Page 145 of Sea's Secret

“And her?” I asked, motioning to the other. She had dark hair, just like Dominick’s, as did the boy in my arms.

“What about Sky? All three of the important things that connect us–the sea, land, and air,” Dominick said, looking at me with a smile.

“Forest, Ocean, and Sky?” I asked. As strange as it may have sounded to some, it felt right. It represented us. I hoped for even more children and had no idea how the other names would be selected, but for those three, those names represented our unique family, for we were a combination of two different worlds.

“Yes, if you like that?”

“I love it.” I shifted from the bed.

“Where are you going?” Dominick asked me as I stood up, a little wobbly from laying in bed for so long.

“I must know, Dominick–if they have tails,” I said.

“Oh, yes, let's find out. Will they be alright?”

“Of course, even if they have no tails, they will love the sea. They will always be at least half connected to it.

We walked with our three priceless babies in our arms. I was still in my nightgown, and Dominick was barefooted with only his pants and shirt on. We were known for our casual appearance, and always heard gasps because of it. The new princesses and prince were with us as we made our way to the water by way of the sandy beach. The babies woke up as soon as we reached the foaming waves. Their eyes were wide and alert.

“This is your home, too–whether or not you have a tail–the sea is also yours,” I whispered as Dominick and I sat down in the surf, holding our babies above the waves.

“Ready?” I asked with my heart pounding as waves crashed against us.

“I know they will all take after their mother,” Dominick said with a smile. We unwrapped them from their blankets, their small little legs and toes exposed. Then we placed them partially in the water, up to their waists. I squealed with glee as one by one, each of my sweet babies’ legs turned into tails. Forest, with a teal tail, just a few shades darker than mine; Sky with a silver tail, which matched the clouds, and then, Ocean, with the exact same tail as me and my mother.

“Our children are beautiful, Meria–so beautiful,” Dominick leaned over and kissed me tenderly.

“This life is beautiful, Dominick. Thank you for making all my dreams come true.”

“Thank you for being my dream.”

---