The twins 11th birthday was coming soon and Niamh had noticed that Adam was still rather distant with her.
But she was being observant and noticed that Adam was always drawing and then it hit her,
"Dad, I know what to get Adam for his birthday."
Niamh said when she walked into his office one day as Perry looked up,
"Oh, and what is that sweetheart?"
Niamh smiled brightly,
"Adam's always drawing and I've noticed that his art pencils are close to being too small to draw with. I'd like to buy him a new set of drawing pencils. I'm sure he'll appreciate it."
Perry nodded,
"Well, Mom and I have been thinking about also getting Adam some colored pencils too. What about Ella?"
Niamh thought for a second, she knew that Ella loved to read.
"I was thinking about getting her the Little House books since she's constantly bringing them home from the school library and Mom's telling her to check out other books."
"I think Ella will appreciate that. Good choice, Niamh." Perry smiled as Niamh snuggled against him as she clamored on his lap.
"Love you, Dad." Niamh whispered as she fell asleep while Perry held her close.
Once the plans were given to Della, she nodded and the three of them went out shopping while Paul and Gertie watched over the twins the Saturday before the twins birthday.
"You made some good choices, Niamh. Adam's going to love these pencils and I know Ella is going to love having the Little House books for herself." Della commented as the trio wrapped the presents as Niamh smiled brightly while blushing,
"I just want Adam to feel comfortable with me." Both parents smiled and when the day came,
Niamh had woken up early and placed the presents and cards at the twin's spots on the kitchen table and helped Della make a special breakfast for the family.
"Adam's going to love the pencils you're giving him. I know it, Niamh." Della whispered with the gentlest smile as she could read Niamh's nervous energy.
Once they got the bacon frying, Adam was the first in the kitchen as Niamh gently walked over and hugged her big brother,
"Happy birthday, Adam." Adam smiled softly as he went to look at the gifts at his spot as he opened the top package first which were Niamh's pencils as his eyes lit up as he walked back over and gave his little sister the biggest hug he could.
"How'd you – ?" He started as Niamh laughed,
"It helps to pay attention to your older brother and see that he's constantly drawing with pencils that have been sharpened to ones that are too small to draw with." Della smiled as Perry walked in taking over the cooking as Della sat and watched the brother and sister interact happily.
Ella was just overjoyed with the gift that Niamh gave her but Della was happy to see Niamh and Adam finally getting along like she had hoped they would when they brought Niamh home from Ireland.