𝐋𝐈𝐅𝐄𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐖𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 | 𝘑𝘰𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘒𝘭𝘦𝘪𝘯

Epilogue

"Mama!", Valentijn barged into the bedroom.

I had finally managed to find a quiet minute so I can catch up on the loads of laundry. Parenthood had been a true challenge for both Joost and I. Having our dynamic pair in the house, the daily routine had become a chaotic affair. Even after a few years of being parents, every day equaled the experience of opening a surprise egg as a child.

My glance parted from the stacks of clothes to my son whose bright blue eyes stared at me for attention. I crouched down to be at eye level with the little blonde boy, anticipating enlightenment: "What happened my love?"

"Papa won't play with me", he pouted.
I raised my eyebrows. There must be a reason behind it then, Joost barely turned down the requests. I followed Valentijn to the living room, interested in the story now.

It was a simple reminder of the importance to clean up. The space had been a delightful mess of toys and laundry, making the presence of the twins clear. My eyes fell onto my husband sitting up against the couch with our daughter in his lap.

Joost was covered in smudged makeup. His closed eyelids held a soft shade of blue and his lips were painted a deep red. Arabella stuck her tongue out in concentration as she applied the products. I witnessed her work with a smile.

"Mama", Valentijn whined,"Can you play with me now?"

This caused Joost's eyes to peep open and look at us. Bella scolded her father for disturbing and continued as soon as Joost's attention was back on her and he apologised.

"Bella, darling?", I chuckled quietly.
She hummed, still focused on the man.
"Would you mind telling me where you got the makeup?"

The younger girl paused suddenly, her eyes wide: "Papa's idea!" Joost mouth was agape whilst his daughter pointed to him. His playful grimace alarmed Valentijn beside me.
"Oh oh, Ari, you better run", he warned.

She got up from his lap and started sprinting around the room, into the hallway. Joost hopped onto his feet and started chasing her. Arabella giggled, squealing when he caught up with her.

Joost lifted her off the ground with ease and threw her over his shoulder. She drummed against his back, wriggling in his arms. Suddenly, Joost let loose and Arabella dropped a few inches before being caught again.

"Oh my god, Joost! Don't do that", my palm laid on my chest to feel my racing heart. He rolled his eyes and held the girl up to face her.

She smiled extensively as he asked: "Were you scared, prinsesje?" Her little head shook frantically. "I want to try!", Valentijn announced, jumping into his dad's grip.

Joost shrugged and chuckled while throwing the twins around and earning the sweet sounds of their laughter. I observed their relationship, the way he portrayed the perfect father. Joost gave his all to be the best version of himself, for them.

——

Our home was jammed with the voices of our friends and Joost's half of the family. There wasn't a special occasion but as a collective we wanted to get together every few months, at least.

While Teun and Ellie had moved to Amsterdam too, Aggu stayed in Berlin. Only fair since it was his hometown, yet it was important for us to see him every now and then.

I was occupied by my children who had cuddled up in my sides while the rest chatted about the past, the present and the future.

Withal, I could tell the youngest were growing tired. Joost peeled the half-asleep Val from my body and embraced him. He rose from his seat on the couch and motioned for Bella to follow him. I gave her a kiss on the cheek to say my goodnight.