The Connelly girls.
That hits a certain way. Our daughters will never think for a minute that they were unwanted or second best or that sons would have been preferable.
It's inevitable that someday Jane and Margaret will learn a few things about their fathers and about the violent world we participated in.
I hope they don't judge us too harshly.
And I hope they understand Cale and I have done our best and we've devoted our lives to becoming worthy of their love and trust.
When Sadie emerges from the bathroom she points out that she and Cale need to get back to the ranch. A litter of puppies will be arriving today, rescued from a pound in Denver. Everyone's favorite quirky Halloween-loving local veterinarian will be stopping by to examine the newcomers. Dr. Gus, as everyone calls her around here, dropped off a baby gift yesterday. Jane is barely a week old and she already owns a pumpkin costume.
With the departure of my brother's family, the house is quiet. Anni still seems tempted to doze off on the couch but she shakes her head when I suggest she ought to get some rest.
"It's almost time for the little miss to eat again."
Jane seems to agree. She has begun to stir inside her blanket and move her head around in search of Anni's breast.
Anni holds her arms out and I transfer our daughter to her care. The glow on my wife's face as she gazes adoringly at our baby daughter threatens to take me out. I am just amazed by her.
I've become a pro at making Anni comfortable while she breastfeeds. I find the cushioned stool and slide it under her feet. I place pillows around her body to give her support.
Jane has already latched on like a pro. For few minutes I just stand there watching my wife and daughter with an ache in my throat.
Anni eventually says, "Sit down. You look nervous."
"Not nervous," I say, although I'm glad to sink down on the sofa beside her. "Just waiting for any chance to be useful."
"Well, here's your chance. I think lunch is just about over and someone needs to be burped."
I take my daughter and settle her tiny body against my shoulder, lightly patting her back. "By the way," I tell my wife. "Your nipples are showing."
Our old joke. She rolls her eyes, snorts with laughter and fixes her nursing bra.
"Did that arrive today?" She points to a cardboard box in the corner.
"Yup. Baby gifts from the Gentrys."
"That was nice of them. I'll send them a thank you note."
Funny thing. A year ago I looked up Cord Gentry's tattoo parlor and it turns out the place is famous. I sent a note to the email address on the website, just to let him know how we're doing and that we often talk about him and his brothers. He answered within the hour and we've kept in touch ever since.
A soft burp comes from Jane and I kiss the downy dark hair on her small head. "Good job, little one."
Anni is quiet. When I look up, there's a watery film in her lovely brown eyes as she watches me hold our daughter. "We did it, Luca. We really did it."
"Youdid it. All I did was hold your leg up and yell PUSH!' at the right time."
"An invaluable service." She smiles. A single tear escapes to trail down her cheek. "But it's not what I mean.We made it.We're here. We're a family."
Her voice catches on the last word. I understand exactly how she feels.
Holding Jane steady with one arm, I wrap my other arm around my wife. She nestles closer and rests her palm on my chest.
We're both tired and we look it. A full night of sleep is already a distant memory. I'm barely aware of the date on the calendar. To any casual observer, this might be considered an unremarkable day.
But Anni and I, we know different.
Every day we are together is magic. Every day is a miracle.
Every day belongs to us.