Page 128 of Finding Wonderland

“Ew,” Everleigh dramatically commented from the recliner. Her feet hung over the side as she held the juice in her hands. “Gross.”

“Hey, you breastfed longer than any of our babies, so hush.”

Everleigh stuck her tongue out at Isla, who did the same as they all laughed. Leaning her head onto Isla’s shoulder, Vera savored the moment. She loved all her kids more than anything, but there was something different about Everleigh. Maybe it was because she was their baby; maybe it was because of everything they had been through together. But whatever it was, Vera was beyond thankful for their baby girl.

After feeding, burping, and changing the babies, it was time to put them down for the night. Or, well, until Alexis and Blake got back. Isla and Vera had offered to babysit them at their house to make things easier, but Alexis had insisted it would be okay. After all, she’d told them, they’ll need to be fed when she arrives back anyway.

Isla had set up Everleigh’s crib in their guest bedroom again for Archer and Reese. The last time the bed was used had been when Harper was staying the night, and Vera couldn’t help but smile at how right she’d been about Alexis and Blake. She’d never told anyone but Isla her theory on how they could end up together, but she liked to think she had a hand in the invisible string that made that dream happen.

Vera marveled at the two babies asleep in the crib as she wrapped her arms around Isla’s waist. She rested her head on her chest as Isla held her close. “They’re here because Mason asked me over for spaghetti.”

“Mason is a mastermind.”

“She always gets what she wants. Especially if spaghetti is involved.”

“Well,” Isla kissed her head, “she does know pasta is the way to your heart.”

They stayed in the quiet room for a few more moments, soaking in their time with their grandkids. When Vera turned off the light and shut the door, she said a silent prayer of thanks for the life she’d been given. Once back in the kitchen, Isla pinned Vera up against the wall of the stairs and kissed her.

“I’m gonna go shower.”

“Want me to join?”

“I’m right here,” Everleigh grumbled from the kitchen table. But the smirk on her face told Vera she wasn’t really annoyed. All their kids were used to seeing Isla and Vera show affection to each other.

“Sorry, Evie.” Vera noticed her diabetic supplies laid out on the table and knew she needed to stay with her. Isla knew without her saying and kissed Vera once more before heading upstairs.

Taking a seat by Everleigh, Vera watched as she carefully repacked the many bags they kept supplies in. There was one Everleigh always kept with her, as well as one each for Isla and Vera. Mason, Chase, Blake, and Alexis also had all the supplies they might need at their house, which added some relief to Vera’s constantly worried mind. At least cutting back on her hours at work had helped Vera not stress as much as she used to.

Everleigh was only eleven, but she looked and acted older for her age. Vera knew it was because she had to grow up faster than Ellie and Brayden because of her disease, and that broke Vera’s heart. There was still a part of her that blamed herself for Everleigh’s diagnosis, no matter how many times Isla, Mason, and even Everleigh told her she wasn’t to blame.

To top it off, Vera had also been struggling with Everleigh’s autism and ADHD diagnosis. Isla had noticed the signs first, which had been confirmed by a doctor a few years ago. Vera blamed herself for everything that happened to Everleigh, but, again, her family reminded her it wasn’t her fault. She knew it was a selfish thought since Everleigh struggled every day with her diagnosis. But Vera would spend every minute of every day fighting for Everleigh and her needs. Everleigh would never have to face anything alone as long as Vera could help it.

She watched as Everleigh carefully got a syringe full of insulin, injected it into her pump, and let it prime using the receiver that looked like a phone. When it beeped to signal it was ready, Everleigh looked up at Vera.

“Mama?”

“Yeah, baby?”

“Can you put this one on for me? It hurts less when you do it.”

“Of course. Where do you want it?”

“Here.”

Everleigh stood, turning slightly as she raised her shirt and pointed to her lower back. Vera carefully placed the device on as they waited for the loud click to signal it was working. Barely flinching, Everleigh quietly reorganized all her supplies as she zipped the bags up. Isla and Vera were so proud of her for how much she’d been on top of her diabetes since her scary low last year.

“Evie?”

“Hmm?”

“I’m really proud of you.”

Everleigh blushed, a rarity. “Thanks, Mama.”

“You wanna watch a movie?”

“Turing Red?” Everleigh asked with a grin.

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