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He comes over and scoops the baby up. He’s so gentle, so cautious, I could melt right here and now. Words cannot express how much I love him, how much I love all three of them. But I notice a shadow lingering on Wyatt’s handsome face. It looks like concern, but maybe I’m just overthinking. I am, after all, exhausted, and my brain isn’t functioning properly at the moment.
“Is everything okay?” I ask Wyatt. He nods slowly as he lovingly gazes at our son.
“Yeah. I just… I made a decision. Not sure how you guys will feel about it,” he says.
Chase gives him a curious look. “What is it, brother?”
“I’m quitting the firehouse,” Wyatt declares.
“Whoa,” Eric replies, his brow furrowed. “What do you mean?”
“I mean I want do something else,” Wyatt shrugs. “You two are insanely passionate about firefighting. I am too, but not to the same degree. I’ve always followed you in order to keep you safe. Older brother responsibilities, I guess. I like the rush, the satisfaction of helping people. But we’ve got this tiny, perfect human now to take care of, this child in need of a safe home and family. I’m not comfortable running into fires anymore. Whatever comes next, I want to do something that brings me peace and comfort. Something I know I’ll be able to come home to my family every day.”
“We can still do that,” Chase says. “No job is a guarantee of the ultimate safety.”
“I know, I know. But I really want to dim those chances of something unfortunate happening,” Wyatt says.
The twins nod slowly, exchanging brief but meaningful glances.
I’m touched that Wyatt would do this. It means the world to me and our children. At the same time, I will always respect and admire Eric and Chase for their choice of career. I trust them, and I understand that absolute safety is a myth. Whatever life has in store for us, it’ll happen, whether we want it to or not. I’ve made my peace with that.
“I support you,” I tell Wyatt. “And I am so grateful that you even considered this.”
“Honestly, I was considering it long before you showed up, Halle. You, the kids, and this tiny bundle of joy, in particular. Having you guys in my life sped up my thought process. I made a decision sooner rather than later.”
“We’re right behind you, brother,” Eric says with a firm nod.
Chase agrees. “What do you want to do instead? Don’t say stay-at-home dad because I will punch you.”
“I’m thinking landscaping,” Wyatt replies with a laugh. “I’m really good at it and I like the work.”
“Mama!” Luna exclaims as she bursts through the door.
Marie and Sammy are right behind her, along with Steven, the Danson patriarch. “Sorry we took so long, traffic is insane at this hour,” he says, lighting up like the sun when he sees his grandson in Wyatt’s arms. “Oh, gosh, he is so tiny.”
“He’s perfect,” Marie says.
Luna and Sammy come over and Eric and Chase help them up on the bed so they can hug me. I’m flanked by my children and on the verge of tears, overwhelmed by so much love and affection. It’s not what I’m used to but it’s wonderful. It’s what I deserve.
“Hey, honey bunnies!” I coo as I wrap my arms around Sammy and Luna. “How are you two holding up?”
“We’re good, Mama! Grandpa Steve made waffles for dinner last night!” Sammy says.
“Are you okay, Mama?” Luna asks, her big, smokey blue eyes searching my face. “You look tired.”
“I am tired, but I promise you that I’m okay.”
Wyatt comes closer with the baby. “You two ready to meet your little brother?”
“Yeah!” Sammy exclaims, putting his hands up in excitement. “Where is he?”
“Right here,” Wyatt chuckles, then lowers himself just enough for the kids to see our precious baby boy. “Say hello to…. ” He pauses and gives me a startled look while Luna and Sammy’s eyes grow wide with wonder and what I can only describe as the truest love of all. “Well, shoot, darlin’, did we decide on a name?”
“We decided on two, actually,” I giggle. “I picked John, for my father. And you three were supposed to pick the other one.”
Eric smiles, watching as Sammy and Luna inch closer. My daughter’s face lights up as she slowly reaches out, gingerly touching the baby’s bright pink cheek. “I think we were almost in agreement over Anthony,” Eric says. “We’ll figure it out before they ask us for the birth certificate. Pinky swear.”
“Oh, Mama, he’s so cute!” Luna says.
