Pulse of the Beat

CHAPTER 36: The Family We Choose

Helloooo guys

There's not much to say, so...

Enjoy this long chapter and don't forget to thank me for it, cuz it's a little different than usual, just enjoy it!!!❤️😶‍🌫️😽

The soft hum of the coffee maker filled the kitchen as Tim shuffled around in his usual half-awake state. The sun had barely risen, casting a gentle glow through the kitchen window, but the chaos of their morning routine was already in full swing. The house was alive with the sounds of children's laughter, the clinking of utensils, and the soft babbling of their youngest, Lena.

Tim rubbed his eyes, trying to clear the sleep from his mind as he bent down to pick up a sock from the living room floor. The place was an explosion of toys, books, and half-eaten snacks—proof that their little ones had already begun their day with boundless energy. But there was no time for tidying up now. Not when Lena was demanding attention and Ethan and Emma were already well into their "sentence practice."

Tim straightened up, stretching his back with a groan, only to be greeted by a chuckle from the doorway.

"Rough night?" Lucy's voice was warm, teasing, as she walked past him, carrying a sleepy Lena in her arms.

Tim glanced at her with a mock glare. "I don't think I'll ever get used to this," he muttered, but the smile tugging at the corner of his lips betrayed him. "You know, it's supposed to be my day off, right?"

Lucy grinned and raised an eyebrow. "We both know that 'day off' doesn't really exist anymore."

He sighed dramatically, though his eyes softened as he looked down at Lena, who was reaching up with chubby hands, clearly wanting her daddy's attention. "Can you at least teach her to say 'Dad'?" he asked, crouching down to Lena's level, holding out his arms. "I've been trying for months. Maybe today's the day."

Lena giggled, her tiny hands grabbing at his face as she babbled happily. "Mama," she cooed, her voice soft and sweet.

Tim's face dropped in mock horror. "I swear she's plotting against me," he muttered, earning a laugh from both Lucy and Tamara, who had just entered the kitchen, her hands full of breakfast preparations.

Tamara flashed Tim a sympathetic smile. "Looks like she's already outnumbered you, big guy."

"I can see that," Tim grumbled, his heart light with affection despite the teasing. "Three girls. One guy. And I'm supposed to be the head of this house?"

Lucy rolled her eyes, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Oh, Tim, it's adorable how you think that."

Tamara chuckled as she set the plate of scrambled eggs down on the counter. "Don't worry, Tim. We all know who wears the pants around here."

"Funny," Tim said dryly, "I don't remember wearing any pants this morning."

That earned a snicker from Tamara as she and Lucy exchanged knowing glances. The three of them had long passed the stage where any of them could take Tim's grumbles seriously. After all, he was the one who doted on their kids, the one who could hardly bear to leave for work without giving everyone a hug, and the one who always found a way to help out—whether it was changing diapers or fixing broken toys. But still, he liked to pretend that he was in charge, especially when he was outnumbered by his girls.

Lena, now reaching for the plate of food on the counter, babbled again, making a happy gurgling sound. Lucy smiled, adjusting Lena in her arms. "I think she's more interested in breakfast than in calling you 'Dad,'" Lucy said, her voice filled with amusement.