Dedicated to my sister. For reasons.

Trigger warning: miscarriage.

Candace shook her head as she watched her four-year-old daughter climb the play structure. Amanda was so carefree, so happy, most of the time. And then...

Amanda reached the top and looked around. Candace waved to her, and Amanda sighed and waved back. She climbed down and raced over to her mother.

"Mom! I want somebody to play with!"

"I know, dear."

"I want a baby brother."

Candace kept the smile on her face only through force of willpower. "I know, dear. But I can't just make one happen instantly." She and Jeremy had tried, that was certain. After one accidental pregnancy, they'd assumed an intentional one would happen quickly, but it had taken months, and then gone wrong. They'd waited a few months and then started trying again, but so far...nothing. And then, a month ago, Amanda had decided that what she wanted more than anything else was a baby brother. And she wouldn't let them forget it.

Amanda opened her eyes wide. "Please?"

"I'll see what I can do. Now, go play."

Candace looked down at the plastic stick in her hand. Two lines stood out, bold against the white material inside. Pregnant. Again. Jeremy came into the bathroom, and didn't even need to look at it; her reaction was enough, apparently, because he took her in his arms. She relaxed into him, tears forming.

"It'll be okay," he whispered. "We'll make it."

"They never did figure out what happened...last time," Candace said quietly.

"I know. Sometimes it just happens. We'll be fine. Call the doctor, let them take a look."

"I will. Don't tell anyone yet, though. Just in case. Especially not Amanda."

Jeremy nodded.

They walked out into the living room, where Amanda was playing with her wooden toy trains. She looked up at them and smiled. "Choo choo!" she said.

"And how's my favorite girl?" Jeremy asked, sitting on the floor across the train table from her. Candace took a seat on the couch, gently.

"I'm okay, Daddy," Amanda said. "Do I get my baby brother soon?"

Jeremy laughed. "Not sure yet, Amanda. We can't rush these things."

Amanda nodded and pushed a train so it rolled down the mountain.

"Twins?" Candace asked, twisting to see the ultrasound screen. Jeremy squeezed her hand.

"Twins. Looks like they're both boys," the technician said.

"Twin boys," Jeremy said. "Amanda's going to be thrilled. Two baby brothers."

"I think it's time to tell her," Candace said.

They rushed home, where Linda was playing blocks with Amanda.

"So, we have an announcement for you..." Jeremy began. Linda smiled and nodded, obviously expecting it.

Candace knelt down next to Amanda. "You're going to be a big sister. With two baby brothers."

Amanda gave her a smile, but shook her head. "I changed my mind. I want a pony instead."