Love Lasts Forever

Zoe babysitting

It's chaotic, as usual. The living room is a burst of color and noise, toys scattered everywhere like confetti after a party. I look around, trying to keep track of the kids. Demi, at two, has already claimed her spot as the little boss, asserting herself with a commanding shout.

"NO, Taylor! That's MINE!" Demi stomps her foot, pointing at the plush elephant that Taylor is currently wrestling with Nico for.

"Demi, it's okay, sweetie. Sharing is nice!" I call from the kitchen, where I'm filling the kettle for some much-needed tea.

"But Mommy!" Demi whines, throwing her hands in the air dramatically. "I told you! I want the elephant!"

"Okay, okay, let's all just take a deep breath!" I imagine myself taking that deep breath, but with my belly swollen with a third baby, it's more of a gentle inhale.

"Are you going to be okay, Harper?" Cecily calls from the couch, her own round belly popping in and out of view as she bounces Leo on her knee. Leo giggles, trying to grab at a rattle Zoe is shakily waving above him.

"I'm good, just a bit... distracted," I say, still watching the twins, who've now discovered my collection of children's books. "Just keep Demi away from the elephant, please!"

"Demi! You heard your mom," Zoe adds, smiling at her niece. "C'mon, let's find you something else to play with."

Demi crosses her arms, visibly pouting, but with Zoe's gentle coaxing, she finally relents, letting Zoe lead her to the craft supplies.

"Hey, buddy!" Charlie shouts, his voice raised above the playing kids. He's sitting on the floor surrounded by Nico and Taylor as if they were precious little tornadoes. "Don't eat that! It's not snack time!"

Nico looks up at him, a small piece of crayon hovering just outside his mouth. "Mmm... snack?" he mumbles, eyes wide.

"Not a chance, little dude," Charlie laughs, gently prying the crayon from Nico's chubby fingers. "How about this instead?"

He hands Nico a teddy bear, and the little guy squeals, throwing the crayon away like a professional deflector. It rolls right into my foot.

"Guess that's mine now," I chuckle, picking it up and dropping it in the toy bin.

"Hey, Harp!" Charlie calls, glancing my way. "You and Cecily okay with the baby stuff? We've got a lot on our plate, and I'm not sure if there's a manual for this parenting thing yet."

"No manual? I feel cheated," I reply, shooting him a grin.

Cecily laughs. "Seriously. I was hoping for a survival guide!"

"We're making it work," I maintain with a light wave of my hand. "Just surviving until nap time, right?"

Suddenly, Demi emerges from their art corner, proudly displaying a picture with scribbles in every color. "Look, Mommy! A rainbow!"

"It's beautiful, sweetheart!" I say, kneeling to her level. "You're an artist!"

"Can I have the elephant now?" she asks, her head tilting adorably.

I chuckle. "Not yet. How about we hang this picture up on the fridge instead?"

Demi looks thoughtful, then beams. "YES! Then everyone can see it!"

I stand just as Charlie yells again. "Zoe, you're in charge! I've got to save the crayons from being devoured!"

"On it! Team Demolition, let's build a tower!" Zoe exclaims, gathering Demi and the twins.

"Cecily, can you grab some juice for the kids?" I ask, feeling a swell of gratitude for my friend. She nods, waddling to the kitchen but not without teasing me about my own pregnant belly.

"This is so fun! Right, Harper?" Cecily's voice carries through the clutter.

"Of course! It's a blast!" I say, watching the kids laugh and topple over each other.

"We'll be pros by the time we're seasoned parents in this circus!" Cecily bursts out.

"I believe it," I answer, already feeling like I could take a nap amid this beautiful noise.

"Ready to join the chaos, little one?" I rub my belly, dreaming about the day when this little baby finally meets the whirlwind that is my life.