Connor doesn't get to see Roman and Siobhan until a few months after their birth either. Caroline has sent him a Polaroid of Kendall with a baby on each arm, smiling proudly, looking every inch the big brother. This time there's no jealousy on Connor's part, he's excited to meet his new siblings.
Roman is a huge baby, bigger than Kendall was. Siobhan — Kendall can't say the name, can only manage the first syllable — is tiny, with a mop of red hair. They couldn't look less alike.
"Hey, buddy," Connor greets Kendall as he walks into the nursery, ruffling his brother's hair.
"Hey," says Kendall, who has had his third fake birthday. He's not looking up, is fixated on his toy trains.
"Don't worry, he doesn't take any notice of me either," says Caroline. "Why don't you go and play with Pinky and Perky in there?" Perky is an ironic nickname, Roman never stops crying.
When Connor steps into the next room, Logan is cooing over Siobhan like he never does over his sons. Connor supposes that it's okay to show affection to daughters, it's just sons who have to be toughened up.
Roman is wailing in the corner. "Deal with him, will you?" says Logan. It's the nanny's afternoon off. Connor picks up Roman, marvelling again at how big he is, and the crying stops instantly.
"He's huge," says Connor as he bounces Roman.
"He got most of the nutrients while he was in his mother," says Logan. "Nearly killed Siobhan in the womb."
"Don't try to kill your sister, okay?" Connor tells Roman, stroking his cheek. Roman gives what could be a giggle.
"Wanna hold this one?" Logan asks.
"Sure." They swap babies, Logan looking at Roman like he's not sure what to do with this one. Unlike Roman, Siobhan starts squirming and crying when she's in Connor's arms. "Hey, baby, it's okay." He strokes her tiny cheek like he did Roman's. "I'm your big brother." Siobhan still looks a bit indignant, but the crying stops. "She's beautiful, Pop."
"She is, isn't she?" Logan smiles proudly. "It must be your birthday, soon?"
"Yeah, today."
Logan stills. "Sorry. Lost track of time, with all the…"
"It's fine. I'm nineteen. No big deal."
No big deal, he repeats to himself as he rocks Siobhan. He'll be able to celebrate his birthday with these three when they get older.