Seven Years Later

"Alright class! Get in position!" Anna called out to the chatty ten year olds. The girls quickly lined up and Anna began to play the music. She watched with a smile as they danced in unison to the happy beat.

Anna hadn't started her own studio, yet. But she had found the perfect place for her. She started working at a center for at risk children. The place had all sorts of activities for the children and dance was one of them. Once her twin boys had turned one, she had gotten the job here. It was part-time and she only worked Wednesday evenings and every other Saturday. Right now that was the only time she could invest with her boys at home.

She loved every minute of it being there. When she could, she volunteered at different times throughout the month. She had grown close to several of the children. Saturdays were her favorite. She spent nearly half the day at the center and worked with children ranging from five to fifteen. They each taught her so many things about life.

When the music was over, the girls all rushed up to Anna and one claimed the front spot to put her hands over the swell of her belly.

"Is he kicking?" the girl asked, cocking her head to the side. Anna smiled, but shook her head.

"No, Daniel gets rocked to sleep by my dancing and the music," she informed all of the girls. They all groaned, disappointed they wouldn't get to feel any baby kicks.

"We don't want you to go," another girl cried, pouting her lips.

"I won't be gone long," Anna promised. "And I'll visit while I'm on maternity leave. I'll even bring the baby." All the girls happily smiled at that promise.

"And the other boys?"

"Yes, I'll bring them along, too."

"Will we be able to hold the baby?"

"We'll see. Now go on. You have other places to be." The girls did as they were told and soon Anna was alone in the classroom. She rubbed her hands over her eight month belly before she grabbed her jacket to brace the cold outside. Just then, her phone began to ring. She lifted it and saw it was a FaceTime call from John. Her brows furrowed and she answered. However, it wasn't John on the other end, it was Oliver.

"Mum? Mum?" The seven year old breathlessly asked.

"Ollie? What's wrong?"

"Lewis stole my shoes. They were mine, not his!" Oliver stated, as though he was in a panic.

"Tell your dad. I'll be home shortly."

"But Mummmmm!"

"Oliver, go tell your dad."

"I can't. He said we have to be quiet." Anna's lips formed into an O and she nodded.

"Alright, put Lewis on the phone." Anna watched as the phone was shuffled around and soon she was sharing at Oliver's identical twin.

"They are mine," Lewis informed his mother. Anna sighed.

"Why are you even going on about shoes right now? It's freezing outside."

"Oliver is sure I stole his shoes, but mine are the darker brown ones and his are the lighter brown." Anna chuckled. Before she had kids, she had no idea how often minor scuffles could feel like the end of the world to a child.

"I'll look when I get home. For now, just put both sets of shoes in the closet. I'm on my way. Love you both."

-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-

Anna walked into their house and was immediately accosted by the twins still arguing over the shoes. But before Anna could say anything, John's voice boomed over theirs.

"Boys! You're mum just got home. Let's give her a minute, please."

Both boys sighed, but nodded. John walked past the two of them and kissed Anna on the forehead. Anna grabbed the one and a half year old out of John's hands and kissed the top of his head.

"I see you didn't get this one down for a nap," she said, as she nuzzled his little cheek.

"No, young Zachary here thinks its playtime," John teased.

"But Simon is down?" John nodded. "Good. He was up early this morning."

After the twins were born, their lives dramatically changed. They had two small babies to take care of and for a while they weren't sure if they would ever want any more children. It wasn't that they didn't love the twins and cherish them, but it had been a lot of tiring work. However, as they grew older and began to sleep through the night, their desire for them to have a sibling grew. Soon after they turned three, Simon Bates joined the family. He was their easier going child that gave them the courage to have one more. That's when they had Zachary. They decided they were done after that. But their newest surprise, Daniel, told them they were wrong.

Five children in seven years. Sometimes they had a hard time wrapping their heads around it, but they were so extremely happy. Sure, it was a lot of work, but they loved every minute of it. Once Daniel was here in a few weeks, they knew then they would truly be complete.

Anna handed Zachary back to John and went to sit down on the sofa. Noting the tiredness in her eyes, John followed her.

"My darling, why don't you go and take a nap?"

"You've been with the boys since early this morning," Anna countered.

"Yes, and you are growing a new baby and are with them all the time. Go and nap. I'm sure soon the twins will be back on you about the shoes. So you should go and hide before that starts up again," John told her with a sly smile.

"Alright, Mr. Bates. Have I ever told you that you spoil me?"

"Yes, and I always will."

-X-X-X-X-X-X-

That evening when the boys were asleep, Anna and John cuddled up together on the couch. John's hand rubbed over the top of Anna's belly and she contently sighed.

"Five boys, John. We nearly have a rugby team," Anna lightly teased. John chuckled into her ear and pulled her closer to him.

"We have a third of one," he stated. "But maybe they'll make a band."

"The Bates Five?" Anna playfully asked.

"Maybe."

Anna murmured and rested her head against John's chest.

"You should go on to bed," John suggested. Anna's head shook.

"No, I am enjoying my time with you. Won't be much longer until we have a newborn again. And it isn't often that all four boys go to bed this early. I just want to stay here with you cuddled up on the couch."

"Alright," John replied. He pulled the blanket up over them and found a movie for the two of them to watch. However, before the movie even began Anna was already asleep cuddled up in his arms. John quietly laughed.

Glancing down at his sleeping wife, he thought about how truly lucky he had been. The two had known each other for eleven years. They made it through one cruel summer that tore them apart for three years, but now they had the most amazing life. He was grateful for every moment.

The End

Thank you all for reading this story. I do hope you enjoyed it. :)