Chapter 12
The next morning I wake up sore and sleepy. The girls woke up only once during the night to be fed, but their birth wore me out both mentally and physically. After they're fed, there's a knock at the door. It's Doc. "Are you guys ready for visitors? Everyone wants to meet the babies."
"Sure Doc."
The door is moved out of the way, and Kyle, Sunny, Jamie, Mel, and Jared come into our room. It's crowded with so many people in the small room, but we don't mind. We're all one family now. Mel and Jamie lean down to hug me, and Jared kisses my cheek. Sunny comes to my side and starts to stroke the babies' long black hair.
"Congratulations, bro." Kyle shakes Ian's hand, then wraps him in a hug. Kyle then kneels down to me. "You're an O'Shea now. Welcome to the family, little sister." I never thought I'd hear those words come from Kyle's mouth. I'm so touched, my eyes grow moist. "Now," he turns to the babies. "Let me see my little nieces!" He holds his arms out for a baby, and I place Sarah gently in them. Then I turn to Sunny and hand her Rose.
"What'd you name them?" Jamie asked.
I smile at my little brother. Kyle is holding Sarah, and Sunny is holding Rose. Rose is the oldest."
Sunny smiles down at Rose. They're beautiful, Wanda." I can only smile.
The babies are passed around so everyone gets to hold each girl. I could have sworn I saw Jared choke up a bit when Sarah started making her sweet baby noises. I pretended not to notice, since no one else seemed too.
When everyone in the caves has held the babies, Ian and I are exhausted. I fed the babies then laid down beside Ian. He wraps his arm around me, holding me in one arm and Rose in the other. Sarah rests in the crook of my arm. Ian kisses me goodnight and falls asleep almost immediately. I lie away for a while, looking down at my family. My beautiful partner, and our two precious identical daughters, who look just like Ian.
My family.