Pulse of the Beat

CHAPTER 38: The Unexpected Fourth

As I promised...
This time I updated as fast as I could,

one: cuz I had more time
two: I had all my ideas squared away
three: "The Rookie" premiere made me excited to update.

And this chapter is the longest in the history of Wattpad I guess...34,736 words
And as I announced yesterday or the day before, it's something no one would expect,...so ENJOY!

The soft light of the morning filtered through the curtains, casting a warm, golden hue across the bedroom. Lucy stretched, the sensation of the sun's rays waking her up with a familiar, comforting warmth. She glanced over at Tim, who was still lying next to her, his deep breaths a sign of peaceful sleep. A smile tugged at her lips as she rolled over to nudge him awake.

"Tim," she whispered, a playful glint in her eyes. "Morning."

Tim groggily opened one eye, his arm instinctively reaching out to pull her closer. "Mmm... too early," he muttered, burying his face in her hair.

Lucy couldn't help but laugh. "You're gonna regret not getting up now when the kids start running around in full force."

His eyes fluttered open, and he gave her a half-smile. "Alright, alright. I'm up." He stretched, then rubbed his face with his hands, blinking a few times. "What time is it?"

Lucy glanced at the clock on the nightstand. "Just a little past seven. We've got a beach trip today. Let's get moving."

At the mention of the beach, Tim's energy seemed to shift. He sat up immediately, his excitement tangible. "Alright, I'll start packing. You make sure the kids don't destroy the house before we get there."

Lucy laughed and gave him a playful shove. "I'll do my best, but no promises."

Tim grinned, getting out of bed and heading for the door. "You just keep the chaos under control, and I'll handle the sandwiches, sunscreen, and beach toys."

Lucy pulled herself up from bed, groaning slightly as she did. There was a nagging ache in her back that she couldn't quite shake, but she quickly dismissed it. It was probably just from the way she had slept or maybe a muscle tear from all the running around she'd been doing lately. Nothing to worry about, she told herself.

As she made her way to the kitchen, the sounds of chaos began to filter through the house. Ethan and Emma were already bouncing off the walls, their energy uncontainable. The two of them were both excited for the beach, but Emma's excitement was more focused on the fact that they'd get to splash in the ocean and build sandcastles, while Ethan was already planning his inevitable quest for the perfect beach rock collection.

Lucy walked into the kitchen to see Tim already hard at work, packing the cooler with sandwiches, snacks, and drinks, his hands moving with practiced efficiency. He glanced up as she entered.

"Got everything ready for the kids?" she asked, trying to keep her tone light, even as the dull pain in her back intensified for a moment. She stood at the counter, picking at the edge of a fruit basket, trying not to show the slight discomfort.

Tim nodded, looking over the list on his phone. "Sunscreen, check. Towels, check. Beach toys, check. I think we're ready."

Lucy smiled at him, feeling a warm rush of gratitude for how well he always took care of the logistics. "Alright, sounds good. I'll go round up the kids."

The moment Lucy stepped into the living room, chaos greeted her in full force. Lena was in the middle of an impromptu toy-throwing contest with herself, giggling as she tossed stuffed animals in every direction. Ethan and Emma were running in circles, practically tripping over each other as they argued over whose beach bucket was bigger.