𝐒𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐬

61

The soft hum of the baby monitor mixed with the faint rustle of leaves outside the window as I sat in the rocking chair, feeling completely drained yet so full of love that it almost hurt. We'd only been home with the babies for a few hours, but it already felt like life had shifted in a way I couldn't quite put into words. Everything was different now but in the best possible way.

Amara was latched onto my breast, her tiny mouth working rhythmically, eyes closed as she suckled. Her little hands were balled into fists, resting against my skin. Her twin brother, Amari, was lying content in his bassinet for the moment, his little chest rising and falling in peaceful sleep. I stared down at Amara, marveling at how small she was, how perfect, and how much I loved her already. I'd read about the bond between a mother and child, but nothing could've prepared me for the overwhelming wave of emotions that hit the moment I first held her and Amari.

But now, after hours of feeding, rocking, and changing diapers, exhaustion was hitting me hard. My body was still recovering from the delivery, and every muscle ached. My eyelids felt heavy as I gently rocked Amara in the chair, the rhythmic motion lulling me into a light doze. I was so tired, but I couldn't stop watching her. She was so beautiful, her little face peaceful and innocent, her tiny nose wrinkling every now and then.

Davis walked into the room quietly, careful not to make any noise as he approached. He'd been amazing since we brought the twins home, constantly by my side, ready to help with whatever I needed. He always had this calm energy about him that soothed me, and right now, I needed it more than ever.

"Baby, you're falling asleep," he whispered as he came closer, his voice low and full of concern. He knelt down next to the rocking chair, placing a hand gently on my leg. "Let me take her."

I opened my eyes, blinking slowly, trying to stay awake. "I'm okay," I murmured, though the weight of exhaustion was pulling me under. My voice sounded soft, almost slurred from the tiredness. "She's almost done feeding."

Davis chuckled softly, shaking his head as he reached out to adjust the blanket that had slipped off my shoulder. "Sadira, you look like you're about to fall over. Come on, I got her. You need some rest."

I hesitated, not wanting to let go of Amara, but he was right. I was barely holding on, my body screaming for sleep. Gently, I unlatched her from my breast, watching as Davis expertly scooped her up into his arms. He'd been a natural with the babies since day one, and it amazed me how easily he moved from one task to another, never missing a beat.

"Look at you," I whispered, a tired smile tugging at my lips as I watched him cradle our daughter. "You're like the baby whisperer or something."

Davis grinned at me, his dark eyes twinkling as he rocked Amara gently in his arms. "I'm just trying to keep up with you. You're the one doing all the hard work."

I shook my head, leaning back into the chair, feeling the tension ease from my body as I allowed myself to relax. "I don't know how you do it. You've been running on just as little sleep as me, but you're still standing."