Chenford discovering love

Left out

It was one of those nights when exhaustion had settled deep into Lucy's bones. The kind of tired that didn't just tug at her eyes, but at her soul. Harry had been crying most of the day, his tiny newborn lungs exercising their power, and though Lucy adored him with every fiber of her being, she missed her peaceful moments with Liv. Their little girl had always been such a joy—going to bed without complaint, sharing stories, and drifting off into sweet dreams with ease. But since Harry's arrival, things had shifted, and Liv was struggling with the change.

Tim was in the living room, rocking Harry gently, trying to calm his cries, while Lucy knelt down to Liv's level, trying to coax her into her bedtime routine.

"Livy, sweetheart, you know how much of a big girl you are now. Remember when we used to have our bedtime stories? We can still do that, even with baby Harry here."

Liv wasn't listening. She was playing with her stuffed animals, moving them around as if Lucy's words had floated right past her. The thought of going to bed seemed far from her mind. She hadn't wanted to go down for days now, making every night an emotional battlefield.

Lucy let out a deep sigh. She glanced over at Tim, who was watching the scene unfold with a tender look of understanding. He knew Lucy was running on empty, her patience stretched thin, yet still trying to be everything for everyone.

"Liv," Tim said gently, standing up with Harry now resting quietly against his chest, "you've always been so good at bedtime. Let's go get your pajamas on and I'll tuck you in."

But the moment Tim reached for Liv, the meltdown began. Liv let out a piercing scream, kicking her legs and throwing herself onto the floor. "No! I want mummy!" she cried, her voice shaking with the weight of her emotions.

Lucy rubbed her forehead, feeling the weight of it all pressing down on her. Her heart broke seeing Liv so upset, but at the same time, she was utterly drained. Tim, sensing her need for a break, moved closer, placing a reassuring hand on her back.

"Lucy, I've got this," he whispered softly, his eyes filled with love and concern. "Go rest. Let me handle it."

Lucy hesitated, looking at their daughter who was now red-faced and sobbing on the floor. But Tim was firm, guiding Lucy toward the couch as he took Liv's hand.

As Tim carried Liv upstairs, her screams for Lucy echoed through the house. Lucy sat on the couch, tears pricking her eyes. The exhaustion, the guilt, the constant pull of motherhood—it all hit her at once. She wanted to be there for both of her children, but the constant balancing act felt impossible.

Upstairs, Tim sat on the floor beside Liv's bed, patiently waiting. Liv's cries eventually shifted from angry to heartbroken. She lay on her bed, her tiny body shaking with sobs, calling out for her mother over and over again.

An hour passed, and Liv was still crying, her little body worn out from the effort. Tim sat silently, letting her feel what she needed to feel. Finally, Liv crawled to the edge of her bed, her cheeks streaked with tears, and whispered, "Daddy... please... I want mummy."

Tim opened his arms without hesitation, and Liv collapsed into them, her breaths ragged, her body heavy with sadness and fatigue. "Come here, my girl," he whispered, his voice thick with love. He held her tight as she cried into his chest, her sobs turning into soft hiccups.

Lucy walked by the door, seeing the tender moment between her love of her life and daughter, her heart aching. She wanted to rush in, to hold Liv herself, but Tim caught her eye, shaking his head gently. Liv was finally calming down, resting her head against him, her eyes fluttering shut.

Tim sat for a while longer, feeling the weight of Liv's body grow heavier as she drifted off to sleep. She reminded him of Harry in those moments, with the way her arms flung out reflexively, just like a baby's.

Once she was fully asleep, Tim carefully transferred her to the bed, tucking her under her blankets. He stood up quietly, watching her for a moment, his heart swelling with love for their little girl.

Later, Tim and Lucy lay in their own bed, the weight of the day pressing down on them. Lucy's emotions finally broke free, tears spilling down her cheeks as she whispered, "I feel like I'm failing her, Tim. She's hurting and I don't know how to fix it."

Tim turned to her, his eyes soft and full of understanding. "You're not failing, Lucy. She's just adjusting. We all are. Liv loves you more than anything, and she'll find her way. We all will."

Lucy couldn't shake the feeling, though. She needed to be close to Liv, to hold her, to reassure her. Without a word, she slipped out of bed and walked down the hall to Liv's room. The sight of her little girl sleeping peacefully tugged at her heart.

Quietly, Lucy lifted Liv into her arms, cradling her against her chest. Liv's sleepy sounds were soft and adorable, and Lucy kissed her forehead, breathing in the scent of her daughter's hair.

Back in their bed, Tim smiled softly when Lucy returned, cradling Liv between them. Liv shifted in her sleep, her little hand finding its way into Lucy's top, just like she used to do before.

Tim chuckled softly. "She missed you."

Lucy smiled through her tears, wrapping Liv up in a tender cuddle. "I missed her, too," she whispered, pressing her lips to Liv's hair. She gently whispered, "I love you so much, my girl."

In her sleep, Liv smiled softly, snuggling closer to Lucy. Tim reached out, stroking Liv's hair gently, and the room filled with quiet love and peace. It wasn't perfect, and there were still struggles to face, but in that moment, with their daughter nestled between them, everything felt right.

Tim leaned over and kissed Lucy's forehead. "We'll figure this out, together," he said softly.

Lucy nodded, her heart full of gratitude and love for the family they had created. And as Liv settled into a deep sleep between her parents, the love that surrounded them felt unbreakable