Maya's POV
"Phoenix, stop pulling Grace's hair!" I separate my two-year-old twins for the tenth time today. "Gentle hands!"
Phoenix giggles and runs away. Grace cries. Hope tries to comfort her little sister.
"It's okay, Gracie," Hope says. She's three now. Already acting like the responsible big sister. "Phoenix is just being silly."
This is my life now. Three kids under four. Constant chaos. Beautiful chaos.
Julia appears in the doorway. She's eighteen now. Lives with us full-time. Goes to college nearby. Part of our weird, wonderful family.
"Need help?" she asks.
"Always. Can you watch Phoenix while I feed Grace?"
"Sure. Come here, little monster." Julia scoops up Phoenix. He squeals with delight.
I never imagined this. Two years ago, I was fighting for survival. Fighting threats. Fighting James's legacy.
Now I'm fighting to keep three toddlers fed and alive.
It's better. So much better.
My phone rings. Sophie.
