Return III

Chapter 29

Michael's POV

Words cannot explain how happy I am that my youngest and final child is healthy and finally home with us. Everything seems to be falling into place, besides the fact that my mother is in the hospital.

Ellie grows everyday, and everyday I grow more and more thankful that God has blessed me with such a beautiful and healthy and happy child. I always wish that I could have more, but I cannot put Taryn back into the situation that threatened her and my daughter's lives. I would like to adopt all of the children in the world, but I know that that is not possible. However, I am happy and thankful with the family that I have right here in front of me. 

Taryn and I further discussed the adopting each twin since we had gotten back together, and the papers finally came in today. We have a court hearing at one this afternoon, and we are quite excited. Words cannot explain the happiness shared amongst the twins and Taryn and I.

"Kids!" Taryn calls up the stairs as she rocks our tiny daughter in her skinny arms. She had gained a small amount of weight since her pregnancy, but I think it makes her more beautiful than ever. I lover her no matter what. 

"Down in a minute, momma!" Blanket calls from the top of the stairs and when I hear Natalie laughing, I can't help but smile. I hold my arms out to Taryn, gesturing her to hand me Ellie, and without a doubt, she does. I smile down at her, and she looks up at me adoringly with her beautiful brown-green eyes.

"Hi, Ellie." I say, trying to fight back the tears. "I love you." I place a kiss on the top of her head and she grabs my pinky with her tiny hand and smiles up at me. Taryn places her hand on my arm and gives it a gentle squeeze. I look over at her, glance at our youngest daughter, then back at her and she smiles. 

"Are you sure you still want to do this, Taryn?" I ask quietly and she looks up at me sympathetically, eye brows furrowed.

"Of course I want to do this, Michael," she says and I sigh, looking down at her with a straight face. "I'm never leaving you again," she whispers, caressing Ellie's head with her thumb, then looking up at me once again. "I love you."

"I love you, too, Taryn Elizabeth."

Just then, the twins come piling down the stairs loudly, Blanket chasing Natalie, who proceeds to scream and laugh at the same time. 

"Guys!" Taryn calls and they quickly silence themselves. The slowly walk into the kitchen where we are standing and take a seat next to each other at the island.

"Sorry." Natalie says and Taryn tries her best to smile. 

"It's fine, baby, I've just been up all night with Ellie and loud sounds are driving me crazy right now."

"Can I hold her?" Blanket asks and I smile and nod. I step toward him as he holds out his arms and I gently give him his baby sister. When she is in his arms, he smiles down at her and rocks her slowly. Natalie then walks over to him and smiles down at her as well. She places her hand on Ellie's chest, and Ellie grabs her pinky with her tiny hand, making Taryn and I smile adoringly.

"Okay, we better get going." Taryn interrupts the moment and Natalie pouts.

"I wanted to hold her!" she says and I chuckle. 

"She'll be here for the rest of your life, Natalie," Taryn says. "you can hold her all you want whenever you want."

When we finally get everyone in the car, all is calm. Not quite quiet, but calmer than before. The children pay more attention to Ellie than anything, giving Taryn and I time to talk amongst ourselves.

I grab my wife's hand as she drives. She can't see my half smile because my face is covered, but she already knows.

"I promise that from this day forward, I will never leave your side." I say quietly and she glances at me, smiles, then turns back to face the road. She gives my hand a gentle squeeze, and it sends butterflies to my stomach.