Honestly, there's no way I'd want to spend this day other than with my loving family.
Ever since I met Kate ten years ago, my life took an unexpected but wonderful turn. I, a hardened ex-military doctor with walls built high around my heart, found love in the most unlikely of places. And she, a girl who claimed not to believe in love, melted my defenses and built a home in my heart.
Together, we've built a life that I would die to protect. We've created two beautiful girls who are the sunshine of our days. And as if that wasn't enough, we've started talking about welcoming a third when things calm down.
Life is already a handful with two children, my medical practice, and Kate's job as a barista. But now, she's also taken up marketing studies online, the course she was taking in college before returning to Willow Creek, and I couldn't be prouder.
"Come on, Daddy," Claire tugs on my sleeve, her impatience evident in her youthful energy.
Emily mirrors her action on my other sleeve, and I can't help but chuckle.
And then, there she is. Kate stands at the end of the hallway, her figure bathed in the soft, warm glow of the setting sun streaming through the windows. She's changed over the years, but all for the better.
Her curves have deepened, her eyes have become even more captivating, her smile even more heart-stopping. She's grown prettier, sexier with time, and I find myself falling in love with her all over again, just like Emily predicted.
I remember the day I first met Kate, like it was yesterday. How a single night changed both our lives. We were two strangers, each carrying our own baggage and scars. And now, look at us. A family, a team, a pair of hearts beating in sync.
I extend my arm to her, feeling like the luckiest man in the world. Because no matter how many years pass, no matter how many changes life throws at us, I'll always consider myself fortunate to have met her, to love her, and to have built this beautiful life with her.
As Kate approaches, I feel the familiar quickening of my heart, the way it always does when I look at her. She reaches for my hand, her fingers weaving through mine in a familiar dance. We've held hands countless times over the years, but it never loses its magic.
"You look beautiful," I tell her, my voice low and warm. Her cheeks flush with a delightful pink, and her eyes sparkle with playful mirth.
"Well, you don't look too bad yourself," she teases, her laughter lighting up her face.
The love I have for this woman is overwhelming, consuming, and oh, so beautiful.
Unable to resist, I lean in, capturing her lips with mine. The world dissolves into nothingness as we lose ourselves in the kiss. But our blissful moment is soon broken by the squeals of our daughters.
"Ew, gross! Stop kissing!" Emily exclaims, pulling a face.
Claire mimics her sister's disgusted expression, and Kate and I burst into laughter.
"I'm glad you think so," I whisper to Kate, still chuckling. "They have plenty of other things to think about before they start thinking about kissing."
Kate nods in agreement, glancing at the clock.
"We should get going," she says. "Our reservation is for eight, and it's already 7:40.”
As I squeeze her hand reassuringly, I add, "Couldn't ask for anything better."
"Neither could I," she says, smiling up at me.
In an echo of our earlier connection, our daughters each grab a hand, Emily clinging to Kate and Claire to me. We walk out of our house as a unit, a family bonded by love and shared experiences.
As I look around, the world has never seemed more beautiful, filled with endless possibilities, and brimming with hope. Our future may not be set in stone, but as long as we have each other, I know we can weather anything that comes our way.
Because we are not just husband and wife or mother and father.
We're a family, a team, a fortress against the world. And that's more than I could ever ask for.
Falling for the Lumberjack
Chapter 1 - Chloe
My eyes widen at the words that spill out of Naomi's mouth, a rush of anxiety building in the pit of my stomach.
"Wait, what do you mean all the cars are full?"