You Keep Me Steady (A fK&C Fanfic)

Chapter 9

Joel's POV

I wake up the next morning around eight. The girls won't be up for a while. I decide to make a run to IHOP to pick up some breakfast.

I quickly change my clothes and walk downstairs. All four girls are awake, but looking pretty rough.

"And how long were you four up, my lovely?" I ask Andria. "Uh all night," she mumbles. I shake my head, "What did I tell you?" She nods, "I know Joel, you wanted us to sleep. I'm sorry." I smile, "It's okay, love. You four take a power nap, and I'll go get some breakfast." She nods. The four of them lay down, yawning.

I leave the house and drive to IHOP. I pick up a ton of pancakes, and drive back to the house. On my way home, Moriah calls me.

"Hello love," I smile, picking up the phone. "How's it going, dear?" She asks. "The girls were up all night. Jude was really wild too. Luke had a hard time putting him to bed," I tell her.

"I'll be home by lunch, okay? Keep the house in one piece?" She teases. "I will, darling. See you soon. Be careful," I say. "I will. Love you," she replies. "Love you," I smile, hanging up.

I get back to the house, and see Libby, Luke, and the boys. The girls are now sound asleep. I gesture for those awake to follow me into the kitchen, and I shut the door.

"I brought pancakes!" I exclaim. Jude smiles, "Yay! Pancakes are my favorite. You know that, don't you, Uncle Joel?" I nod, "I did know that, bud. Help yourselves. There's enough for the girls when they wake up."

"How late we're they up last night?" Luke asks. "I came down at eight this morning, and they were awake, but barely," I reply. "It was their first sleepover," Libby reminds us.

"Daddy, we gonna see momma today?" Jude asks. "Mhm. We sure will, bud. Auntie Moriah will make some lunch, and then we'll go see mom, okay?" Luke replies. "'Kay!" Jude says happily, taking another bite of his pancakes.

"What are the girls going to do today?" Libby asks. I shrug, "I'm not sure. Whatever they want. Once they wake up, if they want to go to the movies or the mall, they can." She smiles, "That's a good idea, big bro."

After breakfast, Luke puts a sticky Phoenix and Jude in the bathtub. I sit and chat with Libby. After the boys' bath, the girls wake up, still looking tired, but better than they did this morning.

"Good morning, lovelies! How was your nap?" I ask. "It was good. What did you get for breakfast?" Andria asks, jumping up. She grabs her friends' hands and helps them up.

"I got some pancakes, you'll need to heat them up," I tell them. The four of them nod, and walk into the kitchen.

While Lucy heats them up, Andria pours glasses of milk. Wren and Eden get out plates, silverware, and syrup.

Jude runs into the kitchen, "Ari! You're awake! I missed you!" Andi leans down and hugs him, "Good morning bud. How did you sleep?" Jude grins, "Good."

Luke enters the room, carrying Phoenix, who is tugging at his curls. "Stop!" Luke bats his hand away. "Good morning girls," He says, waving at the girls.

Lucy helps Eden put some pancakes on each plate. "Good morning Luke!" Wren exclaims. Andria looks down at her feet, "Sorry for staying up all night, Luke." He chuckles, "It's all good, lovely."

The girls eat their pancakes. "So Joel, what are the plans for the rest of today?" Andi asks curiously. "Do you wanna go to the movies, or the mall?" I reply.

"You guys wanna see Moana?" Lucy asks excitedly. "Yes! I've been waiting for that one!" Eden agrees. "Then let's do it!" Wren says. Andi nods, "Can we see Moana, Joel?"