{ a/n- anytime I'm writing a one shot that involves Grace and Chester having a kid, I will most likely name the kiddo Elise. It's just easier that way. }
Chester's POV
I unlock the front door, pushing it open with my shoulder. I jiggle the key out of the lock and slip it back into my pocket.
"Grace, I'm home!" I shout.
Weaving my way around the dolls and toys strewn across the floor, I make my way to set my laptop bag on the counter. I look out at the yard through the sliding glass doors and see Grace playing with Elise in the yard. The two of them are side by side, on the little swings of Elise's swing set. I can see them both smiling, can hear Grace's laugh carrying across the yard. I stand and watch them for a bit. I remember when we first bought the house, how Grace had remarked how empty the yard looked.
"We need to make it look brighter, like somebody actually lives here." She had said.
The yard looks bright now, with Elise's swing set in the very back and the flowers they both planted along the side of the yard. I remember her thoughts about the guest room too.
"It's so odd having a room with a bed that nobody sleeps in."
Now that room has a small toddler bed, stuffed animals all over the place, and drawings taped on the walls.
"The kitchen seems so pristine and organized, with barely anything in the pantry."
The pantry certainly isn't bare anymore, a mess of snacks spilling out everytime we open it. And the kitchen is no longer pristine, the fridge covered in Elise's school papers and little crafts.
"The living room is practically empty."
We have since filled it with the couch Grace put together herself, and when Elise was first born, her little baby bouncer.
"It's kind of depressing to see no pictures on the walls."
We have loads of pictures now, from our wedding and anniversaries, Elise's school pictures, even the one of Grace and I holding hands from the Camp Takota set. And of course the huge one of Grace, Mamrie, Hannah, Sarah, Flula, baby Elise, and I.
"Elise, looks who's home!" I hear Grace call from the backyard.
"Daddy!" Elise exclaims, running to the door.
"Hi sweetheart." I answer.
It's such a change, from when Grace and I first got together. She had insisted she'd never be a kid person, she'd never be a good mom. But seeing her with Elise, how much joy they bring each other, how much Grace cares for our little girl, assures me she's the best mom in the world.
"Hey you." Grace whispers in my ear, kissing my cheek.
"Hey yourself." I answer, kissing her back.
Elise jumps into her mothers arms, and kisses each of our cheeks in turn.
"Love you mommy." She begins. "Love you daddy."
"Love you too, El." We both answer.
Oh, how time flies.
