EPILOGUE, TO THE EPILOGUE
Kat
It was a snow-covered day in December when we welcomed our baby boy into the world. It may have been thirty degrees outside, but it was deliciously cozy as we basked in the warmth of our good fortune with all of our loving friends and family in the hospital that day. I’d never felt so content.
Jake Garrett Barnes arrived just in time for Christmas, and what a gift he’s been to all of us. He settled into our family of seven, and I couldn’t be happier. My life feels complete.
After years of having merely a superficial relationship with my sister, Rachel gave us a gift I’ll never be able to repay. I choke up whenever I think of what she’s done for our family. She carried and delivered Jake like a champ while starting her first full-time teaching position. Her selflessness is beyond anything I’ve ever imagined. I predict there are great things in store for her. And she deserves it. She deserves for all of her dreams to come true, especially after she’s granted mine.
Lying in his bassinette, my little man sleeps peacefully as I carefully remove decorations from our ten-foot Christmas tree. Thankfully, Nick had taken the top ornaments off earlier. You need a lot of room to display the handmade treasures of your five children. Jake’s was simply a few imprints of his hands and feet into clay that Grace lovingly attached colorful ribbon to and declared they were “Perfection!”
The task of returning the ornaments to storage is taking much longer than it should. As I wrap each delicate bauble in tissue and place it in the container, I can’t help going back to Jake’s side to gaze at his angelic face. He’s simply beautiful. He has Nick’s green eyes and dark blonde tufts of hair atop his tiny head. His mouth and smile appear to be a Kelly trait, reminding me a bit of Rachel’s radiance when he decides to share one. He’s still so small, but we see more and more of his personality emerging each day. This is when I feel his namesake is near.
My dear friend Jake lives in this house through our son. I’m sure of it every time I witness that sparkle dancing in my son’s shining green eyes. This child is going to grow up to do great things, just as all of my incredibly gifted children will.
It doesn’t matter how they arrived, each one is uniquely special, and I couldn’t love any of my kids more had I conceived and delivered them naturally. Grace has a patience and desire to help others that will take her far in life. This beautiful little girl has beaten all of the odds and thrived. While we don’t see her birth mother, Katrina, often, she’s there for Grace and will always be a part of this family. I secretly think she’s trying to give her daughter the space to grow without having to feel tugged in two directions. Grace understands how she came into the world and knows how much we love her. I see her share that love with everyone she meets, big or small.
My boisterous boys are my pride and joy. They unexpectedly tumbled into our home and hearts, bringing a liveliness to our household we hadn’t known before. Logan is creative and determined, and I predict he’ll be a leader in some capacity. There’s no obstacle he can’t figure a way around. I’m blown away by his tenacity. His little brother, Mason, is full of energy and joy. This dark-haired little lad knows how to get what he wants with his saucy little smile. He exudes charm and confidence, and I look forward to seeing all that life has in store for him. I know they’ll be great role models for their little brother.
Then there’s Olivia. That child could light up a room just by walking in it. Not only with her light hair and bright blue eyes, but the exuberant delight that practically seeps from her pores. It’s still early yet, but I can’t wait to learn about all of the dreams within her heart. But I’m certain she’ll go on to bring bliss to those in need in some shape or form. Oh, the lucky people out there who have yet to meet this sweet girl.
As I wrap the last of the fragile pieces and place them in the container, Jake stirs. His little arms and legs stretch, and I know his slumber is coming to an end. As much as I enjoy the moments where I can accomplish a few things, I love our quiet time to snuggle when it’s just the two of us. Once his dad and siblings arrive, I barely get a moment with him.
Nick and I found a lovely girl who’s brought even more light into our world. Nick’s PA, Ava, had befriended a young girl with aspirations of becoming a nurse one day. Violet needed a job to help offset college expenses and was willing to help out around her school schedule. She was grateful for a place to stay when she was here late into the evening, and we were always thankful for the extra set of hands.
Scooping up my squirmy son, I tickle his soft cheeks as he opens his mouth wide with a yawn. I can’t help but giggle at my good fortune. This life isn’t easy. It takes skill to manage a household with five kids under ten, especially when you have a hot husband that has needs of his own. But with Violet’s help and the many friends and family we’re blessed with, I’m ready for the challenge. Even if I just want to curl up with my youngest and enjoy the new baby smell and this moment of peace a little longer.
As if on cue, I hear the clamor of footsteps approaching the door. “I think our peace and quiet is coming to a close, little man,” I coo. Five kids are a handful, but together, Nick and I can handle anything life can throw at us.Just cherish these relaxing moments when you can, Katarina.
The door flies open, and a tangled web of children bursts through. They seem even more animated than usual.And loud.Nick had left work early to go and get them from school. Had he stopped for milkshakes on the way home?
Suddenly, a tuft of brown hair on four legs darts between the limbs of my children and scampers over to where I’m cradling Jake. I make eye contact with my husband for the briefest of moments, registering the look of complete guilt he cannot hide before I’m drawn back to the sight of the pup at my feet. He’s got his front paws resting on my thigh, tail wagging in excitement just as I notice a puddle develop on the floor beneath him.
“Dad got us a dog!” one of my overly excited children squeals.
The End.
