SPOILERS FOR THE RUBY CIRCLE. I REPEAT: SPOILERS FOR THE RUBY CIRCLE. IF YOU HAVE NOT READ IT, ABORT, ABORT. You have been warned. MAJOR PLOT SPOILERS.

Sydney and Adrian's fireplace was burning away merrily by the time we retired.

Dimitri pulled the cover over us as I sighed. "Everyone seemed happy."

"Of course they were. I'd be happier once you set a date…" I shot him a look. "…but I'll count my blessings. Baby steps."

I laid my head against Dimitri's chest and smiled. "The baby has gotten super big."

"I know. Makes me wonder when we'll have one of our own."

I pinched him.

"Right. Baby steps."

"Don't get me wrong. I do want kids…it's just that…we need to make plans."

He glanced down at me. "And we will. But this could be our miracle. If it's possible…then I don't want to throw it away."

I looked up at him. "Neither do I."

"Let's just get married first."

I kissed his chest. "Done."

"Did your family really have to break out the vodka last night?"

Dimitri smiled down at me. He was already dressed and had come to wake me. The rocket fuel from last night had left my head pounding. Never again, I always promised. But here I was again.

"Where's my babies?"

"One of them is asleep, and the other…"

"Momma, Momma, Mooooooooma!" A voice called, her little footsteps pattering against the timber floors. My head was about two seconds from exploding, the sound was so loud. She was through the door and on the bed in a flash, all bouncy curls and big smiles.

She peered up at me curiously. "Momma. Gammy says it's time to get up."

I touched her nose. "Gammy's right. It's too late to be sleeping. Or shouting."

"What?"

I blinked. "Nothing. You head down stairs, I'm right behind you." I kissed her, and gave her a small push.

Dimitri smiled after her, the little plush toy she had left behind in his hands.

"She's gotten so big."

"So have I."

He gave me an incredulous look. "You? Big? Never?"

I poked my tongue out at him. "Liar."

I flew down the stairs and fastened my earrings on. I could already smell the scent of Adrian's cologne, and those damn waffles he always made.

"Hmmm. Smells good." I inspected the table's contents and smiled. Adrian was almost always the one who sorted out breakfast. The baby was sitting in his high chair, silent for a change. I kissed him carefully on the head, and trailed my fingertips along his wispy blonde hair. Adrian appeared behind me, and slipped his arms around my waist.

I leaned up and kissed him briefly on the lips. "My classes will go late today, so don't wait for me tonight."

Adrian frowned. "It's not family dinner without you, Sage."

I made a face. "You don't think I know this? I'll be home as soon as possible."

"Where are the rugrats?"

"Brushing their teeth." Adrian held a cup up to me, and I smiled. I automatically reached for my daily cup of coffee, and sighed when the liquid hit my mouth. Things were about to get hectic in the Ivashkov household.

And soon enough, the thunderous thuds of feet sounded from the living room, and two children emerged.

"Mom, I need permission for hockey practice. Can you please call the coach?"

"Yes. Hello. Good morning. How are you?" My eldest flushed, and smiled sheepishly.

"Sorry, Mom. Good morning."

I washed my cup out and headed over to the fridge. Bread, lettuce, tomato, muesli, butter…

"No problem. I'll give him a call during my break. Make sure you pick up your sister from after school daycare around 5 alright? Dad will pick you guys up from the front gates."

"Got it."

I turned to my little girl. "You have your ballet shoes?"

"Yes, Mom."

She handed a hair tie to me. I placed my butter knife down, and went about plaiting her hair.

"Done. Eat some cereal, please. And some fruit."

Adrian rushed out of the kitchen. "Got to get ready." He pumped up a fist. "Remember, out at 8:30, please."

"Right on!" Everybody responded in chorus.

I zipped up the last lunchbox bag and dusted my pants off. "Lunches are packed. Please eat everything. No leftovers, please."

"Yes, Mom."

I ran to the table and quickly chowed down on a piece of toast. "Hmmm. Did you do something different to your hair?"

I reached out, but was swatted away. "No. Yes. Just a little hair gel, Ma."

I snorted. "Your father's idea, I suppose?"

"The guy's got style. You gotta admit that."

"And your Mom?"

"You're cool and collected. Definitely trumps style."

I narrowed my eyes. "Good answer." I briefly kissed his head, and then brushed away my daughter's bangs.

And then of course, the baby started to cry. Of course. How could I forget about my baby? Changed, fed, and cuddled, he was ready to go by the time Adrian had finished getting ready.

"Alright troops. Form an orderly line and let's march."

The baby leaned against my chest and yawned. I grabbed the lunches and headed for the door.

"Here you go." Lunch, kiss, go.

"And here you are." Lunch, kiss, go.

"And you." I had reached Adrian. His kiss was a little longer, and more languid. "I swear, it's like train station here in the morning."

"Gotta love it, though right?"

I kissed him again. "I'll see you in the evening."

I called after the kids. "Stay safe. Love you!"

"Bye Mom!"

The baby cried out and laughed. I kissed him, and shut the door, smiling.

Dimitri looked up from his newspaper when I came rushing into the kitchen, a child on one hip and another in hand. He stood up, and reached for one of them.

"Thank you." I blew my bangs out of my face, and reached the coffee machine. It was life support at this stage. Sleepless nights were getting to me.

"What time do you have to be out?"

"My shift starts at 10."

"Great. You can drop the kids at day care."

"Momma. Momma."

I smiled down at my youngest. "Yes, my sweet. What is it?" She gurgled something, nothing, back, and then laughed. I kissed her. "Me too." Despite all the sleep deprivation, I wouldn't have given up any of it for the world.

I walked to the table and set her down into one of the high chairs. "She's been washed, changed, and fed."

Dimitri swung my baby boy around on his hip. "So has this guy. He's gotten so big. Say hi to Momma. Can you say hi to Momma?"

"He's getting there. Aren't you, bud?" I kissed him, considered, and then kissed Dimitri too.

"Good morning."

He smiled. "Good morning, Roza."

"Things will slow down soon, won't they?"

"I certainly hope so. When was the last time we were actually alone?"

I paused. And then I swallowed. "We'll have a moment together…soon."

"I hope so too."

"No, really, we will."

"What?"

"Because either I just peed myself…or my water just broke."

Dimitri's eyes widened.