25.
winter
The first winter snowfall of Vancouver didn't hit that year until mid-February. That morning, Kaidan and Brielle were able to sit by the bay windows with six-month-old David and Michelle on their laps and watch a a blanket of snow spread over English Bay. As Brielle sipped the remnants of her second cup of tea, Kaidan's mother arrived for an unexpected visit. While she scooped David and Michelle into her arms for a hug, Brielle shuffled off to the downstairs kitchen to make a third round of tea for three.
"Just one," Kaidan whispered into her ear as she reached for the mugs (and nearly dropped them at the sound of his voice).
"Dammit Kaidan," Brielle spluttered. "Don't do that!"
He smiled and wrapped his arms around her waist. "Just one cup," he said, punctuating his words with a kiss on the neck. "We're going out."
"What?"
"Mom's taking care of the kids for a few hours. I called her this morning."
"Why?" Brielle asked briskly.
"Well," Kaidan replied, "We still haven't make that snowman."