Love Lasts Forever

surprise

I stand in the living room, soaking in the beautiful chaos that our home has become. Taylor and Nico, with their curly hair bouncing, are twirling around the coffee table, giggling wildly. "Look, Mommy! We're dancing!" Taylor beams, while Nico imitates her, arms flailing with infectious enthusiasm.

"Dance! Dance!" Demi shouts, raising a play microphone—a purple plastic thing she refuses to let go of since the moment it entered our lives. I can hardly take my eyes off her as she stands on the couch, belting out an improvised tune that sounds suspiciously like the theme song from her favorite cartoon.

"Demi, sweetheart, can you keep it down a bit?" I chuckle, glancing toward the twins. They don't seem to hear me over their giggles and the impromptu concert.

"Fighting!" I hear a cry from the floor. Sabrina and Victor are indeed locked in a gentle tug-of-war, both gripping a large teddy bear. Their faces are scrunched up in concentration. "Mine!" Sabrina squeals.

"No! Mine!" Victor counters, the determination in his tiny voice making me laugh.

I crouch down beside them, fighting back my urge to come to the rescue. "Alright, my lovely little bears, let's share. How about we take turns?"

Victor glances at me with wide blue eyes, but then he reaches out, his chubby fingers loosening their grasp just slightly. "Share!" he echoes, so innocent, so sweet.

"That's right, sweetheart!" I help them both to let go. "You can give it a hug together!"

As they clumsily wrap their arms around the teddy bear, Taylor and Nico have now decided to incorporate their own instrumental accompaniment—using the couch cushions as drums and bongo boards. The sound is delightful, even amidst the chaos.

"Harper! Are you still there?" Charlie calls from the kitchen, where I can see some smoke curling from our stovetop. He rushes in, wiping his hands on a towel. "How is it...?" His question trails off as he takes in the scene.

"Welcome to the circus!" I laugh. "How's dinner coming? If I even have to ask, we might be in trouble."

"Dinner is... cooking!" He smiles sheepishly. "I have something special planned." He looks at me with a twinkle in his eye.

"Do you now? After I survive this?" I can't help but tease. "You know I need some serious reward for handling this beautifully chaotic ensemble!"

"Alright, calm down! How about I take you out instead?" Charlie suggests, glancing at the kids. "Tonight, you and me. I'm thinking Italian?"

"Wait, really? At that new place by the park? With the outdoor seating?" My heart skips a beat. "You know how I've wanted to check it out!"

"Yes! We'll drop the kids off with Grandma for a couple hours. Just you and me. A real date! I'll take care of everything," he assures me, that charming grin on his face that always gets me.

"Is this a joke?" I narrow my eyes, half-laughing. "You're not going to turn back into the chef from hell?"

"Nah, I'm retiring that title for the night," he beams, and I can see the excited glimmer in his eyes. "What do you think?"

"I think you're amazing." I give him an appreciative nod, my heart swelling with gratitude and love. "The kids are going to have a blast at Grandma's."

"Great! I'll finish up dinner and call her," he says, peeking at the whirlwind that is our living room. "You... think you can keep them entertained for just a bit longer?"

"Consider it a rehearsal for my next solo concert!" I return to Demi and scoop her into my arms. "Now, let's break out the dance moves, ladies and gentlemen!"

As Taylor and Nico spin back into the mix, and Sabrina and Victor join in with their giggles, I look at Charlie. This is our life—hectic, but filled with love. And tonight, it looks like we might just get a moment or two to ourselves.