Betty POV:
I gasped slightly, pleasantly surprised to discover that Jug, too, was awake as his arms pulled me closer against to his bare chest. He must've heard, removing one hand, utilizing it to remove the hair from my kiss, allowing room for him to place numerous ginger kisses onto it.
My lips parted, a soft moan of delight escaping, and I reached back to tug onto his soft bedhead hair.
"Mmm. Good morning, baby.", he murmured against it with a discreet groan, smirking onto my skin when I hummed in response.
"Good morning, hubby. How'd you sleep?".
He turned my onto my back, shifting his weight directly on top of me and resting his chin on my uncovered chest.
"Well," he whispered. "I always sleep well when I'm with you. You know that. We've been married for 6 years, love.".
"Almost 7.", I remarked. "Our anniversary is next week.".
"I know.", he stated, releasing a puff of breathe in an astounded manner.
"What? What's wrong, Juggie.".
"Nothing. I just can't process the fact that Ashton turns 8 in about a month. Our baby is growing up so fast. He's the first baby that we've raised since birth. Before we know it, he'll be off on his own. I can't believe Trinity will be off to college in, what is it... 7 years?".
I took a minute to take in what he said, beginning to tear up before he cupped my cheeks and brought me back.
"It's crazy... Time really does fly.
Also, Jug, once again, I'm so sorry that I didn't tell you about Trinity. I know you forgave me and all, but I still feel awful about keeping that from you. We could've raised her since the very beginning, too, but I took that away from you, and I apologize.".
"Oh, Betty...". He rolled onto his back, his arms carrying me with him tightly against his chest. Pulling me down to rest his chin atop my head, he held it against his neck comfortingly.
"Like you said, I forgave you. It's all okay. I'm just thankful that life gave us a second chance at... us. Look at us; we have the best life. I have my gorgeous wife, three beautiful, healthy children, a big house, a good job, and just an overall happy life. I wouldn't want it any other way. In a way, none of this would've happened if it weren't for what happened. So, for that, I thank you.". He kissed my forehead, lingering and sighing gratifyingly, but his head shot up as soon as we heard the pattering of footsteps on the carpeting outside our bedroom door, the doorknob rattling not a moment later.
"Baby, we're naked. Cover your chest.".
"No shit, sherlock. What do you take me for, an idiot?".
"You? Never.". His lips perked into a smirk, falling as soon as our little boy managed to pick the lock on the door.
"G'morning, Mommy and Daddy!", he squealed before gasping and covering his mouth, his eyes widened. "I'm sorry. That was loud. I forgot to use my quiet morning voice.". He began to skip over, giggling with an adorable little lip bite before Jug quickly sat up and held a hand out to stop him while the other clung onto the blanket that still covered us.
"Good morning, Ashton. Would you mind waiting outside for a moment so that we could... prepare ourselves?".
"You don't normally have to 'prepare' yourselves for morning cuddles, Daddy, but I suppose I can practice having a little patience... Just don't be long, please.".
I couldn't restrain myself from snickering. "Too late, Daddy's—".
Jug's hand quickly quieted my potentially naughty whisperings, now covering my mouth and gesturing towards the door with a nod. Ashton pouted before skipping out, and Jug whipped around to face me as soon as the door shut, a face full of faux disappointment sprawled across it.
"Now, Betty, what did we say about the dirty jokes in front of the kids?".
"What?", I questioned, grinning. "It's not my fault that every part of you is incredibly sexy.".
With a groan, his smile poked back through the facade, and he leaned in. Our lips connected briefly before I pulled away and flicking his forehead.
"We have to get dressed; our baby is awaiting our cuddles. How could you forget?".
"Meanie.".
I slipped my pants back on, and my shirt had almost made it all the way on before we heard an audible knock on the door. Frantic, Jug helped tug it the rest of the way down before saying, "You may come in, Ashton.".
"Not just Ashton anymore, Dad.", said a much more feminine, older voice; a few months over 5 years older, to be exact.
"Lola and I are here too. Is that okay?", she said, peeking her head in, Lola and Ashton following suit.
"I thought 13 and 11 year olds were too old to give Mom and Dad morning cuddles.", I remarked, snuggling further into Jug's bare chest.
"We may have changed our minds.", Lola chirped, bouncing on the tips of her toes, anxious to have her revocation accepted.
"Well... I guess we can understand.", Jug said, smiling warmly as we held out arms out welcomingly. The three of them murmured a soft "yay", running over and leaping onto the bed, fighting for the space between us. Trinity stole the spot on top of her dad's chest, Ashton taking mine. Lola was left with the middle, which she was more than willing to take.
"Yeah.", Jug muttered, his husky voice breaking the silence. "My life is perfect.".
