Morning came early at 6 AM every morning for Rafael, Olivia, 9-year-old Noah, 4 1/2-year-old Mila, and 5-month-old Aaron. Aaron would wake up first, then Mila and Noah were always last. Raf would wake to Aaron crying, after soothing Aaron he'd bring him back to their bed. Mila and Noah would join them, for family time. Aaron would lay on Raf's bare chest, while Noah and Mila would snuggle up against Liv. After a while, Mila and Noah would move over to Raf. Liv just shook her head.
"When did you steal our kids away from me?"
Raf chuckled and kissed Aaron's head.
"I had Noah wrapped around my finger from the second I met him. I've had Mila and Aaron since they were born." He smirked.
Liv moved closer, so she was against his side.
"I love you."
"I love you, too Mi amor."
"Papi?" Noah asked.
Raf looked over to where Mila and Noah were.
"Yes?"
"Park?" Mila said.
"If Mami says okay."
Noah and Mila looked over to Liv.
"Please Mami!" Mila said.
Liv just slowly shook her head in resignation.
"Yes, go get ready."
"Yay!" They both yelled and ran to their rooms.
Aaron started to get fussy in Raf's arms.
"I think it's your turn." Raf smiled, handing him to Liv.
"I'll get him if you go get the other two ready."
"Deal."
He gave her a kiss and went to get the kids ready. Raf got Mila and Noah ready, while Liv got Aaron ready. While Raf watched the kids, Liv got ready, then Raf got ready.
"Papi! Come on!" Noah yelled.
"Noah, he's coming." Liv shook her head.
"I'm here." Raf said as he came to the hallway where they were standing.
Mila reached up for Raf wanting to be carried.
"Papi!"
Liv smiled as Raf picked her up, after grabbing Noah's hand with the other they headed off to the park. After getting to the park, and getting Aaron settled, Raf looked at Noah and Mila.
"Swings?"
"Yeah!" They both took off running toward the swings.
He looked back at Liv.
"Go. I've got Aaron."
Raf nodded and went to push the kids. Liv watched them and smiled, she never would have guessed when they first met that Rafa had a soft spot for kids or that he had one on the way. She looked down at Aaron and smiled.
"Mami!"
She looked up at the kids and Raf. Aaron reached up, trying to put his hand in her mouth. Liv looked at the green eyed baby that looked so much like his father, Mila looked like her mother according to Rafael. She looked up seeing Raf walking back toward her.
"The kids?"
"The sandpit." Raf shook his head.
"And Papi doesn't like the sandpit." She said holding out Aaron to him.
"No, he does not."
He sat down beside her, adjusting Aaron so he was comfortable in his arms. Liv leaned her head on his shoulder.
"What's wrong?" He asked
"Just thinking."
"About what?"
Liv lifted her head and looked up.
"Life before us, Mila, Noah, and Aaron together."
"We would still be in each other's life. Aaron probably wouldn't be ours." Raf smiled sadly and looked down.
Liv smiled, rubbing the back of his neck and down his back. It has been a little over 4 years since the love of Rafael's life and his first wife Gabby died.
"Hey." Liv whispered.
He looked up, Liv leaned in and placed a soft kiss on his lips. She leaned back slightly and Raf moved his hand to lightly cup her cheek and kiss her again.
"I love you, Liv."
"I love you, too, Rafa."
Raf looked down at Aaron, lifting him up.
"And I love you, Aaron Benson Barba!"
Aaron cooed.
Raf looked at his watch.
"It's getting Lunchtime. Lunch at the diner?"
"Yeah."
"Noah! Mila! Come on."
"What Papi?" Noah asked as they both came over.
"Lunchtime."
They both nodded and the five of them set off for their favorite diner in the city.
