"Hello little bundle of potential!"
"Did you know that we share genetically similar material? That means you're going to grow up to be a musician just like your daddy."
Mackay enthusiastically imparts his wisdom to Hope, "We'll start you off with some Folk then move on to Theatre Drama, it'll be a big jump but I think you can handle it." Hope babbles happily.
"Just a moment, this is the good part."
Bjorn sits at the piano and listens to Mackay practice, "Wow, you're looking very... responsible." - "I am aren't I?" He glows.
"I always thought I would make a good teacher and this only confirms that suspicion."
Bjorn smiles dubiously. "Just don't be too disappointed if she prefers video games over Vivaldi." Mackay refuses to be dissuaded, "In fact I'm going to make plans for the baby room, right now!"
Mackay talks to himself while assessing the space. "We aren't getting much use out of the spare bedroom."
"I guess Bjorn sleeps in here sometimes but look at this lighting."
"I better check the backup room just for arguments sake."
"Why this room has even BETTER lighting."
Pleased with himself Mackay reports back to Bjorn. "Guess who sorted out the baby room and inspired his daughter's musical career all before 12?"
Bjorn responds with bemusement "I guess that means we can leave the furnishings all to you as well?"-"That's right!" Mackay doubles down.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The push to build Hope's room was pertinent to her aging up which was due to happen that very same day.
"We're thinking just a casual family brunch, no presents... See you then!"
Maxwell beams at his daughter, "Isn't this exciting baby girl? You're gonna be bigger!"
"Unkie Max!" Yells Lamb as she pushes through the door first.
His niece gives him the side eye, "Are those your pyjamas? Mum said you guys would let yourselves go once Hope was born." - "Oh, how observant you've become."
"Sorry bout her man, she's got no filter." Reid says admonishingly. Mackay smiles, "She's becoming more like her mother every day."
"And I was like, seriously mother, you're a ghost I physically can't call you more often!" Harley laughs at her own story. Then she turns to her brother and muses, "I'm impressed that you're surviving, but I guess three sets of hands must make a difference." - "Absolutely!" Mackay enthuses. "Well," starts Bjorn.
Maxwell stands up suddenly, "It's happening!"
With a whir of sparks hope ages from newborn to a young toddler.
And from the moment she looks up at Maxwell she is impossibly cute.
"Hi little Hope, can you stand up?" - "Da!" She replies in the affirmative.
"What a face!" Says Mackay picking her up.
"I think I might actually love you."
"Do you remember my name?" He asks her playfully.
"Daddy!" She says swinging her arms around.
"Yesss." Mackay pumps his fist in response to getting his preferred title. "And who am I?" Bjorn addresses Hope.
"Ba-ba!" Says Hope covering her face with her hand and giggling.
Hope makes a sound implying tiredness. Lamb gets her uncles' attention, "Hey Uncle Mac 'n' Mac, we're gonna go. Congratulations and all that." - "Thank you Lamb, it's always a pleasure."
Bjorn carries Hope upstairs. "Let's see what your 'daddy' has done with your room."
"This is... Nicer than I expected." Says Bjorn in poorly concealed surprise.
"Oh Mackay... You did so good!" Maxwell looks to him with adoring eyes. "But of course!" He declares.
"My daughter shall want for nothing, NOTHING!"
Knowing exactly what to do, Bjorn pulls out a book and reads Hope to sleep.
Not to be outdone Mackay tucks her in. "Wow" Says Maxwell.
Tearing up he softly says, "I've never been so happy."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
❤️
