Chapter Text
December 12th
Buck
OMG! He’s so freaking adorable!
Christopher was on stage dressed as a spotted elephant for his school’s annual holiday program. His class was currently singing The Most Wonderful Day of the Year and all his classmates were dressed as toys from the Island Of Misfit Toys.
Christopher had come home earlier in the month upset that he had to look like a “sick” elephant instead of getting the part of the cowboy who rides an ostrich.
I quickly turned the tables on him by spouting some of the coolest facts about elephants I knew.
- They are the largest land animal
- Their tusks are actually teeth
- They have amazing memories
- They use their trunks as a snorkel when swimming
- They can spend up to three-quarters of their day eating
Christopher was so delighted that he demanded we immediately search the internet for costume ideas. Luckily, we found something that would fit him on Etsy—all we had to do was add some spots. Seeing his excitement was so worth the little fib I had to tell Eddie about how much it really cost.
Speaking of...
I turned to glance at my husband next to me who wore a proud smile on his face as he recorded the performance. He was on the aisle and had an unobstructed view of the stage.
To my right, Elias was watching the stage, arms crossed, with the usual sulkiness of a teenager who would rather be anywhere than where they were.
He’s been with us almost a month now and we had our first notable squabble this evening when he refused to come to the concert. I told him “family shows up for family” (It’s my number one Buckley-Diaz family rule actually) and being a family member, he was expected to show.
He looked a little stunned if the slight widening of his eyes was any indication, but then they quickly narrowed and he responded, “Well, I haven’t quite decided if I want to be a member of this family yet.”
Eddie told me later he’d never seen the vein in my neck pop quite like that before. Ultimately, I trumped him by pulling the parent card and told Elias he was going whether he wanted to or not and he better muster up some Christmas cheer!
I think he may have muttered something about where I could stick my Christmas cheer before retreating to his room.
No matter. He was here now. And despite the current position of his arms, I noticed Elias’ foot was quietly tapping to the beat.
Wait! We’re his lips moving along with the song too?
I smugly settled deeper into my seat. No Christmas cheer, my ass! I frowned. Although...that’s probably where he told me to stick it.
Elias
A jack-in-the-box waits for children to shout "Wake up! Don't you know that it's time to come out?" When Christmas Day is here... The most wonderful day of the year.
…..Okay, this isn’t so bad.
I’ll admit I didn’t want to come. No particular reason. I just didn’t feel like it.
I’ll also admit I was kind of being a brat about it to Buck, but he and Eddie need to be pushed. It’s better they find out now if they can’t handle taking on a kid who isn’t theirs by blood.
But then Buck had to go and say family shows up for family . That statement was a punch to my heart. My mom used to say that when I’d question why she came to my swim meets after working a double shift. She always showed up for me.
I should have stopped arguing at that point, but it’s like I couldn’t help myself. This family wants me. I know it—in my heart—and I want them—but trying to get my head on board is the issue. My life has been one disappointment after another since my mom passed. Why would this be any different?
My mom would be so disappointed in my behavior though. I can hear her now. “Elias Samuel! I raised you better than that! Now, apologize.”
I will apologize. Later. Show them the person my mother raised me to be. Be the big brother I always wished I had. Christopher deserves that.
Why do my socks suddenly feel wet? I lean over to look at the ground. Huh, I don’t think that puddle was there before.
Maddie abruptly grabbed the armrest next to me so tightly her knuckles turned white. She started breathing heavily.
“Uh, are you alright?”
Maddie shook her head and gritted out through clenched teeth, “My water just broke.”
Ahhh…wait...Ew, gross!
“Umm, Buck?”
“Yeah?” Buck leaned closer to me to hear.
“Maddie’s water broke,” I hissed quietly.
“What?!?” He said so sharply the couple behind us shushed him.
Buck ignored them and quickly glanced at his sister. “Your water broke?!?” Maddie could only nod in response as Chim tried to help her up.
