The Murphy Family
Ava:
“Kirby,” Liam said eagerly, recognizing the word bird and knowing it was associated with their cockatoo’s name. Ava chuckled, nodding. “Yeah, Kirby is a bird, sweetie. Your dad was looking at different birds though,” she said playfully, booping the baby’s nose and making him smile. She looked over at Paddy, smiling and then at Gabriel. “I thought your dad was amazing because he loved the animals so much. I always loved the animals but never as much as your dad. He was ready to dedicate his life to helping them and I was inspired by that kindness and dedication.” Gabriel sat in front of them on the sand, looking interested. “Did you love dad?” Ava grinned. “No, I just liked your dad. Love doesn’t happen magically, it takes some time.”
Paddy’s smile grew amused as their one year old pointed out the name of their cockatoo, and he gave Liam a kiss on the forehead. “I can’t for the life of me remember what bird it was, but we did discuss you wanting a cockatoo, I remember that.” How far they’d come from then, and she’d got the pet she wanted, Paddy was glad of that. He beamed at his wife, leaning into wrap an arm around her shoulder. “You were?” He asked, teasing tone creeping into his voice before he said seriously, “I liked how bright your mother was, it was hard not to smile in her presence. She could light up a room too. We were friends first Gabriel,” said Paddy, as Gabriel asked, “how much time did it take, mom?”
