Silent Rebellion of the Littlest One

ZACH

Ella’s small hands and feet are all over me as I stir from sleep. She’s reaching for Violet, her tiny foot pressing into my chest, right over the scar that still throbs occasionally.

“Easy, sweetheart. You’re going to crack daddy’s ribs,” I tell her, sitting up to pull her into a hug and plant a kiss on her head. But she’s not interested in hugs. She wants Violet.

She wriggles in my arms, pushing against me in a silent rebellion.

“Do you want mama?” I ask her. She settles down and nods.

Ella has this silent communication thing down pat. She comprehends everything we say, but getting her to say a single word? That’s another story.

She’s only ten months old, so there’s plenty of time for her to start speaking.

She’s already walking, having taken her first steps just over a month ago. She trailed Lola around the kitchen and living room, taking one step after another.

And her problem-solving skills are impressive. She can already finish a simple puzzle and match shapes and colors.

I lay her next to Violet, right where I was lying. Predictably, she reaches for Violet’s breast.

I can’t fault her. I get the addiction.

Violet chuckles and adjusts her top so Ella can feed. I watch as Ella latches on and settles back against the bed, her tiny hand kneading Violet’s breast.

“Mama missed you, my little El,” Violet murmurs.

“She was only gone for one night,” my mother remarks, looking at the boys who are swaddled in white and lying on the other side of Violet.

“They’re bigger than I anticipated,” she says, reaching out to stroke their cheeks.

“Would you like to hold them?” Violet asks.

“I’d love to, but I might need some help with both of them,” my mother responds.

She picks up Atticus and moves to the chair beside the bed. I assist her with Asher.

“You two really are identical. And look at all that dark hair,” she coos. “Do we have names yet?”

Violet and I are the only ones in the room. Tyler and Callum must have had things to do.

“Yes, Asher Carl Henderson and Atticus Jeremiah Henderson,” Violet answers, pulling Ella into a side hug as she switches breasts.

Ella lays sideways across Violet, her little hand reaching out to play with Violet’s hair.

Seeing her next to her brothers, I realize how much she’s grown.

“How will you manage to breastfeed all three of them?” my mother asks.

“The doctors said it will be okay. The boys will feed first, then Ella. They also suggested regular weigh-ins for the first few months,” Violet answers.

“You’ll do just fine, Vi,” I reassure her.

“I know, but I’d rather they all have fresh milk,” she says.

“I’m going to take a shower,” I declare, grabbing a pair of jeans and boxers from my bag.

I make quick work of it, washing away the night’s sweat.

When I return to the room, Tyler and Callum are back with Tilly.

“Was Sophie okay with you being late?” I ask Tyler.

“She was at the nursery near her house,” he replies.

I nod. Sophie can’t even stay with her child for one morning.

“Lola’s home. I’ll be staying at home tonight with Tilly,” Tyler announces.

“I’ll come home with you. I need to sort a few things out at work before I take leave again,” I tell him.

We’ll have four kids at home now. I can’t shake the feeling that Violet will need more support.

What will the boys be like? Will they be as attached to Violet as Ella is?

I can’t imagine leaving Violet alone with four children while we all work.

Callum’s business takes him away at least once a month, and Tyler’s been falling behind on work tasks.

No one tells you how little time you’ll have for yourself when you become a parent.

You focus solely on the child, giving them everything they need to grow and thrive.

Tyler’s a great father. He always makes sure to give Tilly the attention she needs.

He’s just as patient with Ella. Tyler has a unique bond with Ella. He seems to understand her needs before the rest of us even realize what she’s asking for. Well, except for Violet, maybe.

Tyler’s just got that knack.

Callum’s not a bad dad either, though he can be a bit overbearing and unpredictable. He’s the cautious, protective type. I can already see him being the strictest parent among us as the kids grow up.

But he knows his limits and he respects them. I believe the kids will benefit from having a parent like him.

Violet, though, she’s the epitome of a perfect parent.

I can’t find a single fault in her. She reminds me so much of my own mother, and for that, I’m thankful.

Knowing that our kids will always have a steady, reliable parent in their corner, no matter what kind of trouble they get into. And yet, she’s able to mete out discipline in the gentlest way possible, teaching them the difference between right and wrong.

I’m thankful for Violet. I’m glad we chose to have kids with her. I don’t think we could ever find another woman as perfect as she is.