Master turned Soft

E P I L O G U E

Five years later

"Everett Jude!" I hollered from the back porch. "If I have to tell you again to play nice, we are going inside."

My three year old looked over. Him and Owen, Chase and Noah's three year old, were playing on the play set. However, my boy was a little tougher than theirs.

"He's just a boy" Julian came outside.

"Hair pulling and hitting isn't okay."

"You like it when I do it to you." He grabbed my waist and kissed my head.

I rolled my eyes and looked at him, "I'm being serious."

"I know. I'm sorry." He laughed. "Join us inside. Let's round em up."

"Good luck" I scoffed. "Everett will throw a tantrum immediately."

"Everett! Owen! Come on!" Julian shouted. To my surprise, they raced over, "Let's get some snacks and settle down a little."

"Fish" Everett said.

"Goldfish it is. Owen? How bout you? Any requests?" Julian lead them inside and I followed.

"Fish!" Owen yelled.

I sat on the couch next to Noah and sighed.
"My kid is mean to your kid."

"They're boys. I don't hear him crying" Noah laughed and nudged me. "He tougher than he looks."

"I don't want my kid to be the bully. He gets it from his dad. I swear" I rolled my eyes.

"They're young. He's got a lot of learning to do." Chase laughed.

Everett came over with his container of goldfish. He climbed on the couch and sat beside me, leaving no room for Julian.

"Well.. I wanted to sit by mom." Julian said.

"My mom."

"Can you make room?"

"No my mom. You sit." He pointed at the ground and shoveled goldfish into his mouth, not budging.

Julian grabbed my hand and pulled me up, taking my spot and sitting me on his lap. I laughed and kissed his cheek.

"My mom!" Everett whined.

"Shh" I kissed his cheek too.

I loved this. I never thought I would. But being a mom and a wife has fulfilled my life in ways I couldn't imagine. My boys make everyday special.

When we found out we were pregnant, I was terrified. Julian wasn't at all. He was so happy and immediately started buying things. Then Noah and chase said they were adopting and had a family already lined up.

Everett is older by 7 months, but having them close in age and not being totally alone made the transition so much easier for both of us.

Owen sat in Chase's lap, putting goldfish into his shirt pocket and giggling. While Everett was feeding Julian what looked like very wet goldfish.

"Gross" I laughed.

"You eat it. I don't want it" Julian laughed and turned his head.

Life was absolutely perfect.

"Alright give loves." Noah said, "we gotta go meet gramma for dinner."

Owen hopped down and came over, hugging me. I lifted him up and squeezed him.
"Love you"

"Love you" he smiled. "Bye bye."

"Bye buddy. Don't have too much fun" Julian ruffled his curly blonde hair.

They said their goodbyes, leaving us to ourselves. I stole Noah's spot, draping my legs over Julian's lap.

"I love you" Julian said, rubbing my legs.

I smiled, "I love you."

This was perfect. Life was perfect. Blissful.