Weeks turned into months as the family settled into a comfortable routine with Winter. The initial adjustment period had passed, and now the rhythms of daily life had become familiar and warm.
Davian and Adeline took on the role of primary caregivers, their sons pitching in whenever they could when they were home on weekends. Seeing their new little sister blossom before their eyes, they found themselves coming home at least twice a week, eager to be part of her life.
They quickly learned Winter's likes and dislikes, and she began to blossom under their care. Her smile, once rare, now lit up the house. Her laughter, a melodious sound, filled the air.
Winter loved mornings the most. An early riser like Adeline and Kain, she'd always go to them first, knowing they'd be up. "Momma food, please," Winter called out to Adeline as she walked into the parents' room, her tiny voice full of excitement.
The boys were her brothers or Bubby for short, Adeline had started calling her momma, and Davian was her daddy – a name that had taken her a bit to call him, considering her past experiences with her biological father. But now, the word sounded natural, filled with affection.
Scooping her up and taking her downstairs while she asked about her night and what she dreamed about, they met Kain sitting at the kitchen island typing on his computer. The scent of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, mingling with the sound of sizzling bacon from the skillet.
Wiggling to get down and running to him, they could tell that she was more comfortable with them, reaching down to pick her up and sitting her on his lap. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her close as he continued to type one-handed.
Adeline walked into the kitchen giving them the space they needed and started on breakfast. The clatter of dishes, the crack of eggs – the sounds of a loving family beginning their day.
As she did that winter basked in the warmth that she felt from sitting on his lap and him asking her questions that she would nod to while rubbing her stomach and back and multitasking on his computer. Her small hands played with the hem of his shirt, a soothing motion.
By the time breakfast was finished, everyone was on their way downstairs to eat breakfast with each other. When it came to winter they found it quite hard to leave her alone and let her eat, they always took her out of her highchair to feed her or some excuse around that. Her giggles filled the air as they played a game of airplane with her toast.
As much as Adeline wanted to say something she couldn't consider how happy she made the boys she just decided to keep her mouth closed for the time being. Their joy was infectious, a balm to her heart.
After breakfast, Kain helped Winter get ready for the day since he was already with him. Since she's been around they found themselves having to learn how to dress a little girl, especially when it came to her hair. They all seem to have a hard time except Sylas. He had a natural knack, his fingers deft as he worked through her tangles.
