Love Beyond Measures [Book 2]

Chapter VIII: Dressing Up For Polaroids And Cigarettes

Johnny’s POV

“Could we get this for Aunt Ali?” Samantha asked, her eyes wide with excitement as she held up a colourful Rapunzel doll. The doll’s long blonde hair shimmered under the bright supermarket lights, and Sam’s face lit up in anticipation. She was practically bouncing on her toes as she waited for her parents' response.

The four of them were at their local supermarket, wandering the aisles in search of the perfect birthday gift for Aunt Ali. Her birthday was on Sunday, and the pressure of finding something special was starting to mount. They had already browsed through various aisles filled with chocolates, flowers, and books, but nothing had quite felt right—until now, at least according to Sam.

Daniel glanced over at his daughter, raising an eyebrow. “Are you sure you want to get that for Ali or for yourself?” he teased, knowing Sam had a tendency to pick gifts she secretly wanted for herself.

Samantha grinned mischievously, crossing her arms over her chest and giving a dramatic little shrug. “Well, maybe I want it too,” she admitted, not bothering to hide her own desire for the doll.

Johnny, standing beside Daniel, laughed softly. He gave Sam a playful eye roll before shaking his head. “Sure, Princess, you can have it,” he said, his voice full of affection.

Sam let out a delighted squeal, snatching the doll from the shelf as though it might disappear if she didn’t grab it fast enough. Hugging it tightly to her chest, she twirled in a small circle, her excitement contagious.

Daniel nudged Johnny in the shoulder, leaning in closer so the kids wouldn’t overhear. “Y'know, you can say no to them once in a while,” he whispered, half-joking but also knowing Johnny’s soft spot for their kids all too well.

“Yeah, I know,” Johnny whispered back with a grin. “It’s just... I can’t say no when Sam gives me those adorable puppy eyes.”

Daniel chuckled, shaking his head. “It’s not that hard, trust me.”

Meanwhile, Robby and Sam had already bolted down the next aisle, their laughter echoing through the store. They ran hand in hand, dodging displays and weaving between other shoppers, fully absorbed in their little world.

They screeched to a stop at the candy aisle, their eyes lighting up at the sight of rows and rows of sugary treats. Robby glanced over his shoulder at his parents, a mischievous smirk creeping onto his face. Turning back to the shelves, he grabbed a packet of Twizzlers and held it up.

“Dad, could I have these Twizzlers?” Robby asked, trying his best to sound innocent as if this were the most reasonable request in the world.

Daniel let out an exasperated sigh, placing his hands on his hips. “Didn’t we just buy you some a couple of days ago?”

“I promise I won’t ask for anything else,” Robby said, his voice taking on a pleading tone as he gave Daniel his best ‘puppy dog’ look.

Johnny, already watching the exchange unfold, glanced knowingly at Daniel, who was clearly about to give in. With a slight smirk, Johnny shook his head. “Okay, fine, but nothing else,” Daniel conceded. “We actually have to get something for your aunt, remember?”

Robby’s face lit up as if he had just won the lottery. Without wasting a second, he threw not one but three packets of Twizzlers into the shopping cart. “Thanks!” he chirped, flashing his dad a triumphant grin.

Daniel shot Johnny a look, his expression a mix of exasperation and amusement. “Shut up,” he muttered under his breath, turning on his heel and walking ahead.

Johnny chuckled softly, easily catching up to Daniel in a few quick strides. “We have to stop bringing the kids shopping with us,” Johnny remarked, sliding his arm around Daniel’s waist as they walked side by side.