"Family Affairs" — Part Six
William plopped down beside Lilli and Sarah, helping them finish their latest castle.
Emma sat right behind Dean on the sand, rubbing his shoulders as they watched from afar. "If all of us were living in civilization, what kinds of careers would the kids pursue?"
Dean lifted an eyebrow, then flashed a smile. "Lilli would be a successful swimmer, Sarah would work as an architect...and William..." Dean paused, stroking his chin.
"I think he'd have two careers," she said. "Being the athletic guy that he is, he might pursue soccer, or something like that." She brushed a hand over Dean's brown curls. "And being the sensitive guy that he is, he'd probably work as a therapist too."
Dean giggled, nodding a bit. His stare grew soft as he watched the kids. "I'd love to see all that," he said. "I'd like to watch them reach their goals, regardless of what those goals might be."
She grinned and leaned her head on Dean's.
"I mean, it's not something that I long for, it'd simply be nice." He looked the children over. "Either way, I'm proud of the kids no matter what."
"Me too," she muttered, watching all three. "Sarah's so receptive to the people around her. Lilli's so patient when her sister needs space. And I'm proud of our son for his compassionate nature."
Dean held quiet. He could say no more.
"And I'm proud of you, Dean," Emma continued. "I'm glad that you've instilled those values in them."
Dean flinched, then turned around. "Come again? I though that you were the one who handled that."
Emma chuckled. "They look up to you."
"Well they definitely look up to their mother too." He held her hand. "You've done just as much parenting as I have, Em."
She beamed sweetly while cupping his face. Then she lifted her gaze to the sights before her. "I guess we've created all we have together — our son, our daughters, our home..." She crouched and drew Dean close again. "And all that we have began with our love."