Life of a family

11.

C pov

I'm singing on the couch, listening to a playlist with my eyes closed. I feel an hand on my arm and i come back to reality. My younger son is looking at me. I immediately smile "hey, babe..what's up?" He looks down, pouting.. ugh, he looks so much like Shannon when she does this "what is it?" "You and mom told me that i could get a dog". He remembered. When he asked us, i told him that we would have thought about it..but Shannon encouraged him. Then, we argued.

Flashback

We're in our bedroom. I'm taking my clothes off..i can't wait to take a bath and relax. Shannon looks at me from the bed while taking her shoes off. "So..are we gonna tell him no?" She asks "you know how my job is.. and you have things to do as well". She stays quiet, taking her left shoe off. I know my wife.. something is bothering her. I walk to the bathroom..as my foot touches the floor of the other room, she speaks "are you taking a bath?" "Yes" "i'm coming". I take care of the bathtub.. she steps in 5 minutes later, naked, only wearing her necklace. I pretend i'm not watching her body but it's hard.. she's smirking, i know. I wrap my arms around her from behind "Shan bee?" "Babe?" "Relax with me" she turns around.. "you're so pretty" she comments, moving my hair on the other side "do you like it?" She nods, pecking my lips "always.. your wavy hair drives me crazy". I take her hand, leading her to the bathtub. But she stops "are we getting the dog?". Oh my god, this bitch...she's seducing me on purpose. I turn to her, with my eyebrow raised "you're playing with my emotions" she gets closer, taking my arms off my chest "princess, i think it's important for the kids to have a pet. It's gonna make them responsible" "yes, we're gonna have a great responsibility as well. Four kids, two jobs, two houses and a dog" "Jennifer is going to help us" she refers to the girl who takes care of our house and kids. I sigh "it's a lot of job" "well, i can do it.. you will love it, i know". I get in the bathtub "let me enjoy this moment.. ". She nods, going away "are you not coming inside?" "No, i'll let you enjoy the moment" "Shannon... what a bitch" i mumble as she closes the door.

So, now Lucas is standing in front of me with his sweet blue eyes and i feel hopeless "you Beveridge guys are gonna be the end of me.. okay, let's get the dog".

S pov

I'm going back home when my phone rings. My car takes the call for me, letting me answer through its system "hey babe"

Cari: umm, where are you?

S: i'm driving back home. Do you need something for dinner?

C: no. We're not having dinner yet. We have something to do

S: now? It's seven p.m. babe. I wanna wear my sweatpants and sit on the couch

C: not today.. we're waiting for you in front of the house.

She hangs up.. it was weird. As i reach my street i see my family and i smile. The kids are happy while Cari seems... annoyed? "Hi mommy" Lucas is the first to kiss me, getting in the car "hi honey". Then it's the others turn. They look excited.. so i ask Cari, when she finally gets in, "where are we going?" She rolls her eyes. "Mom said yes, we're getting a dog" my six years boy replies, jumping on the car seat. I turn to Cari "what?" She pouts "him and his eyes.. i can't with you guys". I chuckle, holding her "you won't regret it, baby. Thank you". "Ew, they're kissing" i turn to my son "hey, little boy.. do you want to get a dog? Shut up, then". He sighs loudly, swelling his cheeks "aww, he's irresistible. You're right, babe".

I park in front of the animal shelter. "We're not buying, guys. This is important to me.. lives don't have prices" i tell my family. They all nod. As we walk, Cari takes my hand "i'm so lucky i had babies with you" "same. Even though, you always ended up hating me at the hospital while giving birth" she rolls her eyes "stupid. But i always ended up having your children" "i know" i tell her, kissing her hand.

5 minutes later

Cari is almost crying, seeing the dogs surrounding us "aww, they need a home" i chuckle, grabbing her chin "weren't you the one doubting about having a dog?" "You're so obnoxious". She reaches our four monsters, making me laugh. When i get to them, our eyes are all caught up on a tiny brown puppy with the sweetest eyes ever.. Lucas gets closer to the dog who immediately starts wagging his tail "wow.. you're brownie". My wife and i chuckle at the cuteness. Cari puts her hand upon the little boy shoulder, asking him "do you want to bring him home?" "Yes, please mom". Cari melts, turning to me. I reach them, hugging both "okay, brownie.. do you wanna come with us?" Cari nuzzles her face into my chest "his eyes, Shannon.. i think i fell in love" "hey, no..". The employee opens the cage... the puppy rushes into Lucas arms and some tears fall from my eyes. Cari kisses me "i love you". As we get home, i get on my knees before we get inside "so..let's make a deal.. you stay away from my wife and i'll feed you everyday" my woman chuckles.. the dog tilts his head to the side "aw, i'm joking, you're so cute, come here". I pet the little puppy who licks my entire face. We step into the house. Lucas and the kids run towards the garden with the little animal "come, Mr Brownie". I hug my wife from behind "i know, baby... this family is insane.. i love you all so much". I notice some tears on her cheeks "hey, babe..what is it?" "Sometimes i think what if i had never moved to LA? What if i had never sent that text to Courtney?" She turns around to fall into my arms "we don't have to ask that. Because you did. You chose to learn from your pain..and from that, we have built something beautiful" "something unforgettable".

We sit in the garden to watch our kids playing with the dog. I graze Cari's cheek who gives me the usual smile, the one who is only for me.