~𝙼𝙾𝙳𝙴𝚁𝙽 𝙳𝙰𝚈 𝙱𝙾𝙽𝙽𝙸𝙴 𝙰𝙽𝙳 𝙲𝙻𝚈𝙳𝙴~

𝕔𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕥𝕖𝕣 𝕥𝕨𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕪-𝕥𝕙𝕣𝕖𝕖

The joyous screams of children filled the air as Alex Clay and Opie Maddox ran about in the field, enjoying the carnival games and rides. Bellatrix and Tig watched from a distance, their hearts full as they saw their kids having so much fun. The atmosphere was festive, with music playing and the smell of carnival food wafting through the air.  As the day went on, Bellatrix and Tig joined in on the fun, playing games and indulging in some carnival treats. They rode the Ferris wheel together, the view from the top reminding them of the simple joys in life. Bellatrix won a stuffed animal for Opie, and Tig showed off his skills at the shooting gallery, winning a prize for Alex. As the sun began to set, the carnival lights illuminated the sky, casting a magical glow over the scene. Bellatrix and Tig held hands, watching their kids laugh and play.

Tig glanced at his sleeping children in the back seat, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. He reached over and gently brushed a stray lock of hair from Bellatrix's face, marveling at how peaceful she looked when she slept. The day had been long, but seeing his family happy made it all worth it.He started the car and began the drive home, the quiet hum of the engine lulling him into a sense of contentment. As they neared the Trager estate, he reached over and clasped Bellatrix's hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze.
***

As the car came to a stop, Alex Clay and Opie Maddox began to stir in their car seats. Tig turned off the engine, and the quiet hum of the car was replaced by the sounds of the evening—crickets chirping, a gentle breeze rustling the leaves. Bellatrix turned around from the front passenger seat to check on the kids. "Hey, you two sleepyheads, we're home," she said with a smile. Alex Clay rubbed his eyes and yawned, while Opie Maddox stretched her arms and legs, blinking sleepily. Tig unbuckled his seatbelt and turned to the backseat. "You guys ready to go inside?" he asked, already anticipating the chaos that would ensue once they were all inside the house. Alex Clay and Opie Maddox nodded, excited to be home after a long day out. Tig chuckled and opened the car door, stepping out into the driveway. Bellatrix followed suit, and together, they helped the kids out of their car seats and headed towards the front door, the lights of their home welcoming them back.
*

As the children walked into their bedrooms, Bellatrix and Tig decided it was time for bathtime. Opie Maddox headed to the bathroom first, eager to splash around in the tub. Bellatrix filled the tub with warm water and added a few drops of lavender oil to help her relax.Meanwhile, Tig helped Alex Clay get ready for his bath. He ran the water and tested the temperature, making sure it was just right. Alex Clay jumped in, grabbing his toy boats and submarines, ready for an adventure in the soapy sea.Bellatrix and Tig took turns supervising bathtime, enjoying the sound of their children's laughter echoing through the house. After bathtime, the kids were squeaky clean and ready for bed. Bellatrix read them a bedtime story, while Tig tucked them in and kissed them goodnight.
*

"How do you think they'll react when there's another baby in the house" said Bellatrix

Tig grinned at the thought. "I think they'll be over the moon. Opie Maddox has been asking for a baby brother or sister for ages. It'll be an adjustment, but I think they'll love having a new little one to dote on." Bellatrix nodded, her eyes shining with excitement at the prospect of expanding their family. "I can't wait to see their faces when we tell them," she said, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips.
*

The warm evening air wrapped around them, the sounds of the crickets creating a soothing symphony. Bellatrix leaned her head against Tig's shoulder, her hand resting on her stomach. "I love nights like this," she murmured, gazing out at the darkening sky. Tig nodded, his arm around her, pulling her close. "Me too, babe. It's moments like these that make all the chaos worth it," he said softly. They sat in comfortable silence, the world around them fading away as they enjoyed the peace of the moment.

***

 Bellatrix slowly opened her eyes, the remnants of the dream still lingering in her mind. She blinked a few times, adjusting to the dim light filtering through the curtains.

 As she sat up, she realized she was back in her own bed, the familiar surroundings of her bedroom coming into focus.Next to her, Tig stirred, his eyes fluttering open. 

He looked at her, a sleepy smile on his face. "Morning, beautiful," he murmured, reaching out to brush a strand of hair from her face. Bellatrix smiled back, feeling a sense of contentment wash over her."Morning, Tiggy," she replied, leaning in to kiss him softly.

 As they cuddled in bed, the dream already starting to fade from her memory, Bellatrix couldn't help but feel grateful for the love and happiness she had in her life. She knew that no matter what challenges they faced, as long as they were together, they could overcome anything. Bellatrix sat up, the weight of the dream lingering heavily on her chest. She glanced at the empty side of the bed where her children should have been, but it was just her and Tig. 

The ache of longing for a child, one that was real and not just a dream, gnawed at her.Tig noticed the change in her demeanor and pulled her into his arms. "You okay, Trixie?" he asked, concern etched on his face.Bellatrix nodded, trying to push away the sadness. "Just a dream," she muttered, not wanting to burden him with her yearning for something they couldn't have.Tig held her tighter, knowing her pain even if she didn't voice it. 

He whispered words of comfort, promising her that they were enough for each other, even if their family wasn't what they had imagined.Bellatrix leaned into his embrace, grateful for his love and understanding. Deep down, she knew he was right, but the ache of unfulfilled dreams still lingered.