Tommy and Kim
"What time do we have to be there?" Kimberly Oliver asked her husband as she hurried around the house frantically trying to feed her four kids before the baby sitters arrived any minute.
"I don't know." Tommy replied honestly as he finished packing an overnight bag for himself and Kimberly, and entered the kitchen to help his wife.
"Check the invitation please." She commanded gently yet anxiously, needing time to get ready herself as she waited for the chicken nuggets to cook in the oven.
"It's here somewhere," muttered Tommy amidst the clutter of the kitchen desk. "Call Jason." She sighed, knowing it was not going to be found.
"Hey Jase..." began Tommy even as the doorbell rang, revealing their usual babysitters who were early, much to Kim's delight.
"7:30 pm Tommy, " Jason laughed as he heard the chaos behind his best friend's voice, and knowing that the invitation was probably lost somewhere in the Oliver household.
"Thanks man." Tommy replied relieved. "It's crazy right now, and I just can't wait to get Kim away even if it is only for one night."
"You both deserve a break." Agreed his best friend. With Tommy's karate school and Kim's gymnastic school and four children under eight years old, life in the Oliver house was never a dull moment. "You know, Kat wanted me to mention that we wouldn't mind watching the kids once in a while." Tommy appreciated the generous offer, and it was certainly generous of Jason to watch his children. They were great kids, but definitely a handful. Lara was seven almost eight and a mini version of Kim if you ever saw one. Their six year old son Jason was a hero in training, just like his namesake, the original red ranger. Four year old Kyle had a penchant for science that reminded them of their old friend Billy. Finally baby Isabella or Bella for short was turning two and acting like it.
But Tommy wouldn't trade one minute of it for a different life. He couldn't imagine his life without his kids, or the only woman he would ever love. After she returned from Florida, they had taken time to be honest about their past and eagerly moved forward, getting married a few months later. He still couldn't believe it had been 10 years now. It made him feel old sometimes. Especially when he went to parties like tonight's, where he would come face to face with the new ranger teams.
"Ready handsome?" Kimberly declared suddenly. He hadn't realized how quiet it had become as the kids were settled with their favorite baby sitters with a video. She looked as young and radiant as the day he met her. Her brown hair was gently curled around her shoulders as she wore a pink gown that showed off her curvy body that she kept in great shape, even after four children, by teaching gymnastics every day.
"I'm ready for anything as long as you're next to me." He commented tenderly, taking her hand in his and never failing to be surprised at how that simple gesture still made his heart beat faster.
