Epilogue #2
Cohen looks down at Cash, his face full of wonder and a touch of awe. “Hi, Cash,” he whispers, his voice soft, almost reverent. “I’m your big brother. I’m going to teach you everything. Everything I know!”
It’s a moment I’ll never forget. The first time Cohen holds his brother, the first time they truly meet, and I can see in Cohen’s eyes that everything has changed. He looks up at me and Cole, his grin as wide as it’s ever been.
“I’m so happy,” he says, his voice thick with emotion. “I can’t wait for you to grow up. We’re going to have so much fun together.”
Then, without missing a beat, Cohen shifts slightly, his eyes locking on his sister in the other bassinet. “What about her? Is she still sleeping?”
I laugh softly, watching Cohen’s curiosity grow. “That’s your little sister, Capri.”
Cohen doesn’t waste any time. He carefully hands Cash back to me, his gaze never leaving his sister as he moves to the other bassinet. He gently picks her up, his arms a little unsteady at first but growing more confident as he cradles her.
“Capri,” Cohen whispers, his eyes softening as he looks at her, “you’re so tiny. I’m going to protect you always. I’m your big brother, too.”
When he gently kisses Capri’s forehead moments later, I feel a swell of emotion so deep it nearly takes my breath away. The love, the bond that’s already there, even if they’ve only just met. The bond between siblings is a powerful thing.
“You’re going to be the best big brother,” I whisper, my voice thick with gratitude and happiness.
In this moment, the circle of our family feels unbreakable. The love Cohen already holds for them is palpable. A promise of protection, guidance, and endless affection.
Cole stands up from his seat, walking over to where Cohen is holding Capri. He places his hand on Cohen’s shoulder, his voice full of pride. “You’re going to be the best big brother, Cohen. We’re so proud of you.”
Cohen looks up at us, his face serious for a moment, but then his grin returns, and he bounces on his heels.
“I can’t wait to tell everyone! Guess what?
I’m a big brother now! Two little siblings!
I get to teach them soccer, video games, and literally everything! They’re gonna think I’m the coolest!”
Laughter and joy overflow from the five of us, filling the room, and in this moment, with Cohen holding his siblings, I realize just how perfect our little family truly is.
It’s not just the two of us anymore. Our love has multiplied in the most beautiful way, and now we have three children to raise, to love, to guide through this wild world.
For the first time, I let myself really take in the scene. The sight of my son holding his baby brother and sister, the sound of his voice full of excitement and promise, and the warmth of our family surrounding us.
I reach over, resting my hand on Cole’s arm, and he gives me a soft, knowing smile. We’re both silent for a moment, watching Cohen as he talks to the babies, telling them all about the adventures they’ll have together.
And in this moment, I realize that this is what family is. It’s these moments. These quiet, beautiful moments when everything feels perfect, even though life is constantly changing. Because no matter how much things change, this love will always stay the same.
The twins are here, and everything is right in the world.
Later that evening, Reuben, Asher, Millie, and Lucie come to meet the twins, and I can feel the excitement radiating off of them.
Everyone is so eager to meet the newest members of our family, and I can’t help but smile at the way they’re all gathered around the bassinets, peering in at the tiny little bundles of joy.
Millie is the first to approach, her face lighting up when she sees the babies. “Oh my goodness, they’re so tiny!” she exclaims, her hands reaching out to gently touch Cash’s tiny fingers. “Kenna, they’re perfect! You did it again. You and Cole make the cutest little babies.”
Reuben stands a little off to the side, his arms crossed as he watches the scene unfold, but there’s something about his demeanor that feels.
..distant. His eyes are soft, but there’s a quiet tension in his posture.
Asher, ever the optimist, grins widely, lifting Capri from her bassinet with care, holding her gently as if she were the most precious thing in the world.
“I swear, these little ones already know how to steal the spotlight,” Asher chuckles, his voice warm with affection. “Look at her. She’s gonna have everyone wrapped around her finger.”
Lucie, who’s been sitting beside me, leans in to kiss my cheek, her eyes misty as she watches the babies. “You’re incredible, Kenna. I can’t believe you did this all while carrying two babies. You’ve made our family complete.”
“Thanks, Lucie,” I whisper back, my voice thick with emotion. “I couldn’t have done it without all of you, though. The support means everything to me.”
