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The cry came sharp and piercing through the monitor at five in the morning. Jasmine groaned softly, eyes cracking open. Amara was six weeks old, her lungs strong and insistent. The baby's wails bounced off the walls as Jasmine pushed herself upright and rubbed her eyes.
She glanced toward the other side of the bed. Aubrey was sprawled out on his stomach, knocked out cold after taking the first watch. Tonight was supposed to be split duty since Janae had the night off. Jas swung her legs over the edge and stood, hair messy and her body still aching faintly from recovery. She padded across the room in socks and headed to the nursery.
"Shh, baby girl, I'm coming," she whispered.
Amara's face was red, little fists clenched, her cries echoing. Jas scooped her up with one arm and started toward the kitchen. Balancing the newborn on her shoulder, she pulled a bottle from the drying rack with her free hand, fumbling with the formula. Amara's wailing didn't let up.
"Okay, okay, mama's moving as fast as she can," Jas murmured. She used her hip to nudge the cabinet shut and shook the bottle. Her hand trembled from fatigue, but she managed to get the cap on and slipped the nipple into Amara's mouth. Instantly the crying softened into small gulps and hums.
"Finally," Jas breathed. Relief flooded her as the baby latched. She swayed in place, walking slow circles around the kitchen. Outside, the first hints of dawn stretched along the horizon. The faint glow slipped through the blinds, turning the room pale gold.
She hummed quietly, the same tune her mother used to sing when Jas was little. Amara's eyes fluttered, the bottle bobbing rhythmically in her mouth.
Ten minutes later, another sound broke through the morning stillness. Aaliyah's little voice calling from her room. "Dada. Dada. Dada."
Aubrey's heavy steps came down the hallway a minute later. His eyes barely open. He held Aaliyah against his chest, her curls wild and her toddler grin wide.
"She's loud with it," Aubrey said, his voice rough from sleep. "Dada, dada, dada. Over and over."
"She missed you," Jas teased softly. She leaned over and gave him a quick peck on the lips, their eyes both heavy-lidded.
Aaliyah squirmed toward the counter. "Food. Dada, food."
"I hear you," Aubrey replied, shifting her to one arm. He reached for a pan with his other hand. "Patience, mama. We gotta cook first."
"Nooo," Aaliyah whined, stomping her small foot against his thigh.
"Yeah, I know. Chill for a second." He cracked two eggs into the pan. "You can't rush perfection."
Aaliyah crossed her arms, unimpressed. "Food."
Jas laughed softly, settling Amara in her arms again. "She runs you."
