Theodosia giggled, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Oh, I can run just fine!” she declared, hiking up her skirts slightly to reveal her practical, sturdy boots beneath. “Watch this!”
With that, she dashed off towards the fountain, her laughter ringing in the air. The twins hesitated for a moment, looking at each other.
“Go on. She only wants to play with you,” Frances encouraged softly.
They nodded, and then burst into a run, chasing after Theodosia.
Frances and Christopher watched with a mix of amusement and relief.
“They’re getting along wonderfully,” Esther observed, her voice filled with warmth as she watched her daughter lead the twins in a game of tag around the fountain.
“Indeed,” Phillip agreed, smiling. “Theodosia seems to have taken quite a liking to your nephews, Christopher.”
Christopher nodded, a soft smile playing on his lips. “She’s a natural leader, just like her father.”
Frances looked up at him, relief written all over her face. “It’s good for them to have friends,” she said softly. “This is what I had wanted all this time.”
Christopher gently squeezed her hand. “You’ve made all this possible, Frances. I should have thought to do this sooner. But as always, you thought ahead of me.”
Frances blushed at his words, her heart swelling with warmth. “No, it was your idea to invite Esther and Phillip. I believe this makes the situation even better.”
Esther and Frances stuck together, keeping a close eye on the children playing in the distance.
“You truly look like a family,” Esther commented, smiling warmly at her sister. “I am more proud of you than you know, how you have risen to the occasion and taken the twins in. I can see how much they are attached to you.”
Frances returned her smile. “It has not all been smooth sailing, but I believe we are in a good place right now, as a family.”
The park, vibrant with the hum of life, stretched out around them as they finally settled on a grassy spot under a large oak tree. Frances spread out a blanket, and the twins, now out of breath after running around for so long, eagerly sat down next to her.
“Are you enjoying yourself?” She turned to face them. “You should think of Theodosia as your older sister.”
“Mhm-hmm,” Edwin was the first to answer. “She is very friendly.”
“Well, you are friends now.”
“Shall we play another game of tag?” Theodosia interjected, small beads of sweat glistening on her forehead.
“Yes!” the twins answered immediately.
The children ran off in the distance again.
“Well, off they go again,” Frances muttered under her breath, watching their figures grow smaller as they ventured further away.
“You must get used to it.” Esther snorted. “It is what children do—play.”
Frances began to lay out the food in front of them while Christopher cracked open a bottle of wine for the adults to share. When Frances offered Esther a glass, her sister simply shook her head.
“Why not? It will help us relax and enjoy the moment.”
Esther bit her lip and reached out and took her sister’s hand. “Well, I suppose I have some news to share with you,” she began.
Frances leaned in, her curiosity piqued. “What is it, Esther?”
Esther glanced at Phillip, who was busy unpacking a basket of treats. Catching her gaze, he smiled and nodded, giving her the go-ahead.
“We’re expecting another baby!” she announced, her face glowing with happiness.
Frances gasped, her eyes lighting up. “Oh, Esther, that’s wonderful news!” She threw her arms around her sister but remained careful not to jostle her too much. “I’m so happy for you!”
