The Dunhams (Sequel to Better or Bad - Lizzy Walker)

Epilogue Part 1

******Lizzy's POV******

7:00am.

My phone alarm instantly woke me up. I let out a quiet yawn and wiped my eyes tiredly before stretching. I slowly turned to see Bryce still asleep. All these years that alarm never wakes him up enough. I mentally sighed yet kissed his cheek lightly. My brain suddenly clicked. The kids! It's the first week of summer and they're probably happier than ever. "Bryce, wake up. Wake up baby." I whispered softly in his ear. He stirred a minute and remained sleep. "I'll just let you wake up whenever you want." I said, huffing and rolling out of bed. I unloosened my bun, letting my hair loose. Wearing the same PJs from last night is a result of mustiness. I did my morning routine and showered to change into my outfit:

Bryce was just putting on his glasses and stretching upwards. His eyes widened. "After all these years, you still are gorgeous." He complimented. My cheeks highly burned. I smiled shyly. "After all these years you still make me blush." I said, wrapping my arms around his neck. His hands covered my back as we kissed passionately. We almost had a make out session until racing footsteps and a few giggling were heard. I parted from him. "Cmon, I wanna hug my angels!" I squealed. Bryce looked at me weirdly. "Are we talking about the same kids?" He joked. I nudged his shoulder. He chuckled. "Stop. We both know who's the wild one." I said, smirking. No one is wilder than Jace. He's outgoing, adventurous and larger than life confident. The door was being knocked repeatedly. Bryce snickered. "Incoming..." He trailed off. I tiptoed to the door and unlocked it. Sometimes we'd lock it cause—it was quickly pushed by the twins. They smiled happily. "Good morning Mommy and Daddy!" They spoke in unison. I hugged them both. They hugged back. I smiled. "Morning my cuties!" I beamed. We parted, letting them hug Bryce. "Guess you're happy it's summer huh?" He teased, kissing their foreheads. Harry smirked. "Way happy to have chocolate chip pancakes?" He asked. Bryce and I looked at each other before chuckling. That reminds me..."Where is River?" I mentioned. He almost spoke until our second baby girl ran in. She stopped to catch her breath and huffed. "Alright, Hailey! Give me my book!" She growled. Hailey stuck her tongue out and turned away. River groaned. "Mom!" She whined. Bryce rubbed his temple. "Ok, what happened?" He asked. "This little runt stole my American Girl book! I saved a page with my bookmark and guess who made me lose it." She explained, holding up her marvel-inspired bookmark. Of course we didn't find this least surprising. The twins are ten but River's nine in a half. She was supposed to be born on May 12 but actually arrived on the thirteenth. I wouldn't say she matured early, just developed. Books are only part of it. Hailey turned around and looked down. "River, I-I-I'm—she cut her off. "Just don't do it again. I was on page 7!" She grumbled before leaving. Harry clapped his hands and smiled awkwardly. "Where's that breakfast?" He asked. Bryce rolled out of bed. "Let's go little dude. I'll call you when it's ready." He said. Harry followed him behind. My attention thrown to Hailey. I sat on the bed and put her on my lap. "Come here baby." I cooed. Tears fell from her eyes. My jaw dropped. "What's wrong baby? Tell me." I asked worriedly. She leaned on my chest. I hugged her closer to my chest and stroked her hair. "Why would she say those things Mommy? I-I-I didn't mean to read the book without asking. I've wanted to read a book just like she does. She's right, I am a little runt." She cried. I cupped her face and kissed her tear-stained cheeks. "Listen to me, sweetie. You are not a runt. River didn't mean what she said. It's ok if you like reading like she do. But you should always ask permission if you wanna read a book of hers. There's no need to cry hon." I said in a soothing voice. She wiped her eyes and nodded. "Ok Mommy. I promise I'll always do that." She said. I smiled excitedly. "Have you brushed your teeth? Wash your face?" I asked. Hailey quickly nodded. "Good girl. Now, let's go have pancakes." I said. She smiled and got off my lap. "Yay!" She cheered. Our hands intertwined as we went downstairs to the kitchen.

Bryce was cooking Mickey Mouse chocolate chip pancakes. Harry and River were already seated on the counter. Hailey approached her, looking down. "River I'm so sorry for—she cut her off by side-hugging her. She smiled amusedly. "Relax H. I understand you wanted to read the book. I found the page I read anyway so don't be sad. Look, there's Mickey pancakes!" She said, referring to the plates. Harry smiled sweetly and patted an empty chair between them. Hailey hugged back. "I love you sissy." She mumbled. They parted while we made their plates and ours. My phone buzzed. I pulled it out to see a reminder.

Reminder; Walker-Siler-Allan family visit!!♥️

Oh how I missed them! Of course, they always visit every year but this time it'll be most of our children coming. Bella can't make it due to touring right now. She is the eighth member of BTS whom consists of Jin's six brothers and himself. Breanna spent the night at her friends's but will come later. She's earned a dance career from TikToks to clothing line and KCAs. She's only seventeen yet I'm prouder than ever. Jace just moved out after he turned eighteen but he'll be coming over. "Hey, Mom. Is our cousins coming to visit?" River asked. I nodded. Harry smiled. "Is Jace coming too?" He asked. She scoffed. "You know he will. His ego's huge since getting his birthday car." She sassed. We laughed except Hailey who glared. "Sissy, it's not nice to insult someone. Bubba doesn't have an ego." She scolded. I looked at her in awe. Like Harry, Hailey is equally attached to Jace. He would do piggyback rides, kisses and hugs, watch Princess movies with her. She couldn't say Jace as an infant so the nickname Bubba stuck. River rolled her eyes. Harry low-key snickered. Bryce playfully rubbed his raven hair. "Are you done eating? You'll need to get dressed." He asked. "Yeah." They responded. Our doorbell ringed. Breanna! He cheered happily and ran to the door. "My grown up princess!" He cheered. Hailey and River attacked Breanna with a group hug. "Breanna!" They beamed. She laughed, hugging back. "Hi you two! I missed you both!" She said. River parted but Aera still hugged her. "We've missed you too Bri." She said, smiling. Harry hugged her from behind. "Hey H & Hails!" Breanna said. Nearly all of us joined the hug. I smirked. "How was your sleepover?" I asked. We parted. She held her sleeping bag and robe. "Great! I ate breakfast and just wanna rest." She told me. Bryce nodded. "But remember, your Aunts and Uncles are visiting with your cousins later." He reminded. She sighed while nodding. "Race you upstairs!" River cheered before running upstairs. "No!" They whined and followed behind. We laughed. Breanna chuckled. "Oh god." She mumbled. I can't wait to see everyone!