Buck grabbed Eddie’s arm. “Maddie’s water broke.”
Eddie’s eyes widened before he leapt to his feet. “I’ll get Christopher. You help Maddie.”
Eddie took off running down the aisle and vaulted himself onto the stage in a move I’ve only seen done in the Olympics. He threw Christopher over his shoulder in front of the stunned music teacher and audience with a quick “sorry!” and jumped back down to join us.
The whole audience wasn’t gawking at us. How embarrassing.
In the meantime, Buck is overturning chairs in an attempt to get to Maddie and make room.
I bent my head down and quickly filed out of the aisle to get out of the way and get away from the chaos.
Please, don’t anyone recognize me. Please, don’t anyone recognize me.
Oh shit. Is that Connor? I stumbled to a halt. Of course the one guy I’m currently crushing on in school would be here too.
Aw, he looks so cute in his blue button down and khakis...Be cool!
I gave him a “what’s up” nod as if the current chaos was totally normal. Who am I kidding? This is probably normal for them.
Oh my god! He nodded back! And he’s giving me that crooked smile!
Suddenly, a hand landed on my shoulder and I looked up to see Eddie frowning at me with Christopher still hanging over his shoulder.
“We gotta go, E.”
I gave Connor a half-hearted wave and I quickly fell in step with him. Maybe I’ll try to talk to Connor in gym class on Monday .
Chim
Come to Christopher’s holiday program they said. Maddie’s not due for another week they said. Apparently, I’m the only one who remembers how many calls we’ve been on due to surprise early labors!
Never have I been more grateful to be a paramedic and have already been through this twice. If I didn’t know first hand how well Buck and Eddie handled themselves under pressure at work, I’d think a village somewhere was looking for their missing idiots.
While my one brother-in-law elephant-napped his kid off stage, the other asked people to make room by shouting, ‘My sister’s having my baby!’” I ignored them in favor of grabbing my wife’s purse, started timing her contractions, and moved her towards the car. She probably could already tell this labor seemed to be progressing more rapidly than with our girls.
We exited the auditorium and Buck and I got Maddie settled in the back seat of our car before he climbed in after her. He was her breathing coach after all. I climbed in the driver seat and made sure Eddie was following in the Jeep with the boys.
When we arrived at the hospital, I pulled up to the emergency entrance. Eddie ran inside to get a nurse and wheelchair, while Buck and I helped Maddie out.
Eddie came back with the nurse a minute later and I helped Maddie sit in the wheelchair.
The nurse looked pointedly at the three of us. “Which one of you is the daddy?”
Buck and Eddie simultaneously said, “I’m the dad.”
The nurse’s brow furrowed seeing I was the one holding Maddie’s hand. “Don’t look at me. I’m just the husband.”
She shook her head. “Doesn’t matter. Only one of you can be in the labor and delivery room anyways. So whoever that is, follow me.” She turned and pushed Maddie inside, Buck running after her.
Eddie stood next to me looking lost. He needed direction. Something to do.
“Hey, why don’t you head up to the maternity ward and call your abuela and Bobby,” I suggested before pointing my thumb at Elias and Christopher. “I’ll bring these two knuckleheads up shortly.”
Eddie nodded. “Yeah. Thanks, Chim.” Eddie looked at the boys. “Be good.” Then he turned and headed inside.
“Come on, guys! I think this special occasion calls for ice cream.” I rubbed my hands together gleefully.
“Yay! Strawberry!” Christopher exclaimed as I led them inside towards the hospital cafeteria.
Maddie
I felt the sleepy fog I was under slowly dissipate. I smelled chemical disinfectant and heard beeping monitors.
My eyes snapped open when I remembered where I was and why. I quickly glanced around until I found my brothers. A smile tugged at my lips.
Buck and Eddie were sitting shoulder to hip on the room’s sofa. Eddie had Annalise cradled in his arms and Buck was leaning into them. Huge grins spanned their faces as they cuddled and cooed at their daughter, Annalise.
