Like we used to be

chapter 27

June 

Mila stood in front of the bathroom mirror, her hand resting on her baby bump. She couldn't help but smile as she felt a gentle kick from her little one. Almost six months along, and she was beginning to feel the full effect of pregnancy. The four-year-old twins, enthusiastic about their baby brother or sister.
"Mommy, is the baby kicking again?" Charlie asked, his blue eyes filled with curiosity as he peeked around the bathroom door.                                                                                             "Yes Charlie," Mila replied, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Your little sibling is saying hello."
Lacy, who had been busy arranging her collection of stuffed animals on the bed, bounced over, her pigtails bobbing with each step. "Can I feel?" she asked, her face lighting up with excitement.
Mila nodded, guiding Lacy's small hand to her belly. As if on cue, the baby kicked again. Lacy's eyes widened in amazement. "Wow, the baby is really strong!"
"Just like Daddy!" Charlie chimed in not wanting to be left out.
Mila laughed softly. "Yes, just like daddy." She sighed happily thinking about her fiancé. Father's Day was just around the corner, and she had promised the twins they would go shopping for a special gift for Quinn.

"Are you both ready to go shopping?" she asked looking between her two eager children.
"Yes!" they shouted in unison, their voices echoing through the small apartment.
"I think we should get him a superhero cape," Charlie declared, his voice filled with conviction. "Daddy is a superhero, after all."
Lacy giggled. "But, Daddy doesn't need a cape. He needs something he can use."
"Like what?" Charlie asked, crossing his arms.
"A new golf club!" Lacy said excitedly. "Daddy always goes golfing."
Mila smiled, listening to their debate. "Those are both great ideas," she said as she pulled into the parking lot of the local mall. "Let's see what we can find inside."
The twins rushed inside to find something with Mila yelling after them to come back so they don't get lost. They searched around the mall trying to find something for Quinn. Once the twins got tired and started to complain about walking around, Mila decided it was time to go home.
Later that day, after their shopping adventure, Mila and Quinn were on their way to the ultrasound appointment. They had dropped the twins off with Elias Pettersson, who was more than happy to babysit for a few hours.
"Are you nervous?" Quinn asked, his hand resting gently on Mila's knee as they sat in the waiting room. Even though they had been there countless times, each time felt like the first time when they were 19, it felt just like the first day they saw the ultrasound, it felt just like the first time they found out they were having twins.
"A little," Mila admitted. "But mostly excited. I can't wait to see our baby again." Quinn smiled, squeezing her knee reassuringly. "Me too." They were called in for their appointment. The ultrasound technician, a cheerful woman named Clara, greeted them warmly and instructed Mila to lie down on the examination table.
"Ready to see your baby?" Clara asked, spreading the cool gel on Mila's belly. Mila nodded, her eyes glued to the screen. As the image of their baby appeared, she felt Quinn's hand tighten around hers.
"Everything looks great," Clara said, moving the transducer around. "Would you like to know the gender?"
Mila looked at Quinn, who nodded eagerly. "Yes, we would," she said.
Clara smiled and turned the screen a bit more toward them. "Congratulations, it's a girl!"
Mila's heart swelled with joy, but she glanced at Quinn to see his reaction. He was beaming, but she knew they had to break the news to Charlie, who had been adamant about wanting a baby brother.
When they returned to Elias's place to pick up the twins, Charlie ran up to them. "Mommy, Daddy, did you see the baby?"
Mila knelt down to Charlie's level, taking his hands in hers. "Charlie, sweetheart, you're going to have a baby sister."
Charlie's face fell, his excitement replaced with disappointment. "But I wanted a brother," he said, his voice small and sad.
Lacy, who had been listening, put her arm around her brother. "It's okay, Charlie. We'll have so much fun with a baby sister. We can teach her things!"
Quinn crouched down next to Mila. "Charlie, I know you wanted a brother, but having a little sister will be amazing too."
Charlie still looked uncertain, "I want a brother like you and uncle Jacky Lukey, Lacy gets a sister." the 4 year old said quietly.
Mila and Quinn exchanged a look of understanding, knowing how important it was to handle Charlie's feelings with care.

"Charlie," Mila began softly, "I know you were hoping for a brother. But you know what? You are going to be the best big brother to your sister. She'll look up to you, and you can show her all the cool things you like to do."
"And maybe one day, you might get a brother too. But for now, think of all the things you'll teach your sister." Quinn said
Charlie looked down, still processing the news. "Okay," he said quietly, a small smile beginning to form on his lips. "I'll try to be a good big brother."
"You will be, Charlie," Quinn assured him, ruffling his hair. "You already are."