Bound By Purpose

A Chance

3 Years Later

Coming in through the front door I toss my keys and purse to the floor. I'm greeted by the patter of four little feet running across the living room. I drop to my knees and envelope my two beautiful kids. I kiss them each on the head and then stand. "How were they today Samantha?" I ask turning to sign off on a check. 

Sam gets up from the couch and meets me in the entryway, "They were perfect angels as usual." She says. Margaret hugs her legs before joining her brother back in front of the tv.

"Sorry I'm late tonight." I tear the check from it's book and hand it out to the young woman. "I was helping a coworker with a new exhibit."

"You know I don't mind." She says turning with a giant smile. It was true, I did know that. She had three younger siblings before the snap and now she has none. I love having her over because she just connects so well with the kids. She backs out the front door blowing kisses to the kids who return them with wide smiles.

"Thank you." I whisper once more as I close the door behind her. I move to the living room and have a seat. Thomas climbs onto my lap, "How was your day sweetheart?" I say wrapping my arms around him. Looking at the screen I see that they're watching Dumbo. My heart hurts for a just moment as I think about going to see it in the theater months before the war broke out, but then both Margaret and Thomas start talking over the other in an effort to describe their exciting day. They both try to climb up as they express all about their day out with Samantha. I can't help but smile. Even though I can't get a single word of what they're saying I know they're happy, and that in turn makes me happy.

There's a knock at the door. "Samantha?" Margaret asks, her face lighting up.

"I don't think so baby." I gently peck her on the nose and then gently untangle myself from my kids that are still clinging to me. Moving to the door I open it quickly.

"Uncle Steve!" I hear from behind me. Before I know it the kids have sprinted past me and under my arm to Steve who picks them both up. One in each arm he ducks inside. With all the attention on Steve I close the door and beg the question, "And what do we owe the pleasure?" Steve puts the kids on his shoulders and then flips them onto the couch, like he always does. 

Margaret jumps up and down, "Again, again!" She squeals. I intervene coming in between the couch and Steve and give him a glare.

"You know I don't like rough housing inside." I say scolding everyone hands imploring everyone to settle down. I can't hold back my grin though. It's been at least a month since he last stopped by and that felt like forever ago. 

"Sorry Eve..." He starts by looking down at the floor but then he grins. Pushing past me he grabs up the kids again and zooms them around the room. I drop my hands and shake my head, giving up. The kids' giggling and Steve's sound effects make me laugh and I ultimately let it go. Steve soars them around for several minutes, but even super soldiers can get tired of flying little children around on their shoulders.

Steve sets Thomas down on the ground with a labored breath. Margaret holds her hands up reaching and pleading for another round. Steve looks to me for help so I shrug to let him know he should've listened to me. His shoulders slump in a cry for help. I smirk and then clasp my hands together making a clapping sound. "Okay kids time for bed." The whining starts and then the pleading to uncle Steve. I cut them off as they run to my side when they realize Steve is going to keep his mouth shut. They pull on me and beg for five more minutes. "Alright. Alright." I say beaten yet again by clever 5 year olds. I start numbering a list on my fingers. "Teeth brushed, pajamas on, bathroom, sippy cups... Then you can pick out a few books..." I turn to Steve, "I'm sure uncle Steve will want to stay and read with you after you do all of that." The twins look at each other in excitement and then are off down the hall to complete their mission.