It was after 2:00 by the time Chase and Angie returned home. Angie didn't stir from her deep sleep as Chase gave her a quick wash to remove the last of the sand and stickiness from their trip to the beach. She settled into her crib with a happy sigh.
Chase finished unpacking the picnic things then grabbed a bottle of water and headed out to the back garden. The cool shade under the old trees gave it a sense of calm peace after the noise and bustle of the pier. He sat in his favourite chair flipping through an article he ought to read in preparation for a report needed on Monday. To his surprise he was enjoying working on the floor at CTU, there was a wider variety to the work than he had suspected.
40 minutes later he was awoken by a kiss from Kim. "Mmmm don't stop," he yawned, "I was just dreaming about you."
She sat in his lap and snuggled close with a contented sigh, "What time's Helen expecting us?"
"About 6:00 I think. They do this block party event every year and like to begin early for the kids... how was lunch with Stacy?"
"Oh she's fine, boyfriend trouble again, the usual... I'm so glad I'm past all that."
"And I'm so glad you're past all that." laughed Chase.
Kim got up with a kiss, "Here's the mail, I'll go see if Angie's awake."
She changed Angie then took her into the kitchen for a drink and snack. This was her favourite room in the house. They had bought a new dishwasher and fridge and painted the walls, but kept the old uneven flagstone floor and the colourful Mexican tiles which gave it a warm charm.
The room was filled with a spicy aroma from the marinade Chase had made earlier this morning. The chicken wings would be their contribution to the pot luck dinner. He enjoyed to cook and the wonderful smells in the kitchen always reminded Kim of happy times spent in the kitchen with her mum.
Chase came in and gave Angie a kiss on the top of her head before passing over a letter to Kim, "Angela has filed for custody of Angie. There's a Hearing set for next month." He turned and left the kitchen, closing the door quietly behind him.