Chapter 129 Growing Up Fast
Chapter 129 Growing Up Fast
Brielle's POV
The sound of little feet pitter-pattering through the house echoed through the hallways as laughter filled every corner. I stood in the kitchen, watching the scene unfold with a smile tugging at the corners of my lips. Daylan was on the floor with Brielan and our son, Kellan, while our youngest, Everly, toddled over to him, her chubby little legs working hard to keep her steady. Her laugh was contagious, and it melted my heart every time I heard it.
Brielan, now five years old, had her arms wrapped tightly around Daylan's neck, her face flushed with excitement. She was a daddy’s girl through and through. She looked at him like he hung the moon, and the way he doted on her made my heart swell. But I also saw the way his eyes softened whenever Everly came near, her tiny fingers clutching at his pant leg, or when Kellan, our three-year-old, ran to me for comfort or cuddles. Daylan always said he was wrapped around Brielan’s little finger, but Everly had him equally spellbound.
Kellan, on the other hand, was my little shadow. Wherever I went, he followed, tugging at my shirt, asking endless questions about everything from the color of the sky to why his sister always won at hide and seek. He was sweet and thoughtful, and he had the biggest heart. Every time he snuggled into my lap, I knew we shared a bond that was unbreakable.
“Mommy!” Brielan’s voice rang out, snapping me from my thoughts. She jumped off Daylan and raced over to me, holding one of her favorite books in her hands. "Can you read to me before bed tonight? Pleeeease?"
I laughed, reaching down to smooth her wild curls away from her face. "Of course. You know I love reading with you."
Her blue eyes lit up, the same shade as Daylan’s, and she bounced on her toes. “I want to finish 'The Secret Garden' tonight! We are almost at the best part!”
“I can’t wait,” I said, bending down and giving her a kiss on the forehead. “But first, I think we should get your brother and sister ready for bed.” I stood up straight now.
Daylan stood up from the floor, lifting Everly into his arms. “I’ve got this one,” he said, pressing a kiss to her cheek, which made her giggle uncontrollably. "Kellan, buddy, are you ready for some pajamas?"
Kellan, already by my side, shook his head, a stubborn frown on his face. "No! I’m not sleepy yet.”
I raised an eyebrow, knowing this game all too well. “Oh really? I think you will change your mind after a bath and some cuddles.”
He crossed his arms in defiance, but I saw the tiny yawn escape him. “Fine,” he mumbled, knowing he had lost this round.
Daylan chuckled as he headed toward the hallway, Everly babbling happily in his arms. “Come on, big guy. You know Mommy always wins.”
Brielan stayed at my side, flipping through the pages of her book as she waited for her turn to read. I loved that she had inherited my passion for stories. At only five years old, she already had an impressive collection of books and loved getting lost in the pages, just like me. Daylan often joked that she would be running her own publishing house by the time she was ten, and honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised.
Once everyone was finally tucked into their beds, and the house had quieted down, Daylan and I sat on the sofa, our bodies relaxed after the chaos of the day. I leaned into him, grateful for the moments of peace we managed to steal together. We bought this new house, bigger for everyone.
“Can you believe how fast they are growing up?” I asked, my voice soft.
Daylan’s arm tightened around me. “I know. It feels like just yesterday we were bringing Brielan home from the hospital. And now... look at them.”
I sighed contentedly. “She’s already got her nose buried in books, Kellan’s asking all kinds of questions, and Everly… she’s unstoppable.”
He laughed quietly. “She’s going to be a force, that one.”
As if on cue, the doorbell rang, and I knew instantly who it was. Daylan got up to answer it, and moments later, Tabitha’s familiar voice filled the lounge.
“Auntie Tab!” Brielan called out from the hallway, already racing toward her. She had to be in bed but sometimes, she just gets out and looks for us because she wants more stories to be read to her until she actually falls asleep.
Tabitha knelt down, arms open wide to catch her. “There’s my girl!” she said, scooping her up and twirling her around. “And where’s Kellan and Everly? I brought them something special.”
“They’re in bed,” I said, coming to greet her with a warm hug. “But I’m sure they will be just as spoiled when they wake up.”
Tabitha smiled, her eyes twinkling. “You know I can’t help it.”
I grinned. “I think they’ve got you wrapped around their little fingers just like their father.”
She gave me a playful nudge. “And you wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Daylan came back into the lounge with Derek trailing behind him. The two of them settle on the sofa. It was always nice to see how happy Tabitha was with Derek. After everything she had been through, seeing her smile like this filled me with joy.
“So, how’s the business going?” Tabitha asked as she settled into one of the recliners. Brielan was on her lap.
“It’s been amazing,” I said, feeling a sense of pride wash over me. “Mark’s been great, and things have really taken off over the years. I never thought it would get this big, but it’s... it’s everything I dreamed of.”
Tabitha smiled warmly, her hand resting on Brielan’s curls. “I knew you would make it. You have always had that drive in you.”
I glanced over at Daylan, who nodded in agreement. “She’s unstoppable,” he said, his voice full of admiration.
We spent the next hour catching up, talking about the kids, work, and everything in between. It was moments like this that reminded me how lucky we were. To have family and friends who cared about us, to see our children growing up in a home filled with love and laughter, it was more than I could have ever asked for.
Eventually, Brielan started to yawn, her eyelids growing heavy as she curled up next to me on the sofa. Tabitha laughed softly, standing up and gently kissing her forehead.
“I should let you guys get her to bed,” she said, smoothing down her dress.
Daylan nodded, standing up to walk them out. “Thanks for coming by. You know how much the kids love seeing you.”
“And I love seeing them,” she said, smiling warmly. “I’ll be back soon, and next time, I will spoil Kellan and Everly even more.”
I laughed, shaking my head. “They are going to expect gifts every time they see you.”
Tabitha winked as she walked toward the door. “And they will get them.”
After they left, I carried Brielan to her room, her soft snores filling the air as I laid her down in her bed. Daylan followed me, watching as I tucked her in and kissed her goodnight.
“She really is growing up so fast,” he murmured, his hand resting on my shoulder.
I nodded, my heart swelling with love for our little family. “I wouldn’t trade a single moment.”
Daylan wrapped his arms around me, pulling me close as we stood in the doorway of our daughter’s room. Together, we watched her sleep peacefully, knowing that, no matter what challenges life threw our way, we had each other and that was more than enough.