Chapter 9: Happy Birthday!
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Not feeling very tired, Viviana stayed up late and was awake early Sunday, spending some time reading on the couch. She didn't find the silence spooky at all, absorbed as she was in her book..
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Hours later, Viviana was still awake, having breakfast in the kitchen, when Taro woke and came downstairs looking for his own breakfast. He had gone to bed that night without taking a bath and was one stinky little boy, so Viviana was very glad he went to his favorite spot in the living room to eat. Though she could still smell him and vowed to stay far away until their parents got up.
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Harry was the first of the adults to wake, so the unpleasant task of bathing Taro fell to him, and Harry willingly ignored his own needs to see to his small son's comfort. With that done, he sent Taro off to play while Harry himself used the toilet then went down in search of something to eat.
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Like Harry, Brianne put her child's needs ahead of her own, going first to feed and entertain Mai for a while before finding her own breakfast. She crooned a lullaby as she did, smiling at the tiny baby in her arms.
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After breakfast, Harry wand Brianne cooperated to set the upstairs bathroom back to rights. "I'll fix the sink if you don't mind cleaning up, Brianne offered.
"Fine with me," Harry agreed, not caring either way.
Spotting Selma, he said, "Come on, Selma, get away from there. You are not drinking any spilled water today. Shoo." He waited until the big German Shepherd left, then closed the door firmly behind her before getting to work.
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Finished in the bathroom, Harry went into the kitchen looking for lunch. He suddenly realized he hadn't seen Viviana in a bit and frowned, wondering where she could be. The sound of the shower running in the downstairs bathroom provided an answer, and he relaxed.
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With lunch over, Harry went right for his guitar, wanting to play a bit. Beyond him, Brianne had finished the sink repair and was moping the floor. She heard the strains of the guitar, and smiled, thinking how far Harry had come with his skill since they first met. Now it was a pleasure to listen to him instead of torture.
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Exiting the bathroom, Brianne stopped to admire her handiwork while she considered where to put her painting. Right by the bathroom door sounded good. She could look up the stairway from the main level and see it hanging there in the loft.
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Harry and Brianne traded off baby care duties throughout the day as they went about their activities. At one point they both happened to be in the living room at the same time, and stole a moment to kiss, embrace and just bask in each other's presence, swaying gently to an internal tune all their own.
"I love you," they whispered together.
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Brianne decided she needed some fresh air once she and Harry were finally able to pull away from each other, and took Selma with her. Harry didn't mind being left in charge of three children on his own, figuring he'd better get used to it.
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Later that evening, Harry and Brianne danced together while their two oldest watched from the couch, chatting together.
Viviana was getting tired and preferred to tease her parents rather than joining them, and Taro was just up from his nap and wasn't awake enough to dance.
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The impromptu dance over, it was time for Taro's birthday, after he used the potty for the last time.
Harry picked him up and carried him over to the cake that had been prepared earlier.
Brianne started to follow, but a knock on the door diverted her.
Viviana tried, she really did, but she barely managed to blow a party favor before dragging herself off to bed.
Taro figured out he was the center of attention and giggled and clapped at the sight of the cake before obligingly blowing out the candles at his father's urging.
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Harry's youngest brother had arrived just in time to join the party and grab a slice of cake. Brianne made sure Taro got the largest slice, which was as big as his smile, and helped herself to a smaller piece though she wasn't very hungry. No way she was missing out on this cake.
Harry got himself a piece as well and put away the leftover cake., assuring Taro that he did not need and was not getting a second slice tonight, birthday boy or no.