But as I look around at the others, it’s hard to ignore Reuben.
He’s standing at the far end of the room now, his attention fixed on something in the distance.
His smile is there, but it doesn’t quite reach his eyes.
I’ve known Reuben long enough to tell when something’s bothering him, and it’s clear that something is weighing on his mind.
I push myself up slightly, adjusting the pillow behind me, and glance over at him. “Hey, Rue. You okay?” I ask, my voice soft but laced with concern.
Reuben looks at me, startled, as if he hadn’t realized I was watching him. He forces a smile and shrugs, but I can see the crease of worry between his brows. “Yeah, yeah, I’m fine. Just...a lot on my mind.”
“You sure?” I ask, sensing there’s more.
Reuben hesitates for a moment, his eyes flicking to Cole, who’s talking with Asher near the window.
After a long pause, he sighs, his voice lower now, almost apologetic.
“It’s the restaurant.” He runs a hand through his hair, clearly frustrated.
“We just got a bad review. Really bad. Like worse than we’ve ever had.
And...I don’t know. I’m worried. The business is already struggling, and now this. I feel like we’re barely holding on.”
I look at Reuben, my heart sinking a little for him. I know how much The Grilled Plate means to him. It’s his dream, and he’s been working so hard to keep it afloat. He’s poured everything into the restaurant, and seeing him like this, so uncertain and on edge, tugs at my heart.
“Reuben, I’m sorry,” I whisper. “That sucks. But I know how hard you’ve been working. You’re gonna figure it out. You always do.”
Reuben glances down at his feet, his jaw clenched. “I’m not sure. We had to hire a restaurant consultant to help revamp everything, from menus to staff training to marketing. Lately, it feels like all of it might still not be enough.”
I can hear the weight in his voice. Reuben’s not someone who likes to ask for help, and for him to hire someone to guide the restaurant’s next steps means he’s feeling desperate. It’s a huge leap for him, and I can tell he’s worried about it.
“Have you thought about asking for help from the rest of us?” I ask gently, trying to ease his burden. “We’re here for you, Reuben. You don’t have to do this alone.”
Reuben looks at me, his eyes softening just slightly. “I don’t want to drag you all into it. I don’t want you to worry about the restaurant when you have enough on your plate with the twins...”
Before I can respond, Lucie steps over to us, having overheard our conversation.
“Reuben,” she says firmly, “you’re not alone in this.
We’re your family. We’ll help however we can.
You don’t have to carry all of this by yourself.
Besides, I think a little help from the rest of us might be just what The Grilled Plate needs to turn things around. ”
Reuben glances at Lucie, and for a moment, I see the hint of a smile tug at the corner of his mouth. It’s not much, but it’s enough to tell me he’s letting go of some of that tension.
“You guys always know how to make me feel better,” he admits, looking back at me. “Thanks, Kenna. I guess I’ve just been a little too proud to ask for help. But you’re right. We’re a team.”
I smile at him, relief flooding through me. “You’re not alone, Reuben. We’re in this together. Always.”
“Thanks,” he mumbles, his voice softer now. “Really. I appreciate it.”
The moment of tension passes, and we all turn our attention back to the twins.
Cohen, who’s been sitting quietly, suddenly jumps up from his seat and approaches the bassinets.
“Are they gonna wake up soon? I want to show them my soccer ball,” he says, his voice brimming with excitement. “I’m gonna teach them all the tricks.”
“Hold on there, little man,” Cole laughs, ruffling Cohen’s hair. “They need to grow up a bit before they learn soccer tricks.”
We all laugh together, the room filled with the familiar comfort of family. But even with the weight of Reuben’s concerns hanging in the air, there’s something reassuring about knowing we’ve got each other. No matter what challenges we face, we’re in this together.
As the conversation shifts to the twins and how much we all can’t wait to see them grow, I feel a quiet sense of peace settle over me. There’s still uncertainty in the world, yes, but there’s also love. And family. And that’s everything.
“Alright,” I say, my voice a little more playful, “but let’s see if we can get these two to wake up for their big brother. Cohen’s ready to teach them soccer!”
Reuben chuckles, the tension in his shoulders easing as he watches Cohen lean over the bassinets, already planning out all the things he’ll teach his new siblings.
And I know, no matter what, everything will be alright. We’ll figure it out together.