Better in the Long Run

Heaven's Gonna Wait

"Alright where are my trick or treaters?" Two storm troopers and a Taylor Swift look alike came down the stairs.

"Well look at that," Hunter smiled, "you guys look awesome." After the concert, Sutton felt inspired and she said this would possibly be her last Halloween trick or treating. Sam and Hailey came ready to trick or treat while Amy and I handed out candy. We had over fifty trick or treaters and called it a night around nine thirty. The kids dumped several bags of candy on the kitchen table.

"Y'all go upstairs and get ready for bed. You have school tomorrow." I said as Hunter and I began sorting the candy. "Save me those Reese cups," I laughed, "they cannot take those to school anyway." Hunter chuckled and continued dividing the candy. I threw a package of Swedish fish in each of the kids lunch bags and we called it a night.

With the thrill of Halloween over and done, the month of November rolled in and it meant it was time to plan the boys' birthdays. "Easton, Beckett, what were you guys wanting to do for your birthdays?" I asked over dinner. Hunter and I listened as they worked together to pitch the idea of a virtual reality birthday party.

"It's so cool." Beckett said, his grin missing a few baby teeth, "what do you think?" I looked at Hunter.

"If you boys are agreeing on doing your birthday together then I think it's something we can look into booking. What do you think Jen?"

I nodded, "Absolutely. It sounds like a lot of fun. How about you boys get to invite five friends each?" Hunter nodded, "And I will get invitations out once I talk to the place tomorrow. You said it was called Rabbit Hole?" Easton smiled, "Sounds good then." After dinner we took a walk together as the kids rode ahead on the trail on their bikes.

"Who woulda thought a VR party." Hunter smiled, his fingers laced in mine, his other hand holding Millie's leash. "How are the boys eight and ten? This is wild."

"Tell me about it. God, I love them. They're becoming such incredible people." I leaned into Hunter, and he agreed. We headed back toward the house and got ready for the next day. Lunches were packed, homework was double checked and kids were showered. As Hunter and I were doing our rounds for goodnights, lastly, we stopped at Sutton's door and heard her singing. Not to eavesdrop, but we stopped to listen.

"When you cried I'd
wipe away all of your tears
When you'd scream I'd
fight away all of your fears
And I held your hand through
all of these years
But you still have all of me

I've tried so hard to tell myself
that you're gone
But though you're still with me
I've been alone all along"

I tapped on her door, "Hey sweetie, what was that?"

"Yeah, remember that project? It's the song I wrote." She handed me the assignment. She got an A and I read through the whole song, Hunter read over my shoulder.

"Sutton, this is amazing. You wrote this?" She nodded. "You should be very proud." I handed her back the assignment and repeated the praises.

"Love you sweetie." We tucked her in and made our way to bed. I crashed in the bed next to Hunter. After a little pillow talk, we called it a night, recharging for the day ahead.

The first few weeks of November flew by and in a whirlwind, we were setting up for the boys' VR birthday party. "Abbey and Seth are the only kids not here yet," I said to Hunter looking at the name tags, "did you want to take the kids to the video game thing and I'll hang here with Steph?" She nodded, Hunter and the staff person took the kids to the VR room for the party. I called the pizza place to order our lunch, then Steph and I took some time to catch up.

"You have another child in the double digits," she chuckled, "you're old Jen."

"Oh my gosh I know. I can't believe it."

"You still look like you're twenty five. Maybe a few more laugh lines but still gorgeous as ever." I smiled and thanked her as we heard a knock on the door, I turned to see our last two guests.

"Mrs. Hayes? I'm Teresa, Abby and Seth's mom. We're here for Beckett?" She stuttered as I made my way over to her.

"Yeah absolutely. Let me take you over to them. You can set your belongings here." Steph and I lead her over to the room where the kids were wandering around with headphones. Abby looked a little hesitant so I knelt down to her level, "It looks kinda strange doesn't it?" She nodded, biting her lip, "You don't have to wear it if you don't want to. But it's pretty cool." A smile cracked across her face and she hugged her mom before bouncing into the room behind her brother.

"Mrs. Hayes, what time is pick up?"

"Please, call me Jenna," I smiled, she still looked nervous, "pick up is three assuming we can pry the kids out of here." I looked over to see all the kids wearing the VR goggles.

"Perfect, thanks." She shook my hand and headed out. The kids loved the games, as well as the pizza and cake. Once all the kids were picked up, we took our tribe home and unwinded around the living room.

Completely unprompted, Beckett jumped off the couch into my arms, "Thank you mommy." He kissed my cheek before going over to Hunter, hugging him tight, "Thank you."

"You're most welcome." Hunter kissed his cheek.

"Thank you both," Easton said, "that was such a cool party and I had a lot of fun."

I held my arms open for a hug, "You're welcome buddy." Easton hugged Hunter as well. We spent the evening together before it was time for bed.

"Did you have fun?" I asked Hunter, his smile alone said it all.