Tangled Hearts.

~Chapter 74~

~Colby~
~June 1st 2025~

The past year with Emily as my wife has been nothing short of magical. From the moment I wake up to her angelic voice singing softly as she tidies our room, my heart is filled with a warmth and contentment I never knew possible.

The way she floats around the kitchen, effortlessly whipping up a delicious breakfast spread while stealing glances and smiles in my direction - it's moments like these that make me thank god for bringing this incredible woman into my life.

Her gentle touch and soothing words have gotten me through some of my darkest times when the tension with my father over her vampire heritage weighs heavy.

Yet Emily never wavers, her love for me shining through as she wraps her arms around me and reminds me that we'll get through this together. With her by my side, I feel invincible, like I can conquer any obstacle.

I'm in awe as I watch her seamlessly transition from doting wife to nurturing mother, her patience endless as she tends to Blake and Aspen. The kids simply adore her, as does the rest of the gang - Sam, Jake, Corey, Devyn, Tara, and her sister Isa. Emily's warmth and generosity extend to cooking enormous feasts that bring everyone together like one big happy family.

~

I woke up with Emily in my arms, her wavy copper brown hair framing her beautiful face. As I gently brushed it aside, her stunning silver eyes fluttered open. "Good morning, Emmy," I whispered with a smile.

"Good morning, hubby," she replied softly, snuggling closer. "Can you believe it's been a whole year already?"

We shared a laugh, reminiscing about the chaotic night with Blake's nightmares and little Brynlee's refusal to sleep. But in the end, we all settled down peacefully.

After some playful banter and cuddles, we reluctantly got up, slipping into our comfy sweats. We quickly washed our faces, applying our facial cleansers and moisturizers.

"Looking fresh, babe," I complimented Emily, admiring her glowing complexion.

"Right back at you, handsome," she winked, leaning in to plant a kiss on my cheek.

Once we were done getting dressed and our faces were cleansed for the day, we headed into Aspen's room as we heard giggles wrapped as we walked into the room. "Mama! Dada!" Aspen squealed, bouncing excitedly in her crib as we entered her nursery.

"There's my little princess!" I cooed, scooping her up and peppering her chubby little cheeks with kisses. She giggled delightfully, her tiny hands grasping at my face.

Blake rushed in, clinging to Emily's legs. "Happy anniversary mommy and Colby!" he exclaimed with a grin.

Emily chuckled, ruffling his hair. "Thanks, buddy. Now let's get your sister ready for the day."

I gently set Aspen on the changing table and grabbed her favorite bunny onesie. "Who's the cutest little bunny in the whole world?" I asked in a silly voice, slipping the soft fabric over her wiggly body.

"That's me!" Blake piped up, making us all laugh.

Once Aspen was dressed, Emily scooped her up. "Alright, troops, let's head downstairs and see what the others are up to."

As we descended the stairs, I heard the familiar chatter of our roommates in the living room. "Incoming cuteness overload!" I announced dramatically.

Katrina was the first to spot us. "Well, if it isn't the anniversary couple and their adorable kiddos!" Katrina gushed, rushing over to coo at Aspen.

I puffed out my chest playfully. "That's right, we're the stars of the show today!"

Emily rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "Don't let it go to your head, babe."