Annie waspletely enamored with her adorable babies, barely noticing Kate''s reminder as she admired her perfectly manicured nails.


    Laughing, she reassured her mom, "Don''t worry, Mom. My nails are trimmed; they won''t hurt the baby at all."


    Little Sam, the ultimate sleepyhead, didn''t even budge when Annie spoke, snoozing away without a care. Born just minutes apart, Sam had a hearty appetite and loved his sleep, always looking a bit more robust than his sibling. Sam was a night owl, sleeping through the day and keeping the night nurses busy with his nocturnal habits.


    Henry, holding Patty''s hand, went over to y with Emily, who was joyfully sshing in the pool, clearly loving her swim. "Come on, Emily, swim to Daddy," Henry encouraged, his heart swelling with joy at the sight of his little ones.


    At her dad''s call, Emily kicked her tiny legs, sshing her way toward Henry, sending ripples ofughter through the air.


    Kate chuckled, "Emily''s crazy about swimming. If she doesn''t get her daily dip, she''ll definitely let us know with a good cry." "How long has she been in?" Annie asked.


    "About fifteen minutes or so. It''s time to get her out," Kate signaled to the nanny, who adeptly scooped up the babies.


    The nannies, well-trained in childcare, handled the little ones with expert care.


    Once out of the water and dressed, Sam woke up, prompting Annie to cuddle him and kiss his cheek. "Hey, little guy, awake now? Do you recognize Mommy?"


    Sam, his eyes darting around, seemed to recognize his mom, reaching out to grab her hair.


    With the kids so young, they mostlyy around, ying by themselves, with the adults keeping thempany and engaging them.


    Henry, holding Emily, wanted Patty to hold her siblings, but with Kate around, Patty hesitated.


    Understanding the situation, Henry told Annie, "Let''s take the babies back to their room."


    "Sure, I''ll take Sam, and you take Emily. Come on, Patty, join us," Annie said, happily heading to the bedroom with her son.


    Without Kate''s presence, the Salstrom home felt more rxed.


    In the master bedroom, Annie and Henry ced the babies on the bed, watching them babble, stick out their tongues, and chew on their hands.


    Patty, now feeling more at ease, joined her siblings on the bed, delighting in theirpany and even sharing gentle kisses. The babies responded by grabbing her hands and hair, but Patty, ever the gentle sister, handled their yful tugs with care. Watching the three children together filled Annie with an indescribable happiness and contentment a perfect picture of family unity.


    Patty, not Henry''s biological daughter, made Annie wish for a deeper bond between them all, fearing Patty might eventually feel left out or slighted because of her background.


    Annie considered reaching out to Cynthia to learn more about Patty''s biological father but hesitated, worried about stirring up trouble.


    While the kids slept, Annie went for a walk and heard from Salma about Kate''s extended stay, which made her uneasy, worrying about potential conflicts.


    "I wasn''t aware," Annie frowned, mentioning it to Salma, who then reminded her of the uing family celebration, adding that her dad would visit.


    The news brought mixed feelings; while family unity was important, the shadow of past conflicts and herplicated rtionship with her father, Tavon, loomedrge, especially with the business tensions and a shocking usation from his daughter.


    The weekend brought Tavon''s visit to Riverdale, surprising Annie by bringing along Sandy, who came with thoughtful gifts for the babies-a pair of exquisite gold lockets symbolizing wealth and protection, a generous gesture warmly received by the family.