“She has your nose, Buck. And your eyes.”
Buck nodded as he took her tiny hand in his. “I can’t get over how tiny her hands are. Look at those nails! So cute!”
Eddie chuckled. “Wait until you have to trim them all the time. You might not think they are so cute then.”
“Nothing about our daughter will never not be cute,” Buck argued.
I giggled and they both looked up at me.
“You’re awake!” Buck exclaimed as he jumped up from his seat and came closer to the bed. “How are you feeling?”
I took a minute to access how my body really was feeling. Sore...definitely sore. But a good sore.
“Nothing a little rest can’t cure.” I smiled up at him.
Buck leaned down and brushed a kiss against my forehead. “Best sister award goes to you,” he murmured.
“I second that.” Eddie approached, holding Annalise. He passed her to Buck before leaning down to kiss my cheek. “We are truly thankful for what you did for us.”
“Do you want to hold your niece?” Buck asked me.
I nodded and Buck placed her in my arms.
“Oh! She’s beautiful.” I studied Annalise’s features. “I agree she has your nose and eyes, Buck. But look at this full head of dark hair!”
Buck shrugged. “I often get mistaken as Christopher’s bio-dad because of our hair color and curls.” He nudged Eddie’s shoulder playfully. “Now it will be Eddie’s turn.”
Just then Chim burst into the room with Elias and Christopher in tow. “I finally got the ok to bring these two in. It’s officially visiting hours and there is a waiting room full of eager family. Figured we’d start small.”
Chim walked over and gave me a quick kiss and rubbed Annalise on the head. “How are you feeling?”
“Ok. The delivery went as smoothly as with the girls. Just faster. Definitely faster.”
“Yeah, the doctor barely got scrubbed in before she was told to push,” Buck added.
I noticed Elias was trying to get Christopher settled on the couch. “Would either of the big brothers like to hold their little sister?”
Christopher immediately jumped repeatedly in his seat with his hand wiggling in the air. “Me! Me!”
Elias chuckled. “He can go first.”
Eddie grabbed Annalise from my arms and carried her to Christopher. “Now you need to cradle her head, mijo.”
“I know, Dad,” Christopher said exasperatedly. “Papa already showed me a video on how to do it.”
“Well, excuse me,” Eddie said with a smile and stepped back to take some pictures.
Christopher
“Lean in a little, Elias, so I can get you all in the picture,” my dad said.
Elias leaned closer to me as I stared into my little sister’s eyes.
I have a sister! I’m a big brother!
I look at Elias next to me. And I’m also a little brother!
“Christopher, look towards the camera.”
I raised my head and plastered the biggest grin on my face.
I heard the click of the camera go off. I’m taking that picture to “show and tell” next week to show everyone my new siblings!
I was a little sad earlier that I didn’t get to finish my song. I’d been practicing for days! Papa even said I was the best looking spotted elephant he’d ever seen when I’d tried on my costume. Dad teased Papa that I was the only spotted elephant he’d ever seen. Which led to more teasing.
But in the end, I got ice cream and a little sister. Best day ever !
“Let me take your first family picture,” Uncle Chim said as he grabbed Dad’s phone.
“Mijo, let me hold Annalise while you sit on Papa’s lap.”
Dad grabbed Annalise and Papa scooped me up. He settled me across his legs before squeezing me in a bear hug. I giggled and he leaned his face forward to rest his chin on my shoulder.
Dad sat next to Papa holding Annalise, while Elias squeezed in next to Dad.
“Say ‘family,’” Uncle Chim said before snapping some shots.
This is my family!
Eddie
“Thanks, Chim,” I said as he handed me back my phone after I deposited Annalise in Elias’ arms.
“No problem, brother.” He slapped his hand on my back. “Are you all up for some more visitors? Bobby and Athena are chomping at the bit to get in here. Your abuela and tia arrived too.”
