Shadows into light (dark R5)

Chapter 37

"I'm glad it went so well." I said, finishing up cleaning the dishes.

Ross gave me a smile. "Yeah me too. Thank you for calling everyone."

I let out a sigh. "Anytime."

He have me a big hug and then we went to go sit on the couch. Hope was next to us, playing with her new gifts, not paying attention to us.

Ross's family had gone home, and Jack still had his friends over. They were all sitting in the kitchen drinking eggnog and catching up.

I cuddled deeper into Ross's arms, finally happy with everything. "I'm so happy your mom didn't freak out."

He gave me a smile. "Yeah, she's always been really cool and understanding."

"She's so sweet." I cuddled deeper into him and watched as Hope started to drift off, playing with her toys.

"Maybe we should get her to bed." He suggested.

Ross nodded his head. "I can do it."

I nodded my head. "I'll tell Jack and his friends we are going to bed."

Ross gave me a small kiss then scooped up Hope and started to walk her upstairs. I went over to the boys, who were drinking and joking around.

Rian gave me his big smile. "Hey! Is Hope with you....?"

I giggled. "She went to bed."

"Awwwee." He pulled a pouty face. "She's so adorable."

"So what's up?" Jack asked. "Need us to help with anything?"

"I can help clean the house." Zack offered up. "We kinda made a mess.... Sorry about that."

I shook my head. "No! You guys keep partying. But I'm gonna go to bed with Ross."

Alex gave me a wink and nudge. "Have fun."

I ruffled his hair. "It was so nice to meet you guys, and you can come back anytime you want. And it better be soon."

Rian tackled me in a hug. "You're so nice! Oh I'm coming back soon, don't you worry."

I could hear Jack groan. "Dude, get off of her."

We said our final goodnights and I went upstairs.

I went into my room and pulled off my clothes, changing into my pjs. I flopped onto bed and I felt Ross wrap his arms around me and kiss me.

"She's in bed, no issue."

I nodded my head, letting my eyes start to shut.
I felt his warm hands glide over my back.

"Are you really tired?"

"Mmmmm so tired." I mumbled into my pillow.

He gave me a cute little giggle. "I love you."

"I love you too."

He pulled me into his chest, and gave me a kiss. "Goodnight."

I closed my eyes, and drifted off.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I woke up the next morning and Ross was still sleeping, so I decided to go make some breakfast.

I got up and happily walked down the stairs and saw Jack passed out on the couch.

I walked over to him and gave him a little nudge. he groaned and opened his eyes. "What time is it?"

I looked at the clock on the wall. "It's almost 10."

"I just went to bed." He cuddled deeper into the couch. "Let me sleeeep."

"Awwww wittle Jack, I just wanted to know what you want for breakfast."

"Sleep." He grumbled. After a second he opened his eyes slightly. "And pancakes. Pancakes would be awesome."

I smiled to myself and got up, walking into the kitchen. I grabbed some pancake mix and started to make some.

Jack soon came into the kitchen and sat down on a chair.

"I thought you were going to bed?"

"Yeah but then I realized I really want pancakes."

I laughed and poured some batter into a pan.

"Mmmmm something smells good." Ross said. I looked over to see he was coming down the stairs, Hope clinging to his leg. She ran over to Jack and he helped her up into his lap.

"Can I have pancakes too? Pleaaaaaase?" Hope asked.

"Sure thing." I placed several pancakes I front of Jack and he started to put butter on them, when when hope grabbed all three and took a big bite out of it.

"Woah! What is that all about?" Jack questioned.

She grabbed his hand and spit the pancake into it so she could talk. "These are mine now."

He let out a yell and threw the pancake bits out of his hand. The chewed up food ended up in Ross's hair and he yelled, jumping around and freaking out.

"If you think this is gonna stop me from eating these pancakes then you're wrong." Jack said, grabbed one of the pancakes Hope just had. He took a big bite and smiled. "Delicious."

"Gross." Hope grabbed the plate and pancake from his hand, then slid off his lap and ran away.

"She just took my pancakes!"

I giggled. "I'll make you more."

Ross sat down again and kicked Jack. "That was gross."

Jack kicked him back. "I didn't aim for you!"

"Don't hit!" Hope yelled.

"We weren't hitting." Jack mumbled, crossing his arms and slouching down into his chair. "It was kicking."

I put a plate in front of each of the boys and got myself one. I sat down next to Ross and he wrapped an arm around me.

I cuddled into him as Jack and Ross got to talking, I watched as Hope took another pancake from his plate. I smiled to myself and Ross laced his fingers through mine.

It felt nice. It felt like this group of tragedies finally wasn't so bad.

Like we were all getting better, and becoming a normal..... Family.

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Hey wow! Sorry for taking so long to update! iPad a bunch of concert work things stuff, and finals are coming up so I've been busy. Anywaysssss, so I have a couple options for you guys for the next couple chapters.

So

1) a chapter half way into the pregnancy, and then several years after,

Or

2) half way through, right after she gives birth, and a couple years after

What would you guys like to see? Let me know in the comments! Ily all so much and than you for reading!