The soft glow of the afternoon sun streamed through the bedroom window, casting a golden hue over Andrew as he tended to their twins. Little Anthony was sprawled out on the bed, his tiny legs kicking at the air while his sister, Eve, lay peacefully beside him.

“Little brat,” Andrew said playfully as he looked down at his son, a mock frown on his face. Anthony responded with a high-pitched giggle, his chubby cheeks rosy with delight.

“Even though I want to scold you, I find that I can’t,” Andrew admitted, his voice softening as warmth filled his eyes. Anthony babbled in response, his tiny hands reaching out as if to grasp his father’s words.

“You want Daddy to pick you up, huh? Alright, come here then,” Andrew said, lifting Anthony into his arms. He planted a gentle kiss on his son’s cheek, eliciting another giggle from the little boy. 

Anthony’s small hands reached up, grabbing Andrew’s face and planting slobbery kisses across his chin. Andrew laughed until Anthony’s tiny fist found its way to his hair, yanking it with surprising strength.

“Ouch, you little brat,” Andrew winced, though a grin played on his lips. Anthony yawned widely in response, his mischief giving way to drowsiness.

“All done playing and sleepy now, huh?” Andrew murmured, his tone affectionate as he rocked Anthony gently. He glanced over at Eve, who had been quietly observing the interaction with her wide, curious eyes. 

“Baby Eve, Daddy likes his good girl more than this brat,” he teased. As if she understood, Eve’s lips curved into a soft smile before her eyes fluttered shut.

Andrew laid Anthony back down beside his sister, tucking the blanket around them as Anthony instinctively snuggled up to Eve. Both twins were soon fast asleep, their tiny breaths rhythmic and peaceful. Andrew leaned against the headboard, watching them with a tender smile that softened every line of his face.

Before long, the soothing calm of the moment began to lull Andrew into drowsiness. He stretched out beside his little ones, resting his hand protectively near them as his own eyes drifted closed.

The sound of the bathroom door opening broke the quiet. Eva emerged, her hair damp from her shower, dressed in a soft robe. She paused when she saw the scene before her—Andrew, Eve, and Anthony all fast asleep on the bed. Her heart swelled at the sight of her little family so content and close.

“I have to take a picture of this,” Eva whispered to herself, a smile lighting up her face. She grabbed her phone from the bedside table and snapped a photo, capturing the serene moment to treasure forever.

Setting the phone down, Eva tiptoed to the bed, careful not to wake any of them. She eased herself onto the mattress and lay down on the opposite side of the twins. For a moment, she simply watched them, her heart full of love and gratitude.

With a contented sigh, Eva rested her head on the pillow and closed her eyes. Surrounded by her three favorite people in the world, she let herself be carried away by the peace of the moment, drifting into a well-deserved slumber.