I blow a lock of hair from my face as I strip my plaid, button up shirt off. I'm now down to a tank top and ripped up jeans. My new Doc Marten's had been removed before I began painting. The room in our house picked for the nursery is rather large so I only have about a quarter of the room done after an hour and a half. I silently curse Sam for picking the second largest bedroom in our house for this. Sam's voice carries up the stairs and through the hallways to the room I'm in.
"Lara," she yells.
My ears pick up on the tone in her voice. She's impatient about something. I check my watch and notice it's almost six thirty. Dinner must be ready. I drop my paint roller in the tray and dart downstairs. Sam quirks an eyebrow as I jog into the kitchen.
"I've been yelling for like five minutes."
I give her a sheepish smile and shrug my shoulders. "Sorry. I got a little caught up I guess."
Sam smiles and wraps her arms around my waist. "At least it's on something other than a dusty book."
I chuckle and kiss the crown of her head. "Let's eat, Sam. I'll take a break from painting the rest of tonight. I'll try to finish tomorrow." Sam nods and follows me to the dining room.
Our daughter is born three months later. Sam practically breaks my hand giving birth to her, but I'm tough. Our daughter is a perfect mix of the two of us. She has Sam's black hair, eye shape, small hands and feet. She has my blue eyes, face shape, skin tone, and long legs. She's going to be a looker when she gets older. Sam and I had deliberated on a name for months on end. Sarah Anne Croft is the final verdict. And it fits her perfectly.
Two Years Later
Two years later finds us with a two-year-old daughter and a one-year-old son. They're a handful that's for sure. I blame Sam. Our son's name is Conrad Roth Croft. The name was my idea, but Sam supported it all the way. I still have yet to be on another expedition. I know if I ever do another, it'll be a few years away. I don't want my children having the same one I did.
Eight Years Later
By the time Sarah is ten, I've decided that maybe I can get back into expeditions. I'm currently reviewing a tome over ancient Egypt. There are still quite a few undiscovered tombs within the pyramids. Not to mention the City of the Dead. I feel arms wrap around my shoulders and look back into Sam's eyes.
"Dinner is almost ready," she mumbles into my hair.
I nod and mark my place in my book before standing up. Sam's hands drop to my waist, her right hand finding the scar on my waist.
"What are you thinking about," she asks.
I pull away from her slightly and run a hand through my hair. "I'm thinking about forming an expedition. I'll be contacting Dr. Dixon in a few days to see what he thinks."
Sam's face brightens automatically. "That's fantastic! You're not going anywhere without me."
I scoff and roll my eyes. "I hadn't even considered leaving you behind. What about the kids?"
Sam and I had decided it was best to have them homeschooled in the event that things like this came up.
"We'll take them with. They have your adventurous side, Lara. You know they wouldn't stay behind," Sam replies.
I smile down at my wife and kiss her forehead. "Let's just hope neither of them inherited your ability to get kidnapped," I tease.
Sam's eyes narrow playfully and I can't help but smirk. Her hands are suddenly moving, pushing themselves up my shirt. My jaw clenches automatically, causing Sam to smirk up at me.
"The kids could walk in at any minute," I manage through my teeth.
Sam's body presses against my own and I sigh at her soft touch. "That's the most exciting part," Sam whispers against my lips.
A shiver runs down my spine at her tone. I lean in to capture her lips and groan as she pulls away from me.
"Dinner is waiting," she calls over her shoulder.
I growl low in my throat and pinch the bridge of my nose. "I just had to fall for the tease," I mumble to myself. I hear Sam chuckle down the hallway and narrow my eyes a little. I'll get you back later, I think to myself before heading down to dinner.