Finding love and lust (a Zachary Levi short story)

Epilogue

10 years later
*Zac*
"Merry Christmas my beautiful wife". I say, kissing her shoulder softly, and then her mouth as she turns her face to me.

"Merry Christmas my handsome husband". She says softly, before returning her attention to the breakfast. "Did you sleep well ?"

I get some plates and start decking the table. "Like a baby as always.. Are the kids still sleeping ?"

"No.. not all of us". A sleepy voice sounds from the door and I turn to see our oldest daughter, nine year old Bianca walk in. "Merry Christmas".

I go to kiss the top of her head. "Merry Christmas sweetie".

"Uhm pancakes". She says, watching as Blake piles more of them up.

I walk back to my wife and lean in whispering, under the cover of kissing her cheek. "Have you checked on them ?"

She nods discretely just as another voice sounds, our five year old son, Flynn. "Yikes, are they kissing again".

"Yeah". Bianca says. "I think it is sooo romantic that they are still like that.. Betty's mom and dad don't even share a bedroom.. so tragic".

I chuckle and look at my daughter, she sounds like such an old ninny at times, it is adorable really.

"Will you go get the little sleepy head ?" Blake asks, referring to our eight year old Hazel. People often mistake her and Bianca for twins, they look very much alike and being just one year apart and actually sharing a birthday doesn't help.

I nod. "Sure".

Making my way to her room, I smile as I open the door, seeing her bundled up among her teddies, among them her favorite, the talking bear I gifted her mother on our first Christmas together. Hazel has loved that teddy since she was a baby.

I can't believe it has been ten amazing years and three wonderful kids. I possibly find her more beautiful now, and love her even more. I am forever grateful that she gave me her heart.

"Morning my little one". I say squatting down by the bed. "And merry Christmas".

"Are there gifts". She mumbles into her pillow. "I need to decide if I want to get up".

I chuckle, pulling the blanket of her. "There will be presents.. but first mom's special Christmas pancakes".

"Yeah pancakes". She squeals and jumps right into my arms.

I stand up. "Uhh you have had a lot of pancakes princess, daddy almost can't carry you any more".

"Bah''. She says, sticking out her tongue. "You are a superhero, and I saw you carry mom on your wedding anniversary".

"That's because mom is an angel and she floats on air". I say grinning and lifting her on my shoulders, making her squeal and grab my hair as I start galloping as a horse.

"Watch out for the doorframe". Blake says, not even looking up, as we reach the kitchen. "Morning princess and merry Christmas".

I put Hazel down on her chair. "Pancake time everyone".

"Which kind do you want Bi". Blake asks Bianca.

"Can I have one of each mom ? They all look so good". She says sweetly.

Hazel coughs. "Suck up".

"Hazel, behave". I scold her.

She makes a face. "But she was.. she thinks she will get a bigger present".

"Haze.. you sister is smart enough to know that wouldn't work". Blake says, holding out the plate. "Which one do you want ?"

"The star ones and a Christmas tree". She says, looking at the differently shaped chocolate chip mint pancakes.

Before she can ask Flynn what he wants, he calls out. "Do you have a sword or a troll, or a helicopter with machine guns ?"

"No sweetie.. but I have Christmas trees.. they are green". Blake says softly.

"Hmm .. can I have blueberry sirup on them ?" My little son asks.

She nods as she puts them on her plate. "It's Christmas .. so of course, it's a must".

*Blake*
I watch happily as my kids bicker with each other, sitting down on the floor in the living room, unpacking the gifts under the tree. I clean off the table and put everything in the dishwasher.

Zac is sitting in his chair, looking very happy and relaxed, smiling at the kids, and trying to smooth over any fights before they develop.

I can't believe my life has turned out this blessed. I adore my family and my husband, and he is still the only man who makes me all heated and giddy.

"I think you should go get them". I tell Zac.

"Yeah you are right.. it's time". He says getting up.

Bianca looks up. "Get what ?"

"Our presents to you little rugrats". Zac says grinning. "Stay here".

"What is it mom ?" Flynn asks me, as soon as Zac is gone.

I shake my head. "Patience Flynn.. patience".

"I hate patience". He mumbles.

"Me too". Hazel agrees.

Bianca rolls her eyes, always trying to be the mature one. "You two should just be happy that you get something".

"Bah". Hazel makes a face. "We are happy, just not patience".

"Kids, stop". I tell them. "The presents won't like it if you are fighting".

The kids all look at me with huge eyes, Bianca muttering. "Our gifts care about that ?"

The door opens and Zac walks in, then turns in the door, making a sound like calling on someone. "Come on, yeah come here".

"What !" Hazel says, and all three kids almost jump to their feet, but I motion for them to stay still.

And in around Zac's legs tumbles three adorable Australian shepherd puppies, almost knocking him over on their way.

"Puppies". Flynn says, almost jumping on the spot. "Mom, puppies".

"I know sweetie, but be careful, they are babies and they will frighten easily". I say softly.

Zac closes the door. "Kids sit down, and I will give you a couple of treats so you can make the puppies come to you".

I watch as they sit down and he hands them each a handful of puppy threats. Then he helps get the puppies over to them.. and soon my kids are happily cuddling and feeding a puppy each.

"I think we made a good choice". Zac says, coming over to wrap his arms around me.

"Yeah.. I knew they would love them". I look up at him. "How about you, how do you feel ?"

He sighs, and I know he is thinking about our old dog Blue. Zac had him back when we met, and we lost him about three years ago. "I miss him.. but the puppies will help I am sure.. they are cute right ?"

"They are adorable". I tell him. "Just like you".

"Not as adorable as you". He says softly, kissing me. "I am truly blessed, I have an amazing family and the sexiest wife ever".

I reach up to kiss him. "I love you Zac, always".

"And I love you baby, always and forever".

And I know that is the truth, we are part of each other, we were meant to be and luckily we found each other. We found love, we found lust and everything in between.