To Love Kris

Epilogue

The house that Kris and Finn once moved into as young lovers had grown right along with their family. Its walls now carried the stories of quiet mornings, late-night dancing, and years of laughter. But it wasn't just the two of them anymore—two little souls now filled the rooms with their endless energy and joy.

Kris stood in the living room, tying the shoelaces of their six-year-old daughter, Ellie. "Hold still, sweetheart," she said, smiling as Ellie squirmed.

"I am holding still!" Ellie giggled, clearly not.

Across the room, Finn was trying—unsuccessfully—to convince their three-year-old son, Jamie, to wear shoes at all. The little boy's hair stuck up in wild curls, and he was currently holding one of his sneakers hostage.

"Jamie, come on, buddy," Finn said, half-laughing, half-sighing. "You need shoes if we're going to the park."

"No shoes!" Jamie declared with a pout, clutching his sneaker like a prized possession.

Kris shook her head fondly. "You're losing this one," she teased, looking up from Ellie.

Finn grinned over their shoulder, undeterred. "I never lose. I strategize." Then they crouched down dramatically in front of Jamie. "What if... the shoes are superpowers? You put them on, and boom! Fastest kid in the park."

Jamie's eyes widened. "Super fast?"

"Lightning," Finn whispered conspiratorially, holding up the sneakers. "But only if you wear both."

After a moment of consideration, Jamie nodded with determination. "Okay."

As Kris laughed, watching Finn slip the shoes onto Jamie's tiny feet, she felt a wave of gratitude crash over her. This life—this wild, beautiful chaos—was everything she had ever dreamed of.

The Jeep was still their trusty companion, though it now carried snack-stuffed bags, a few stray toys, and a sticky sippy cup or two. They drove to the park, with Ellie and Jamie singing along (mostly off-key) to a children's song that had been on repeat for weeks. Kris leaned back in her seat, catching Finn's eye and sharing a look—half-exasperated, half-amused.

When they reached the park, Ellie sprinted toward the playground with Jamie close behind, his "super-speed" sneakers in full effect. Finn wrapped an arm around Kris as they watched their kids play, their fingers laced together.

"They're getting so big," Kris whispered, resting her head on Finn's shoulder.

"I know," Finn murmured, pressing a kiss to her temple. "It's going too fast."

They stood like that for a while, quietly savoring the moment—the sun warm on their skin, the sound of Ellie's laughter carried by the breeze, and Jamie proudly announcing his newfound speed to anyone who would listen.

Back home, the house buzzed with the familiar bedtime routine—bath time bubbles, bedtime stories, and the occasional sibling squabble. Kris tucked Jamie in first, brushing the curls off his forehead and kissing his cheek.

"Night, baby," she whispered.

Jamie gave her a sleepy grin, clutching his stuffed animal close. "Love you, Mama."

Kris's heart melted. "Love you too, little man."

In the other room, Finn was sitting on the edge of Ellie's bed, reading her favorite book for what had to be the hundredth time. Kris stood in the doorway, leaning against the frame as she listened.

When the story ended, Ellie yawned and snuggled deeper into her blankets. "Can we go to the park again tomorrow?"

Finn tucked the blankets around her with a gentle smile. "Of course, sweetheart."

Kris stepped inside, sitting beside Finn and brushing Ellie's hair back from her face. "Sleep tight, baby girl."

Ellie smiled drowsily, her eyes already fluttering shut. "Night, Mama. Night, Papa."

Finn leaned down and kissed Ellie's forehead. "Goodnight, love."

Once both kids were asleep, Kris and Finn retreated to the living room, collapsing onto the couch in a tangle of limbs. The house was finally quiet, and for a moment, they just lay there together, breathing in the stillness.

Finn traced circles on the back of Kris's hand, their wedding rings glinting faintly in the dim light. "We did good, didn't we?" they whispered.

Kris smiled, her heart full. "Yeah," she whispered back, pressing a kiss to Finn's cheek. "We really did."

Finn shifted, cupping her face gently. "I love you," they murmured, brushing their nose against hers.

Kris's smile deepened as she kissed them softly. "I love you too."

The life they had built—full of love, laughter, and little moments like this—was more than either of them could have dreamed. And as they lay there together, Kris knew, without a doubt, that they had found forever.