Chenford family

A little extre love

Lucy sat curled up on the couch, a blanket wrapped around her as she tried to relax, though the dull ache in her belly made it difficult. She heard Tim herding the boys out the door, their excited voices echoing through the hallway as they asked where they were going.

Tim- We're on a special mission, guys. Gotta make Mom feel better today.

The boys exchanged curious looks as they climbed into the car, their questions coming rapid-fire as Tim buckled them in.

Alexander- Why doesn't Mommy feel good? Did she fall?

Tayden- Or eat something weird?

Tim chuckled, shaking his head.

Tim- Not exactly, bud. She's just... it's one of those days where she needs a little extra love, okay?

Ethan, seemed to understand, and he nodded, his serious little face deep in thought as they pulled up to the store. Once inside, Tim guided them to the flower section, picking out a cheerful bouquet of yellow and white daisies. He handed each of the boys a flower to hold onto for their mom. He also added a couple of her favorite chocolates, some tea, and a cozy pair of socks.

With their "mission" complete, Tim grabbed dinner on the way back, and they soon piled back into the house, each of the boys carefully holding their flowers.

Inside, Lucy looked up, surprised, as Tim led the boys over, each proudly presenting her with a daisy. Her heart melted as one by one, the boys placed the flowers in her lap, their smiles lighting up her cloudy day.

Lucy- Oh, you guys... that's so sweet of you.

Tim winked at her from behind the boys, his expression a mix of warmth and mischief. Lucy mouthed a silent "thank you" to him as he came over, setting the takeout on the counter.

A little later, after everyone had eaten and the kids were happily playing, Lucy found herself relaxing a bit more. She leaned against Tim, feeling grateful for the simple comfort of his presence. But suddenly, she felt a little hand on her arm and looked down to see Ethan, her (sensitive) five-year-old, looking up at her with big, earnest eyes.

Without a word, he climbed onto the couch and settled himself in her lap, tucking his head against her chest as he wrapped his small arms around her. She could feel the warmth of his little body, the gentle rise and fall of his breathing, and she held him close, feeling her heart swell.

Lucy- Ethan, sweetheart, are you okay?

He looked up at her, his voice soft and matter-of-fact.

Ethan- I'm fine, Mommy. You need cuddles today. Daddy said you need some extra love today.

Lucy's eyes filled with tears as she looked over at Tim, who was watching them with a gentle smile. She blinked quickly, trying not to let the tears fall as she leaned against Tim, holding her son close and feeling more loved than she had in quite some time.

They sat together on the couch, Lucy nestled between Tim and Ethan, the sounds of the other kids playing filling the room as she soaked up every bit of their love, grateful for each sweet, simple moment.

Oliver, their four-year-old, who had been watching his mom and brother with wide eyes, decided he wanted to help too. He trotted over with a soft toy in his arms—a small, well-loved stuffed bear he often slept with—and held it out to Lucy.

Oliver- Here, Mommy. Bear will make you feel better, too.

Lucy's heart melted all over again as she accepted the bear, pressing a kiss to Oliver's head as he leaned in close, giving her a big hug around the neck. His hug lingered, his little face serious as he looked up at her with concern.

Lucy- Thank you, sweetheart. Bear is perfect, just what I needed.

Tim wrapped his arm around her, gently pulling her closer as Oliver returned to his toys, satisfied that he'd done his part. Lucy rested her head on Tim's shoulder, smiling softly as Ethan snuggled close, his tiny fingers gently tracing patterns on her arm.

Tim- Looks like the "extra love" mission was a success.

Lucy laughed quietly, her voice a little thick with emotion, leaning into Tim's warmth. The boys' laughter and chatter drifted around them, and with her family close, Lucy felt a peacefulness settle in, turning her day around entirely.

As they sat together in the cozy calm of the living room, a little figure toddled over to the couch. One-year-old Eliana, with her favorite stuffed bunny tucked under her arm, looked up at her parents and older brother with big, sleepy eyes. She reached up, wordlessly asking to be held.

Tim smiled down at her and reached out, gently lifting her onto his lap. Eliana settled in quickly, nestling against his chest, her little arms clutching her bunny tightly.

It took only a few minutes of being held close before her eyelids grew heavy. Her grip on the bunny softened as she drifted off to sleep, still snuggled close to her dad. Tim adjusted her carefully, brushing a soft kiss on her forehead.

Lucy glanced over at him, a soft smile on her face as she watched him cradle their sleeping daughter.

Lucy- She really is a daddy's girl, isn't she?

Tim grinned, giving Lucy's hand a gentle squeeze.

Tim- Can't say I mind it one bit.

They sat there, snuggled together, as Ethan's soft breathing turned into a steady rhythm, and Oliver, now satisfied with his part in cheering up his mom, settled down on the rug nearby to play. The boys' voices and giggles became background music as the house settled into an unexpected but welcome calm.

Lucy leaned into Tim, soaking in the warmth and quiet joy of the moment, feeling the love and care of her family surround her. Tim gave her hand another squeeze, glancing over with a gentle smile.

Tim- Not a bad day anymore?

Lucy- Nope. Pretty perfect, actually.

In that quiet, peaceful moment, Lucy felt completely at ease. With her family so close and her heart so full, she knew she couldn't have asked for anything more.