[ELARA'S POV]
We told the kids first.
Gathered them in the living room. Isla on the couch. Big Julian in Damian's lap. Alexander playing with blocks. Oblivious.
"We have news." I said. Trying to sound excited instead of terrified. "Mama's going to have another baby."
Isla's eyes went huge. "Another one?"
"Another one."
"But we already have Alexander. And Big Julian. And me."
"I know. But now there's going to be one more."
She processed this. Seriously. Like she was calculating logistics. "Where will the baby sleep?"
"In the nursery with Alexander."
"And who will take care of it?"
"Mama and daddy. And Patricia. And you'll be a big sister. Again."
"I'm already a big sister twice."
"Now you'll be a big sister three times."
She thought about it. "Okay. But I'm not changing diapers."
Damian laughed. "Deal. No diaper duty for you."
Big Julian had no opinion. Just wanted down so he could go back to destroying things.
