Sun Mote Copse Baby mine.

She saw Seal appear from the direction of the cottage. Towhee smiled and beckoned her closer with a twitch of her wrist. Seal had really helped make The Taigh comfortable for mother and baby, so Towhee just hoped she wouldn’t be too put out upon finding them here.

I wanted someplace cozy, just while he’s really teeny, she explained, chuckling as she added, This is where I took your mother after she ninja’d her way out of me.

Not only did the smaller space suit her maternal instincts, it also felt appropriate in another way. Especially after Bushtit’s surprise arrival, Towhee had once again learned never to say “never.” But he and Meerkat felt a little like the bookends of Towhee’s motherhood.

Speaking of your mom, I’m a little bummed he decided to come after they were already gone, Towhee shared, peering thoughtfully into her granddaughter’s carob eyes.