“For the first six months, I used to stand over their crib just watching them sleep for hours,” Sloane said when I met her in the living room.
“I know you’re exhausted, Sunshine, but after today, I’d really like to look through their baby books, if you don’t mind.”
“I figured you might.” She gestured to the coffee table where a stack of books sat. “Do you want me to stay?”
“Please.”
Grabbing the light yellow colored one off the top, I flipped to the first page as I sank down onto the sofa next to her. Twin sets of the most spectacular pale-blue eyes greeted me. Below their picture was their birth date, along with a short note in the margin.
October 14
After twenty-six hours and thirty-seven minutes of labor (yes, I counted), you’re finally here. Two bundles of pure perfection. Rogan James and Reagan Leigh. Uncle Finn said you have my eyes, but I know better. They’re your daddy’s ice-blue. He’ll find us. Until then, I’ll love you enough for both of us. You mean everything to me.
Emotion clogged my throat, making the words come out as a whisper. “Finn was there.”
Sloane answered, even though it wasn’t a question. “He insisted.”
“I’m glad you weren’t alone. Will you tell me about their birth?”
“You look, I’ll talk.”
I did as instructed, turning to the next page. Front and center was a picture of Sloane with a twin held in each arm. As I ran my finger over the image, wishing I’d been there, she told me about the––not-so-sympathetic––labor and delivery nurse, who fussed at her when she screamed during a particularly strong contraction.
“In my defense, I wasn’t at my finest.”
“What did you do, Sunshine?”
“I hit Finn.”
“What?” The word came out as a laugh. “Why did you do that?”
“I was aiming for Nurse Ratchet, but he got in the way.”
Sloane had captured every moment of their lives, not just with pictures, but with handwritten memories for each occasion. Page after page, I became lost in them all.
December 25
Your first Christmas. It’s official. Grandma and Uncle Finn have lost their minds. I should’ve known they’d go completely overboard. But there isn’t a gift under the tree that’s more precious than the two of you.
April 10
Rogan, you said your first word today. Dada. I thought I was prepared for it. Every book I read said it was the easiest word to say, yet hearing it almost took me to my knees. I wish your daddy was here to see how much you’ve both grown.
May 26
Reagan crawled across the living room floor. Heaven help me, they’re both mobile.
Above the inscription was the cutest picture of Reagan and Rogan. They were side-by-side on all fours, ready to take on the world. My baby girl was grinning wide enough I could see two little teeth on her bottom jaw, while Ro had a frown on his face.
October 14
I can’t believe it’s been a year already. How is that even possible? So much has happened in such a short period of time. Moving to New York to be closer to Uncle Finn was probably the best decision I made for us. As much as I hate to say it, I need his help.
Rogan, my rough and tumble kid. Nothing scares you, and that scares the crap out of me. You’re the best big brother, always watching out for your sister. Don’t ever change.
My sweet Reagan, your shy smile lights up my darkest days. You have the biggest heart,but sometimes I worry I won’t be able to protect it. I’ll swear to you, I’ll do my best.
“There’s a book for every year of their life,” Sloane said when I closed the first.