“I don’t think so, Honey,” Alex said. “She likes to sleep with you, and I don’t really think she’s ready for baby duty just yet.”
“Good,” she said. “Mommy?” Christina turned toward Lisa.
“Yeah, Baby?”
“Do I have to learn to share now?”
Again, laughter filled the room.
“Yeah, Honey,” Lisa said, trying to keep from laughing too hard.
“You have to share.”
“I have to share you guys?”
“Yes, I’m afraid you do.”
“And I have to share Brandy?”
“Well you already share her with us,” Lisa said. “You can share her with Joey too.”
“Gramma too?”
“Gramma too,” Alex confirmed.
“And I have to share my toys?” she asked, turning toward Alex, frowning slightly.
“Not for a while, Honey,” Alex said. “The baby’s still little. And he’s a boy. He’ll have little boy toys.”
“Oh,” she said, staring at the ceiling again. “Well then it’s okay.” She turned her attention toward the baby. “Just remember,” she said, with a child’s brand of seriousness. “I’mthe big sister. And that meansI’min charge!”
Everyone laughed again.
Alex was right. The biggest adventures still lay ahead for Joey Mendez. Alex could only hope that Baby Joey would survive Big Sister long enough to experience whatever adventures life had in store.
Looking at the wonder-filled face of his beloved oldest child, Alex had no doubt that a bond was already forming. A bond of protection far stronger than anything the world could throw at these two.
“I’ve changed my mind. I think we’re in trouble,” Lisa said, chuckling as she watched Christina wiggle-waggle a curious finger in front of Little Brother’s face.
“Nah,” Alex said, softly. “I think it’s gonna be okay after all.”
And he did. He really did.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Edward Hancock II lives and writes in Gilmer, Texas, where he shares a home with his beloved four-legged children. When not writing, Edward is hard at work on researching his genealogy. He is also a speaker for hire, who loves speaking to children and disabled groups about writing, reading and his personal struggles with Spina Bifida.
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