The apartment was finally still.

The baby had fallen asleep after an hour of inconsolable fussing, resting against your chest now in the soft sling Jessica had grudgingly admitted was a “game-changer.” Your shirt was damp from formula, and your neck ached, but at least there was peace. Or so you thought.

From the hallway, the quick sound of little feet approached—tiny, determined, and way too quiet for comfort. Gerry stood at the edge of the living room, clutching one of his worn picture books to his chest. His hair stuck out at odd angles, and his bottom lip trembled just enough to warn you: the storm was back.

Jessica looked up from the couch, sensing the shift. “Hey, buddy,” she said gently, patting the cushion beside her. “C’mere.”

Gerry didn’t move. His eyes narrowed at the baby on your chest, then darted to Jess. “Bwoks?” he asked hopefully, holding it up.

Jess softened. “You want me to read to you?”

He nodded, then added quietly, “No baby.”

You winced. Jessica’s heart visibly cracked for a second, then she reached out. “Okay. Just me and you, alright? C’mere, bug.”

He climbed into her lap with the weight of a toddler scorned, curling close against her as she opened the book. She didn’t read right away—just rested her chin on his head, holding him. “Hey. I love you, you know...?” she whispered. “Even when I’m tired. Even when I’m holding someone else. That doesn’t change.”

You shifted on the floor nearby, adjusting the sleeping infant against you, trying to give them space. Gerry peeked at you, frowning.

Jessica caught it. “You know who else loves you?” she said softly, stroking his back. “That goof right there. Even if he’s stuck holding your baby brother like a warm burrito.”

That pulled a snort from Gerry. Still wary, but softening.

She met your eyes across the room. There was exhaustion there, yes—but something deeply warm, deeply present. “We’re figuring it out,” her gaze seemed to say. “All of it."

And in that moment—baby dozing on your chest, Jessica reading softly with Gerry curled in her lap—your chaotic little family didn’t feel messy at all.

Just… real.