The men in the living room all stood to get a better look.

God damn it. 

"Brendan!" I shouted, startling him a bit. "Who is it?" 

He began to mumble but I couldn't understand a word he'd said. Like the impatient woman I was, I made my way to the door, only to stop dead in my tracks. 

Did happiness not last? 

"Well, hello, dear. Do you mind if I come in?" 

I wanted to puke. 

Diedre.

There is just no end to Diedre 😭

Please don't hate me lol.

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