Author's Note: We recently had a robin build a nest, and this story resulted from that. And I feel like this should be a belated birthday story for the awesome Kristen (Kristen3)! I didn't think it would become a chapter story, but as she knows, that can change! I don't know where I'll go with it, but we'll see! Enjoy! :)
Daphne was just about to leave to pick David up when the phone rang. She almost considered letting it go unanswered, but then she had second thoughts. What if it was an emergency? So, she quickly went over to the phone and answered it.
"Hello?"
"Daph, I don't think David is ready to come home yet." It was Martin's voice.
She sighed. "What do you mean?"
"Well, today, he discovered a robin's nest in our backyard, and he's insisting that he stay to keep an eye on it."
Daphne laughed. Her son certainly loved everything about nature. He was always wanting to go outside and look for birds and flowers. She marveled at it. Nobody in the family was like that. She didn't know where it came from. But he certainly couldn't stay at Martin's for however long the robin hatched her eggs.
"I'll be right over." She hung up the phone and got into her car. The drive to Martin's was quicker than ever before.
When she got there, Ronee answered the door. "Hi, they're out back. As always. The way that boy loves nature is unbelievable." Ronee shook her head.
"I don't know where he gets it from, honestly."
As Daphne and Ronee went out the back door of their little house, she smiled at what she saw. David and Martin were indeed looking at a nest. The sight was so precious, she didn't want to disturb them. So she quietly went over, and joined them.
David startled in surprise, which made the bird fly away. Just then, David looked near tears.
Daphne put her hand on her son's shoulder. "Shh, she'll be back. And why don't you be here for when she does?"
Martin looked absolutely thrilled at the thought of his grandson staying longer. And David threw his arms around her shoulders.
"Really, Mom? Grandpa says it takes about a month for the eggs to hatch. But I really wanna see it!"
Daphne looked questionably at Martin, who nodded. "He's right."
"Well, you can't stay here a whole month by yourself. But, how about a week? And then I'll bring you back when the eggs start to hatch." She wasn't sure what Niles would say with a whole week without David. But they would make the most of it too.
David smiled the biggest smile Daphne had ever seen him smile, and it warmed her heart. Yes, maybe she and Niles could work on building their own family this week, along with the robin.
"I'll have Daddy come and bring an overnight bag for you later. But for now, keep an eye on the bird!" She smiled as David whirled his head back around and stared intently at the nest, waiting for a sign of life.