12-Emily and Xander- see dad run

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by Ameliashepherdwife

by Ameliashepherdwife

Emily's heart raced as she watched Xander chase after their three-year-old twins, Lily and Max. The park was a chaotic swirl of laughter, squeals, and tiny sneakers pounding against the grass. Parenthood had never been part of Emily's grand plan, but here she was—sweat-soaked and breathless, trying to keep up.

"Xander!" Emily called, her voice half-amused, half-desperate. "Don't let them climb that tree!"

Xander grinned, his sandy hair tousled. "Too late!" He scooped up Max, who clung to his leg like a determined koala. "Tree-climbing champions, right here!"

Lily, the more cautious of the two, tugged at Emily's hand. "Mommy, look! I found a ladybug!"

Emily crouched down, admiring the tiny red-and-black insect on Lily's palm. "That's amazing, sweetheart. Ladybugs bring good luck, you know."

Lily's eyes widened. "Really?"

"Absolutely." Emily winked. "Now, let's find Daddy before he gets himself stuck in another tree."

They spotted Xander near the swing set, pushing Max higher and higher. Max's giggles echoed through the air, and Emily's heart swelled. Parenthood might be messy, but it was also magical.

As the sun dipped lower, casting a warm glow over the playground, Emily sat on a bench, watching her family. Xander had always been the adventurous one—the guy who'd convinced her to go skydiving on their third date. But now, with kids in the mix, his daredevil spirit had found a new outlet.

"Mommy," Lily said, tugging at Emily's sleeve, "can we have ice cream?"

Emily laughed. "You and your sweet tooth, just like Daddy." She glanced at Xander, who was now spinning Max around in circles. "Sure, let's get some ice cream."

They walked hand in hand to the ice cream truck, Lily chattering about flavors and Max pointing at every passing dog. Xander joined them, his face flushed from the exertion.

"Tree-climbing champions need fuel," he declared, ordering three scoops of chocolate chip cookie dough.

As they sat on a bench, sticky fingers and laughter all around, Emily felt a surge of gratitude. Xander might not have been part of her original life plan, but he was the missing piece—the one who made her world brighter, messier, and infinitely more beautiful.

"Hey," Xander said, nudging her shoulder, "we're doing okay, right?"

Emily leaned into him, their shoulders touching. "Better than okay. We're a team."

He kissed her temple, and for a moment, the chaos of parenting faded. It was just the two of them—the couple who'd once danced at midnight in a crowded bar, who'd whispered secrets under starlit skies.

"See Dad run," Xander murmured, nodding toward Max, who was now attempting to climb the slide. "I wouldn't trade this for anything."

Emily agreed. Parenthood was a wild ride, full of scraped knees, bedtime stories, and unexpected ladybugs. But in Xander's eyes, she saw the promise of forever—a love that could weather tantrums, spilled juice boxes, and even tree-climbing escapades.

And as the sun dipped below the horizon, Emily squeezed Xander's hand, grateful for every messy, beautiful moment.