shivian: a forbidden love 🖤🫶🏻

chapter 48: first birthday

Third person pov:

The twins' first birthday party was a lively affair, with family and friends filling the backyard. Balloons in soft pastels and a large “1” balloon hovered near a table stacked with colorful presents and a cake decorated with tiny edible flowers. The air was filled with laughter, the warm sun shining down on the celebration.

Jamie, already buzzing with energy, could hardly wait to dive into the bouncy castle that Reece and Winter had helped set up earlier. “Come on, Reece! Winter, let’s go!” he shouted, running toward it as soon as the guests started arriving.

Reece grinned and followed, shaking his head at Jamie’s boundless energy. Winter, always up for fun, bounced along right behind him. Soon, the three of them were inside the bouncy castle, tumbling around and laughing as Jamie showed off his jumps. Winter, with his playful spirit, pretended to race him, while Reece kept an eye out to make sure no one bounced too high.

Nearby, Siobhan and Vivian stood by the snack table, chatting with guests and keeping an eye on their three kids. The twins, however, had other ideas about where they wanted to be. Harper and Hailey, both looking adorable in matching outfits, clung to Marjorie, one on each hip, refusing to let go.

Marjorie, with her calm and nurturing demeanor, didn’t mind at all. She had become a constant comfort for the twins, and they seemed to feel safe in her arms. Harper, her face nestled into Marjorie’s shoulder, looked up occasionally with wide eyes, while Hailey had her little hand fisted in Marjorie’s shirt, watching everything going on around them.

“Looks like you’re their favorite today,” Vivian teased as she handed Marjorie a drink.

Marjorie laughed softly, balancing the twins easily. “They just know who gives the best cuddles,” she replied with a wink.

Not far off, Autumn and Mia sat on a blanket near the edge of the yard, sipping glasses of wine and watching the party unfold. Autumn, ever the quiet observer, had a glass in hand, her gaze following Reece and Winter as they bounced around with Jamie.

Mia, on the other hand, was more animated, laughing as she took a sip. “They’re going to wear him out,” she remarked, watching Jamie attempt a particularly ambitious jump. “He’ll be asleep by dinner, I bet.”

Autumn smirked. “Good. He’s always full of energy—might as well let them tire him out.”

The two women sat in companionable silence for a while, watching the festivities, enjoying the moment. There was an ease between them, a growing comfort that neither felt the need to acknowledge directly.

The birthday party continued with music, laughter, and a lot of running around, though Harper and Hailey preferred to stay firmly attached to Marjorie. When it came time for cake, Siobhan and Vivian helped the girls blow out their candles, Harper shyly clinging to Marjorie while Hailey stared wide-eyed at the flames before they were extinguished.

As everyone clapped and cheered, Jamie ran over from the bouncy castle, his face flushed with excitement. “Happy birthday, Harper! Hailey!” he shouted, giving both his sisters big hugs, even though they were still in Marjorie’s arms.

“Are you having fun?” Siobhan asked Jamie, smoothing down his wild hair.

“Yeah!” he beamed. “Winter said I’m the best bouncer!”

Vivian laughed, giving Jamie a playful pat on the back. “Well, you’ve had plenty of practice, haven’t you?”

The party carried on late into the afternoon, filled with more games, laughter, and moments that the family would remember forever. As the sun began to set, Siobhan and Vivian exchanged a look, content and happy, grateful for the love surrounding them on their girls’ special day.

It wasn’t just the twins’ first birthday—it was a celebration of their growing family, of the people who had come into their lives and helped create this sense of belonging. Marjorie, with the twins still attached to her, Mia and Autumn sharing quiet moments, and Jamie, who had somehow found a second wind, still bouncing with Reece and Winter—it was perfect.

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a golden glow over the backyard, the party carried on with a soft, relaxed energy. Jamie, Reece, and Winter had exhausted themselves in the bouncy castle, and now they sat in a circle on the grass, taking a break with popsicles in hand. Jamie was still talking excitedly, recounting his "super jump" to anyone who would listen.

"Did you see how high I went, Reece?" Jamie asked, his face flushed and sticky with melted popsicle.

Reece chuckled, ruffling Jamie's hair. "Yeah, buddy. You almost touched the sky."

Winter, always competitive, leaned over with a grin. "I think my jump was higher, Jamie."

Jamie’s eyes widened, ready to protest, but then he broke into a laugh. “No way, Winter! You’re shorter, so my jump was totally higher!”

Meanwhile, across the yard, the twins were still glued to Marjorie. Harper had finally relaxed enough to shift from clinging to Marjorie’s shirt to sitting in her lap, fiddling with her fingers, while Hailey kept close, resting her head against Marjorie’s chest. They had been the stars of the party, but their preference for cuddles over chaos was clear.

“Are you going to let anyone else hold you two today?” Marjorie asked softly, glancing down at the twins with an affectionate smile.

Harper, in response, babbled something incoherent but leaned back into Marjorie, making it clear she had no intention of moving. Hailey let out a soft, content sigh, nuzzling in further.

Vivian came over, crouching down beside Marjorie with a fond look. “They really love you, huh?”

Marjorie laughed gently. “I’m honored. It’s not every day I get to be the official birthday cuddle-holder.”

“Well, they couldn’t have picked a better one,” Siobhan said as she joined them, her smile warm. “Honestly, we’re just happy they’re so comfortable.”

As the conversation flowed around them, Harper looked up at Marjorie, blinking slowly. “Mar Mar,” she said suddenly, her voice quiet but clear enough for everyone nearby to hear.

Marjorie froze for a second, then beamed down at Harper. “Did you just say my name?”

Vivian’s eyes widened, and Siobhan put a hand over her mouth, grinning. “Did she just say ‘Mar Mar’?”

Harper giggled softly, her little hands patting Marjorie’s arm, while Hailey stirred, sleepily blinking up at the commotion. Vivian and Siobhan exchanged a glance, hearts melting at the new milestone for Harper.

“Well, that’s settled,” Siobhan said with a laugh. “We officially have a ‘Mar Mar’ in the family.”

Marjorie chuckled, her heart warmed by the moment. “I’ll take it.”

Across the yard, Mia and Autumn were still sipping their wine, watching the scene unfold from a distance. Mia, who had been playfully teasing Autumn about her quiet demeanor all afternoon, now leaned back on her elbows and smiled at the sight of Harper’s newfound word.

“You’re smiling,” Mia pointed out, giving Autumn a sideways glance. “That’s rare.”

Autumn shrugged but didn’t look away from the scene. “It’s sweet. I don’t see what’s so funny about that.”

Mia grinned, taking another sip of her wine. “You’re right. But I still like it when you smile.”

Autumn glanced at her but stayed silent, though her lips twitched upward slightly in response