Chenford discovering love

Man down

The sun hadn't fully risen yet, but the house was already alive with the sounds of a busy morning. Liv's excited chatter mingled with Harry's occasional fussing, creating a symphony of chaos that Lucy and Tim knew all too well.

Lucy was in the kitchen, juggling breakfast while keeping an eye on Harry, who was happily banging a spoon on his highchair tray. A bowl of mashed banana sat in front of him, more of it on his face than in his mouth. Liv was at the table, coloring enthusiastically on the back of her homework sheet instead of finishing her toast.

"Liv, honey," Lucy called over her shoulder as she flipped an egg in the pan, "you need to eat your toast, not just do your colouring."

"But, Mama, I'm making a masterpiece!" Liv protested, holding up the paper with colorful scribbles all over it.

Lucy sighed, glancing at the clock. "Sweetheart, we don't have time for masterpieces this morning. Finish your breakfast, or you're going to be late for school."

At that moment, Tim walked in, buttoning his shirt and balancing his phone between his shoulder and ear. "Yeah, I'll be there by nine," he was saying, his tone distracted as he looked around for his work bag. "Can you send me the updated schedule? Thanks."

He ended the call and turned to Lucy. "Have you seen my bag? I swear I left it in the hall."

"It's by the stairs," Lucy replied, setting the pan aside and scooping the egg onto a plate. "Can you pack Liv's lunch? I haven't had a chance."

Tim nodded, grabbing a lunchbox from the counter and starting to assemble a sandwich. "Liv, what do you want in your lunch today? Peanut butter or ham?"

"Peanut butter!" Liv shouted, finally taking a bite of her toast.

"Got it," Tim said, spreading the peanut butter quickly. "Where's Harry's daycare bag?"

Lucy pointed toward the living room. "By the couch. I packed it last night—thank God."

Harry, meanwhile, had started fussing in his highchair, flinging his spoon onto the floor. Lucy sighed, grabbing a wet cloth to clean his face. "Okay, little man, let's get you cleaned up."

"Need any help?" Tim asked, sealing Liv's lunchbox and handing it to her.

"I've got him," Lucy replied, though her voice was a little strained. "Can you double-check Liv's backpack? Make sure she didn't sneak any toys in there."

Liv gasped dramatically. "Daddy, don't listen to her! My toys are very important!"

Tim grinned as he unzipped the bag, pulling out a small army of dolls and figurines. "Nice try, Livy," he said, placing them on the counter. "But these aren't coming to school today."

Liv pouted but didn't argue as she slipped off her chair and started putting on her shoes.

Lucy finally managed to clean Harry and lift him out of the highchair, balancing him on her hip as she grabbed her own work bag from the counter. "Alright, Liv, coat on. We're running late."

Tim checked his watch and grabbed his car keys. "I'll drop Liv off at school if you take Harry to daycare?"

Lucy nodded, adjusting Harry on her hip as he nuzzled into her neck. "Deal. Just don't forget Liv's lunch."

Tim scooped up Liv's lunchbox and kissed Lucy quickly on the cheek. "Got it. You're amazing."

"So are you," Lucy replied with a tired smile.

The family rushed out the door in a whirlwind of coats, bags, and hurried goodbyes. As Lucy buckled Harry into his car seat, she took a deep breath, already mentally preparing for the busy day ahead. It wasn't perfect, it wasn't calm, but it was their life—and somehow, they always made it work.