Never Really Royal (Harry and Meghan Fanfiction)

Grandchildren

Mom got out the car, looking glamorous as always before she was followed by Dad and then what seemed like endless children appearing from their Tardis of a car. Poppy and Holly had grown again from the last time I had seen them. Their legs were nearly as long as mine as both of them looked to elegant and mature. This nearly brought a tear to my eye as they ran across the courtyard into my arms. I pulled them both into me and squeezed them tight.

"Merry Christmas girlies! I've missed you." I said to them. They both, in turn, said "Merry Christmas" back and I squeezed them again before letting go. As I did, Alfie and Albie bounded across the courtyard towards the three of us. Alfie ran straight into me and almost knocked me to the floor as I bent down to greet him. I hugged him tight as I watched Albie behind him, who was a little more hesitant and perhaps couldn't quite remember who I was. He soon did and joined the girls, giving me a high five instead. I understood why he didn't always remember me, but it did always make me a bit sad as the girls and I had such amazing relationships when they were his age.

As I questioned the children about their Christmas presents, Mum and Dad joined us from the car with one of the twin with each of them. They had grown as well. I gave them both a kiss as I gave Mom a hug. She smelled the same as she always did around Christmas time, like she had spent all year in a bakery, of gorgeously sweet cinnamon and vanilla. I hugged her for longer than usual just to remember that smell. It reminded me of so much and made me really miss not seeing her everyday. I eventually let go of her and embraced Harry, as I hearded the children in from the doorway of the house. 

We all went inside and after some gorgeous reunions between the children and Grandma, everyone settled in the living room and began to exchange presents. Isabella was still asleep, so I enjoyed having a cuddle with Lilly while Mom fussed over the boys and what we had got them. I hoped that this baby was a boy as I saw the excitement light up Sam's face as he watched them unwrap cars and dinosaurs. Of course, Isabella could be into those things too. But I thought about the image of Sam with a son and the bond they would have, I only hoped that it would be as strong as the one he holds with his own father. The two of them still are closer than Sam is to any of his own friends, to anyone, perhaps apart from Isabella and I. These thoughts drifted away in my mind for a while until Poppy handed me a wrapped gift. I handed Lilly to Grandma before unwrapping the gift. I opened it to find a navy blue jumper which read Mama. Mom had a very similar one and I always complimented her on it. I smiled at her and thanked them all and as my eyes spanned back across the room, they caught Sam's. He was lying on the floor playing with Albie's cars with him. He gave me a cheeky smile and sort of giggled, in nod to the small secret that the two of us were keeping. I smiled back, before distracting myself. I didn't want anyone else to realise. 

After lunch, we all went for a walk across the farm with the dogs and everyone enjoyed some fresh air after some lovely food. The children ran and played and it was so lovely to see Poppy and Holly play so beautifully with the boys. I remember before they were born and Mom feeling so apprehensive about the transition for them of going from being the youngest sisters to being the big sisters. Looking at them now, there's nothing that either of us should have worried about. The girls are happy, they're content, they're polite and both have an amazing sense of humour. What more could Mom have wanted for them, or me. I sometimes think how sad it is, that I practically brought those girls up, without the title of being their parent. I know that Mom and Dad and Grandma will all give me credit for working so hard for them but I will never hold the title of being their parent, because I would be so proud to do so.

As I watch them, I only hope that Isabella experiences the same ease when she becomes a big sister. She will be much younger than the girls and will never remember a time when it was only her, but I hope she loves this baby and always finds comfort in having a sibling, because I couldn't be more grateful for mine.