Emily stood by the stove, flipping golden pancakes. Soon, her husband would return from work, and theyd sit down as a family for dinner.
It was odd how quiet Oliver was in his room today. Usually, when Emily made his favourite pancakes, hed hover nearby, peering up at her with hopeful eyes and asking, “Mummy, can I have another one?”
Shed give him one, even though hed already eaten plenty, but soon enough, hed return, stretching out each syllable with delight. “Muuu-mmy, just one more?” She knew Oliver wasnt hungry anymorehe just wanted to say that warm, wonderful word over and over: *Mummy*.
Before, shed set down the spatula and scoop him into her arms. He wasnt too heavy yetOliver was only five. “Come on, sweetheart,” shed say. “Shall we go meet Daddy from work?”
Oliver would beam. “Yes, Mummy! Lets go meet Daddy!” His eyes sparkled with joy. He still wasnt used to this miraclehaving a mummy and daddy at all. Before, hed had neither.
Now, he had his own room, his own bed, even a climbing frame with swingsDaddy had bought that! He had toy cars, robots, building blocks, all his, no one elses. At bedtime, Mummy read stories, stroked his hair, and told him she loved him. Oliver soaked it up, almost forgetting thered ever been a time without it.
Emily was about to call him when the baby kicked. She pressed a hand to her bump, and the little girl nudged again.
*Thank you*, Emily whispered in her heart. Every day, she prayed for this unexpected gift. Theyd already picked a nameCharlotte. Her husband, William, had suggested it after his grandmother, Catherine.
Doctors had said shed never have children of her own. She and William had adopted Oliver, and now, a year laterhere came Charlotte!
Emily nearly burned a pancake, lost in thought. “Oliver, love, why so quiet today?”
No answer. Had he not heard?
She turned off the stove and headed to his room.
Oddthe light was off. Where was he?
A rustling sound came from inside. Emily flicked the switch and found Oliver sitting on his bed, fully dressed in his coat and hat. His backpack was stuffed with toy cars.
“What are you doing in the dark?” she teased. “Come on, lets eat pancakes with jam and custard. Whats all this, then? Planning an adventure?”
Oliver didnt smile. His gaze was fixed, too old for his years. Then, quietly: “Can I take my toys with me? She wont need cars, will she?”
Emilys heart dropped. “Oliver, sweetheart, whats wrong? Where do you think youre going?” Had she failed him? Did he not feel loved? Was he jealous of the baby? Just yesterday, hed been thrilled.
“Will you send me back to the childrens home?” His voice wobbled. “The lady said you only took me because you didnt know youd have a baby. Im not really yours.”
Tears brimmed in his eyes.
“Oliver, *no*. What lady?” Then she rememberedtheir neighbour, just days ago, had said, *”Thank goodness youll have your own soon,”* with a pointed glance at Oliver. *”You rushed into things, Emily.”*
Shed brushed it off, certain Oliver hadnt understood. But he had. And now he thought he didnt belong.
Emily pulled him close. He resisted, then crumpled against her, sobbing.
“Darling, that lady was wrong. Daddy and I love you more than anything. Wed *never* give you up.”
She unfastened his coat, and they sat quietly, wrapped in each other.
When Charlotte arrived, Oliver and William held the fort at home before visiting the hospital. Oliver was nervouswhat if his sister didnt like him?
But seeing her tiny fingers, he softened. “Mummy, shes too little to be without a big brother. Ill teach her to play with carswell have fun!”
Now, he never left her side, waiting until shed be old enough to share his room. Till then, he was Mummys little helper.
Tonight, she called, “Oliver, love, Ive got Charlotte ready. Lets meet Daddy!”
He was already waiting by the door. “Mummy, Ill hold it openyou bring the pram!”
They took the lift downstairs, stepping outside just as that same neighbour approached. Oliver gripped Emilys hand tighter.
“Sweetheart, be a gentlemanhelp her with the lift. Her bags look heavy.”
“Okay, Mummy!” Chest puffed, Oliver held the door, then raced to catch up.
Tomorrow was the weekend. Theyd all go to the park. A shame Charlotte was still too small, but soon, shed ride the swings with him, her big brother keeping her safe. Because they were familyalways.
And family, Oliver had learned, wasnt about blood. It was about love, and that was something no one could ever take away.
