Generations: The Long Game

Settling In

Just days before, he had white knuckled it all the way home. Reece thought he would be fine. He had been nervous bringing Emery home, but he thought the second time around would be easier. He had no idea that the minute he buckled her little body into the car seat reality would hit him. He was responsible for getting this little being home safely, and back in the arms of her mum.

When the doctor announced that it was a girl so many thoughts went through his mind. He wasn't worried about turning into his father anymore. He was, however, worried about how spoiled she was going to be. A little girl. His little girl. Everything about her screamed Marjorie. She was her clone. If she learned her pout, he had no chance of ever saying no.

Marjorie fell in love with her daughter instantly, but when the doctor announced it was a girl her thoughts were darker than she had shown. What if this is how she would turn into her mother. It had been easy to share Reece's affection with Emery. She loved how he loved him. Loved to watch them together. What if she didn't feel that with a little girl?

The feeling was short lived. The minute she woke to him holding her and cooing over how much she resembled her mum; the warmth rose in her chest, and she knew his love of their children would always move her. How had her mother hated her for that all these years?

They were slightly older now and slightly more exhausted by the frequent up and downs, but they soon found a routine that worked. Marjorie was having a much better go of it this time around with breast feeding, which was a relief to them both, but he still bottle fed so she had a chance to get more rest.

Emery was not a fan of all the crying and spent most nights in his own room now. Marjorie missed his little snuggles, but knew it was for the best. Reece would have to go back to the restaurant sooner or later, and the last thing she needed was two cranky children who were exhausted from no sleep.

It was oddly silent as her eyes fluttered open. She felt around the bed. Empty. She sat up and went straight to the crib. Empty. Something about finding everyone gone, startled her and she ran down the stairs in a panic. She found them in the kitchen. Reece had Emery in the highchair, Rory in one arm and flipping pancakes with the other. "Reece!"

"Good morning, gorgeous." He saw the look on her face. "Sorry did I scare you? You were sleeping so soundly when Emery came in. I didn't want to wake you. Rory was awake so we just brought her down with us."

She took her from his arms still a little chuffed, but also tickled by his gesture. "Has she fed?" He nodded that she had before bending down to kiss her. The instant calm that came to her was felt by both of them.

"It is okay to rest sometimes, gorgeous, you don't always have to be in control." She glared at him but couldn't hide the smile forming at the corner of her lips.

He handed her a plate of pancakes and took Rory back, "Go. Sit. Eat." She hesitated and then sat at the table. She looked down at the plate.

"Heart shaped pancake?"

"It's Valentine's Day"

They had been so exhausted she hadn't even realized. They had never really had much luck on Valentines Day, but here she was with a beautiful, kind, thoughtful husband and two beautiful children. She couldn't ask for a better one than this.