Lila knew that she was lucky to have Rowan in her life not to mention the rest of the small family she had created around herself. “Okay I officially took off the next week so the important people can have my attention.”
“A whole week? The girls are getting spoiled.” Nova laughed. It was good, especially this year. Having Sam back had been a gift in itself, but she would be lying to say it wouldn’t be even better to have her brother with the rest of her small family for the holidays too. “I’m off until the beginning of the year, too. We should celebrate somehow.”
“Hi Leah,” He greeted the little girl as he knelt down in front of her with a warm smile, “What’s your favorite show? Or is your mom too cool to let you watch anything fun?” He was happy to see his sister, but now he had missed out on three years of seeing his niece too and it kept breaking my heart.
Nova rolled her eyes, but she smiled down at her daughter and nodded encouragingly, “you can say hi, it’s okay.” She told her. It was hard to believe Leah would know her uncle, but she couldn’t help but be happy about it, even if they had missed so much time. Leah waved before telling him she liked Paw Patrol, and Nova sighed, shaking her head. “It’s on all the time.”
“No I get it. She should have been your focus anyways,” He promised knowing he would have done the same if he was being honest. Besides her happiness meant more to him than anything.
“She’s three.” Nova offered quietly, looking down at her daughter and then up at Sam. No matter how often she had imagined this, it still didn’t feel weird. “Sam, this is Leah.” She added, “Leah, this is your uncle Sam.” She glanced toward her brother nervously. Even if she had no reason for it she still wanted his approval.
“I get that. I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop and that this is all a cruel dream, but I want to enjoy this while I can,” Sam admitted, “I’ve been alright. What have you been up to?”
“Well, I’ve been looking for you but then…well, she happened.” Nova admitted, readjusting her daughter in her arms. “It sort of put a pause on everything.”
“I’ve missed you too,” Samuel murmured quietly as he reached up running his hands through her hair, “How are you, sis?”
“Nauseous,” she admitted, feeling her eyes sting but she couldn’t help crying. “I still don’t know that I’m not dreaming, but if this is real then everything is finally perfect.” Nova rambled out, not wanting to let go on him. “Are you…okay? Have you been?”
“Well come here,” He told her as he opened his arms for her
Nova hesitated, unsure if she was still imagining it. She tightened an arm around Leah before letting herself rush into her brother’s arm and wrap her other arm tightly around him, “I’ve missed you so much.”
