New Baby

Chapter 11 : Return of the guardians

POV: Olivia

The sun was just starting to peek through the curtains, casting a warm glow over our cozy living room. Today felt different; the house was quiet without the giggles of Lily, Thalia, and Amelia lingering in the air, but there was an exciting anticipation building within me. Today was a special day—our fur babies, Ares, Alexios, and Apollo, were returning home after spending a few days with friends.

Ava had just woken up from her nap, her little fingers stretching out toward the sunlight, a soft coo escaping her lips as I scooped her up from the portable crib. "Good morning, my little angel!" I whispered, planting a gentle kiss on her forehead. She giggled, her eyes sparkling with mischief, as I propped her up against my shoulder.

"Scar, are you ready?" I called, padding softly to the kitchen where I could already smell coffee brewing.

"Just about! I can't wait for the kids to meet them," Scarlett replied with a grin, joining us with her hair tied back and a bright apron around her waist. "Ava is going to love them!"

I nodded, excitement bubbling inside me. Ares, our loyal white shepherd, Alexios, the curious black shepherd, and Apollo, the spirited husky, were not just our pets; they were family. They had always been gentle and protective, but seeing them interact with Ava would be a whole new experience. Today, they would meet their new little sister.

POV: Scarlett

The door creaked open, and moments later, Ares bounded in with Alexios right behind him, his tail wagging like an excited flag. Apollo came in more elegantly, his blue eyes scanning the room, letting out a soft bark of acknowledgment. My heart swelled at the sight of them. They felt like a whirlwind of joy and grace.

"Look who's home!" I said, clapping my hands in delight. "Come here, boys! You have a little sister to meet!"

Ava clapped her hands at the commotion, her eyes wide with curiosity as the dogs approached. Ares was the first to reach us; he sniffed at Ava's foot, taking in her scent, his tail wagging excitedly. There was something so soulful about his gaze, and I knew he would be a protector to Ava.

"Gentle, Ares," Olivia soothed, kneeling down beside him. "This is Ava. She's your little sister now."

The moment Ares heard her name, he shifted into a calm demeanor. It was as if he understood. He laid down on his belly, wagging his tail gently and looking up at Ava with those kind eyes, inviting her to reach out.

Ava let out a squeal of delight. "Doggie!" she exclaimed, reaching her tiny hands towards Ares, her fingers closing around his soft fur.

"See? She loves you already!" I laughed, watching as Ares nuzzled closer, offering his warmth to her.

"Now it's your turn, Alexios," Olivia cooed, encouraging the black shepherd to come forward. Alexios approached cautiously, his head tilted to the side, tail wagging. When he got close enough, Ava's giggles filled the room again, drawing him nearer.

"She really is a little charmer, isn't she?" I said, looking at Olivia. She nodded, her eyes sparkling.

Then, it was Apollo's turn. He had always been the most playful of the trio. I watched as he hopped closer with a burst of energy, doing his signature wiggle dance. Ava squealed again in delight, and I couldn't help but laugh. "He wants to play with you, Ava!"

With a gentle nudge from Apollo, who had come to rest his chin on the edge of the crib, Ava erupted into joyous laughter. Her tiny fingers reached for his nose, and he responded by giving her an enthusiastic lick.

"Whoa, gentle there, handsome!" I chuckled, brushing Apollo's fur. "Not all slobbering is allowed, you know."

As the trio nestled in closer, Ava's eyes sparkled with pure bliss, echoing the overall warmth in the room. I exchanged a significant look with Olivia—our family was complete once more.

"I think we need a family photo," I said, pulling out my phone. "Ava, Ares, Alexios, Apollo... let's all smile!"

As I captured the moment, I could see the bond forming. Our fur babies were embracing their new roles as guardians with every wag and woof. Ava giggled at their antics, and I couldn't help but envision all the adventures that awaited the four of them.

Tonight, we would have dinner as a family, all of us. Yet, in this very moment, it was simply about love, laughter, and the beautiful chaos that came with blending our lives with our beloved pets. I leaned against Olivia, both of us cherishing this chapter of our lives, knowing full well that our journey had just begun.