5 years later........
Time has passed us by. Today is Shane and I's eighth anniversary.
Laliah is now six. She enjoys school and tells us everyday what she learned. Laliah is definitely our little book worm since she has learned how to read already.
Our second child is a little over four now and Maxius is our handful child. He was named after Shane's brother who was lost in combat and just about brought my trucker to his knees when I suggested the name. Maxius is always into something and has to be watched continuously. Even our other boys had got to where they grab his lower shirt and will move him back slowly without pulling the clothes with any force or they stand in front of him.
Maxius absoutely loves all our big fur babies and will do just what they want before he listens to Shane or me. Tanker or Oreo can stand in front of him which will make him laugh but he won't walk further to an area not allowed and when they hold his shirt in their mouth he goes right with them. Tanker and Oreo won't let the kids get hurt.
Both of the kids will laugh so hard with Vixen and his sounds he makes. We caught Laliah out of bed once and throwing his toy for him to fetch just to hear his screaming laughter when he chases the toy down. Thankfully, it all happened in her bedroom but the child gates are lifesavers to where they couldn't just go down stairs. She claimed she had a nightmare and instead of getting Shane or me, she wanted to laugh before going to sleep which could chase the bad dreams off. Shane and I both shook our heads and got her back in bed before we smiled back in our own bed.
Fluffier enjoys when the kids softly love on him. Have to watch to make sure he won't get trampled because he will also chase after toys to play fetch too.
Tougher typically lays on the floor by our feet. He will get playful spells but he is our lazy boy.
Everyone around us enjoys all the fun time and loves from the kids and fur babies. Much hasn't changed for neither Lola over the years, she seems to float between romances then ending them quickly. Jovi is still happily married. Gram and Mom love sleep over days with the kids and fur babies, that has become a mandatory one night a week.
Maxius and Laliah are currently on the living room floor coloring away. Both said they were drawing pictures of Oreo and Vixen laying in front of them just watching.
There is nothing more I could want with our kids having great friends with fur babies. Laliah may occasionally speak about another girl in her class but always says her best friends are my first boys.
The front door opens and closes. "Anyone home?" Shane calls out.
I snicker because it is rare moments the house is so quiet. Trust me I've been taking advantage by sitting here in the large chair, sipping on some coffee. As Fluffier is in my lap and Tougher by the foot area.
"Dad!" The kids jump up and make a run for Shane.
Tankers nails tap on the floor as he walks into the living room. With Shane following in behind holding both our kids.
"You have an arm full." I smile as Shane smirks and sits them back on their feet.
He walks over and kisses my lips lightly.
"How was work?" I ask once he sits on the couch and the kids go back to their coloring.
"Same all good. The farmers are full with the crops this year and looks good for them."
"That is wonderful to hear." I nod.
"How was the clinic?"
"Doing well today was surgery day and Jovi is watching them tonight."
Shane nods and then smiles wide. "Tonight is Gram and Gigi night right?"
"Yes it is." I smile and then laugh when the kids jump up screaming Gram and Gigi. I never thought Mom would allow it but she insisted on being called Gigi not granny period.
Their colors got put on the table fast then their little bags out of the corner. They filled it so fast with some toys from their toy section.
"Tonight, I am taking my little paws out for dinner." Shane gets up and moves next to me leaning over the arm.
"Stargazing after?" I smirk.
"What better way to end our anniversary date?" Shane smirks and leans down to kiss my lips.
"I know of a bonus way while stargazing."
"I'll make sure to grab the blanket because your more than right." Shane kisses me lightly.
I never want much but for our anniversary I have enjoyed our dinners and stargazing time together. Not to mention the love we make while stargazing.
Sure, we do this from time to time and not just on our anniversary. It is just even more romantic and special to do it on our anniversary. Only a few times we didn't get to but for me it's the best way to spend our anniversary because it's together.
We spend the next hour playing with the kids until we load up in the van and head to Gram's.
A vehicle purchase definitely needed for the space to fit us, the kids, and all our fur babies.
Arriving at Gram's, the fur babies jump out as soon as the door opens. Shane gets Maxius out of his seat and Laliah unbuckles hers, then takes my hand.
"Babies!" Gram calls out from the front door. Mom right beside her.
Maxius and Laliah take off running and wrap their arms around them.
"You two be good for Gram and Gigi." I kiss the kids head.
"They are always good for us." Gram smiles.
"We also promise no sweets past eight tonight." Mom smiles wide.
"Uh huh, but how much do you have planned to feed them in the next three hours?" I laugh and hug Mom.
"That's for us to know and you to dot, dot, dot." Mom laughs.
"Oh I made something for you Sugarplum." Gram smiles and walks into the house before coming out with a bowl.
"Gram are these?" I smile wide.
"Macaroons." Gram smiles and hug me tight. "Now you two have a nice anniversary night and we will see you both tomorrow."
We smile and wave before leaving out to the restaurant. Dinner passes by quickly and we make our way home.
Shane brings over blanket from the closet and we walk hand in hand to our spot on the land we own. The sweet treats Gram's made us in my other hand. Who says I can't enjoy two different types of dessert tonight, because I'm going to indulge.
The blanket is spread out and we sit down together. My head leans on Shane's arm as I hand him the bowl and take a macaroon out.
"We have made a wonderful life together." I hum since I had been thinking about it all earlier today.
"That we sure have little paws. I love you so much."
"I love you just as much Shane. You opened my heart up and shown me not all men are the same or well at least not you. Every work day you are still Taking My Heart but there is large parts for our kids."
"I leave my heart with you and our kids daily. Nothing beats coming home to the smiles and love."
"Eight years went by fast though didn't it?" I laugh lightly.
I feel Shane nod. "That it has but we have the rest of our lives together."
I put the macaroon down on the lid and turn to kiss him.
My life couldn't be any better. I will be forever grateful for Gram telling me what I needed to hear for me to open up my heart for Shane.
end