Love Lasts Forever

a new home

The sun streams in through the curtains, illuminating the chaos that has become our penthouse. Boxes labeled "kitchen," "toys," and "miscellaneous" are stacked in every corner like towering monuments to our impending move. I glance up at the clock and feel my stomach drop. We're running behind schedule, and that's not even accounting for the fact that I now have three little ones to wrangle.

"Charlie!" I call, trying to keep a semblance of calm while nursing little Tay on one side and bouncing Nico in my other arm. "Are you, like, anywhere near ready?"

"Just a sec!" Charlie shouts from the bedroom, his voice quickly overshadowed by a round of jubilant giggles from Demi, who's evidently decided that now is a great time to explore the top of the sofa like it's Mount Everest.

"Demi! Come here, princess!" I plead, shifting Tay and trying to settle Nico into a more comfortable position on my hip.

"Wheee!" Demi squeals, oblivious to my distress as she teeters, arms outstretched as if she's about to take flight.

"You are a wild one!" I say as I rush over to her, my heart racing. Grabbing her tiny arms, I gently guide her down, her laughter spilling like musical notes through the cluttered room. "How about we help Mummy pack, hm?"

"Help!" she shouts, her cherubic face lighting up at the prospect.

"Yes, help!" I echo, still a bit frazzled, but grateful for her enthusiasm. "But first, how about we get you into your shoes?"

She pouts, her little lips forming a perfect 'O.' "No shoes!"

"Demi," I say, my tone bearing the weight of all the tiredness swirling inside me. "You can't go outside without shoes. We're moving to a new house, and I don't want you to get hurt. Plus, you know what? There's a garden!"

Her eyes widen like saucers. "Garden!" She jumps up and down, her previous resistance forgotten.

"Exactly! A beautiful garden where you can run and play 'til your heart's content, but not barefoot!"

"Okay, Mummy!" She holds up her tiny arms, wanting me to lift her, and I oblige, merging her to my side. "Where my shoes?"

"Right over here, my little explorer." I dip into our chaotic pile of forgotten items and pull out her bright pink sandals, sliding them onto her tiny feet. "Look at you; you're ready for an adventure!"

"Yay!" she squeals with delight.

"Harper!" Charlie reappears, breathless but smiling, adjusting his slightly messy blond hair. "I found the last of our clothes! Are the kids ready?"

I glance down at the two babies, who seem in a remarkably peaceful state for once. "I think we're just about there. Just need to get them in the car without a meltdown."

"Oh boy," he chuckles, rubbing the back of his neck. "Let me take care of the carseat situation."

"Thank you!" I dash to our bedroom to grab the last box, glancing at the clock again. "Charlie! We need to leave now!"

"Alright, alright!" He runs back into the room, and I pause for a second to catch my breath.

"Can you grab the little ones while I carry this?" I shout over my shoulder.

"Sure! I've got them!"

As I jostle my way back to the living room, I see Charlie, miraculously, strapping Tay into his car seat. But then I see the other battle: Demi, wide-eyed and shuffling around like a little sheep, completely unrestrained.

"Demi! Come back!" I cry, rushing over just as she reaches for the end table, using it as leverage to climb up.

"I want to sit!" she declares, arms crossing in a dramatic fashion, which is quite adorable considering the situation.

"You can sit in the car! I promise!" I negotiate, trying to keep my voice steady.

"Okay!" Demi giggles, surrendering as I scoop her up and tickle her to cheer her on.

"Okay, big girl! Let's get you in," I say, placing her in her car seat next to Tay's.

"Nico, buddy," Charlie calls, juggling Nico like a talented performer. "You're next, my dude!"

"I swear, if this gets any more chaotic—" I laugh, adjusting Demi's straps as she giggles at her brother.

"There we go! All secure," Charlie says proudly, climbing into the front seat.

With one final tickle for each kid, I leap into the back with a sigh of relief.

"Deep breath," Charlie says through the rearview mirror as I glance at his eyes, still filled with that youthful confidence that made me fall in love with him.

Upon arriving at our new house, I am in awe. It sprawls before us, with a modest garden just waiting for our family to bring it to life. "Look at that!" I cry, a smile breaking across my face.

"Whoa," Demi echoes, peering out the window like she's just seen a unicorn. "Garden!"

"We'll be planting flowers and getting a swing set! You'll love it," I assure her, my heart swelling at the thought of our family growing here.

"Alright, team!" Charlie beams as he pulls into the driveway. "Let's explore our new kingdom!"

"Yay!" Demi claps her chubby hands.

Just as we all pile out, I take a momentary glance up at our new home. Its cheerful color and wide windows seem to welcome us like a warm hug. I can feel the excitement bubbling inside me. This place is going to be filled with laughter, love, and memories—some chaotic, undoubtedly, but ours nonetheless.

"Okay, little adventurers," I say, unbuckling Tay and inviting the crew to follow me to the front door, "Let's go discover our new home!"

The kids tumble out behind me, and I can almost hear the whispers of excitement in their laughter. Each step feels like the beginning of a beautiful journey, one filled with everyday mischief and sweet, tender moments in our sweet new abode. And no matter how tangled things may get, I know that with Charlie by my side, we'll navigate it all together.