“I think that would be alright.” I caught Buck’s eye and he nodded his agreement.
“K. I’ll go get ‘em.”
I took some more shots of Elias, Christopher, and Annalise together until I heard Athena’s commanding voice.
“Where is our precious new baby?”
I turned around and Athena kissed my cheek quickly before bee lining to the couch where the kids were.
I shook Bobby’s hand and kissed Abuela and Tia’s cheeks, accepting everyone’s congratulations.
“She’s beautiful,” Athena coo’ed. Athena was now holding Annalise and brought her over for Bobby, Abuela, and Tia to see.
As everyone broke off in varying conversations, Buck saddled up next to me and put his arm around my shoulders.
“I don’t think I could be any happier than I am right now,” he murmured.
“Agreed. I’m looking forward to this new chapter with you.” I turned my face towards him and kissed him on the cheek.
He turned his gaze towards me. “Of course you are. Life with me is irresistible.” A cheeky grin spreading across his face.
I quickly pinched his side before he could jump out of the way.
He laughed and then pulled me into a deep hug. He sighed against my neck. “I love you.”
I squeezed him tighter. “I love you too, mi amor.”
We pulled apart, but kept our arms wrapped around each other.
“I can’t believe we now have our little girl,” he said with awe.
“I can’t believe in the past month we’ve gone from being parents of one to parents of three. Never a dull moment with us.”
Buck’s eyes widened. “Yes,” he replied. “And three is more than two.”
I chuckled. “The last time I checked it was.”
Buck turned towards Maddie. “Hey, Maddie! I just realized I now have more kids than you.”
I suddenly remembered how salty Buck had been a year ago when Maddie had used the fact she had more children to best Buck in their frequent game of Who’s the better Buckley ?”
“Buck, I’ve said it before and I’m going to say it again. Not a competition.”
“Well, Chim and I will just have to have another kid then,” Maddie added. “Then it will be a draw.”
Chim looked panicked at the prospect.
Like I said, never a dull moment. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Epilogue: Abuela
“And that is the story of your birth, preciosa.”
Annalise, now 4 years old, stared at the framed photo taken at the hospital the day she was born while laying beside me in bed. This was not the first time she asked me to tell her the tale. It certainly wouldn’t be the last.
“Was I really that tiny?”
“Yes. You were muy pequeña.”
“Did Daddy really jump on the stage? Did Papa really knock over chairs?”
“Of course! They were so excited to meet you.”
I squeezed Annalise closer and tickled her sides. She giggled in response right as I leaned to smack a kiss on her cheek.
“Ok, time for you to get some sleep.” I took the picture frame from Annalise and put it back on the nightstand. “Elias is coming by early to get you for your gymnastics class.” Once Annalise had started to crawl, Eddie and Buck learned her energy never waned. They quickly found creative ways to keep her occupied—gymnastics being one of them.
I climbed out of the bed and tucked the sheets around her.
“Is Connor coming too?” The hope in her eyes shone brightly. She worshipped her brothers, but Connor also held a special place in her heart.
And why shouldn’t he? He’d been a part of her life as long as she remembered. First, as Elias’ best friend, and more recently as his boyfriend. If you asked Annalise, she didn’t have two older brothers—she had three.
“Probably. You know your brother and Connor are inseparable.” I brushed the hair away from her face. “Now get some sleep.”
I made my way to the bedroom door and checked to make sure she was settled before reaching for the light switch.
“Bisabuela?”
I stopped. “Sí?”
“You always tell me all families are different. They come in all shapes and sizes. But the one thing they have in common is love.”
I nodded in response. “Exactamente.”
“Well, I like the shape and size of my family. We have a lot of love.”
“Yes, you do.” I cleared my throat. “Now, sleep.” I turned out the light.
“Good night, Bisabuela!”
“Buenas noches, Annalise.”