Tangled Hearts.

~Chapter 72~

~Emily~

~October 31st 2023~

The soft morning sun filtered through our bedroom window, casting a warm glow on Colby and me. We exchanged sleepy smiles, our hearts filled with anticipation for the Halloween fun that lay ahead. Matching pumpkin-themed pajamas lay neatly on the bed, a tradition we had started since I was pregnant with Aspen. As we slipped into the cozy fabric, I couldn't help but feel a sense of comfort and joy.

"Ready for some Halloween fun?" Colby asked, his eyes twinkling with excitement.

"Absolutely," I replied, my smile widening. "Let's get Aspen ready first."

I made my way to Aspen's nursery, where the little one was already awake, babbling happily in her crib. I picked her up, giving her a gentle kiss on the forehead before laying her on the changing table.

Carefully dressing her in her adorable pumpkin costume, complete with a tiny hat, I couldn't resist cooing, "Look at you, my little pumpkin!" Aspen giggled, her infectious laughter filling the room.

Meanwhile, Colby took Blake downstairs, the enticing aroma of pumpkin spiced pancakes filling the air. The trap house crew was already gathered around the kitchen island, their chatter and laughter creating a lively atmosphere. I joined them shortly after, Aspen in my arms. As I placed her in her high chair, I couldn't help but feel a wave of love and gratitude for the wonderful friends and family we had.

"So, what costumes are we all wearing tonight?" I asked, taking a bite of my pancake.

The table erupted with excitement as everyone shared their costume plans. We had a different idea for costumes this year. The boys would all be angels and we girls would all be devils and then Blake would be Kylo Ren, and Aspen would be our little Minnie Mouse.

"Wow, we're going to look amazing!" Isa exclaimed, clapping her hands together. "I can't wait to see everyone's costumes."

As we ate, the conversation flowed easily, filled with laughter and playful banter. We shared stories of past Halloweens, each memory more hilarious than the last.

"Remember the time Corey tried to scare us all with that fake spider?" Sam said, chuckling.

"Oh man, I thought Tara was going to jump out of her skin!" Jake laughed.

"Hey, that spider looked real!" Tara defended herself, laughing along with them.

After breakfast, we all pitched in to clean up the kitchen. Blake and Aspen played in the living room, their laughter echoing through the house. Once the kitchen was spotless, we gathered in the living room to finalize our plans for the day.

"So, what's the plan?" I asked, looking around at my friends.

"We'll carve pumpkins in the afternoon," Sam suggested. "That after, get ready for trick-or-treating, then will come back and have some family moving marathons!"

"Sounds perfect," Colby agreed. "Blake, are you excited to go trick-or-treating?"

"Yes! I can't wait to get all the candy," Blake said, his eyes shining with excitement.

"Just remember to share with your little sister," I reminded him, smiling.

"Of course, Mom," Blake said, nodding earnestly.

After breakfast, we decided it would be fun to have a pumpkin carving contest. Everyone was in their Halloween pajamas, and the excitement for the day was palpable. It was going to be a couples contest: Sam and Katrina, Devyn and Corey, Jake and Tara, and then there was me, Emily, with Colby, Aspen, and Blake. Who could make the best classic jack-o'-lantern? The challenge was on!