Today was the day before they left for North Carolina. Kim and Erin were heading to the mall to buy something for under her wedding dress. Adam was packing his things for the trip and helping to get the kids ready as well. He knew what Kim was up to and certainly didn't object. He knew it would be good so he couldn't wait to see what she picked this time. He chose not to let his mind wander too much the kids were home and he had work to do. He started by packing a bag for him and Jackson. Letting Kim pick the girls clothes since he didn't want to see his daughters dresses before hand. He wanted that perfect moment when he saw them come down the aisle just like with Kim.
Kim was across town shopping with Erin. "So what exactly are we looking for?" Erin asked as they entered Victoria Secrets. "Well I need something to wear under my wedding dress." Kim commented as they looked through the racks. "I thought you were going to wear that navy blue set." Erin asked confused since that was the plan. "No the navy was for during the night, it was a halter top. Definitely would not work with the dress. And I already used it last week." Kim shrugged as she continued to look. "Wait what? You holding out on me?" Erin was shocked Kim never mentioned it. Not that she gossiped a lot about her sex life.
"Adam came home after a boys night and I was practicing my foot work. We sat and talked. I showed him videos of the kids dancing, which he loved. I went back to practice but after a bit he came up behind me wrapping his arms around me. He wanted to head to bed if you know what I mean. He carried me all the way up. He helped undress me before Lily started to cry. So while he fed her I got dressed in that outfit, with heals and sat on the bed to wait with my cuffs dangling on a finger. It was hot to say the least." Kim blushed as she admitted to some details of that night. "Damn sounds like an amazing night. Maybe I should get something new for Jay." Erin mused knowing he would enjoy it. "Definitely now let's really looking into it." Kim laughed as they moved towards the racks of white lingerie meant for wedding nights.
"What about this one? The corset top will be hidden under the dress and the bottom piece with the lace and the bejeweled pattern is sexy. You should try it on." Erin grabbed that and several others to bring back to the fitting room while Kim grabbed some things for Erin to try on. Jay loved black on her so Kim took advantage of that. They headed to the dressing room to try on their outfits Kim only coming out in the corset since she needed help tying it. Kim bought that one since it fit the best and would work best under her dress and Erin walked away with two new outfits for Jay.
"Can you take this home with you so Adam won't find it?" Kim asked as they walked towards the car. "Of course. Will put it with your dress in the bag. No one will see it." Erin winked at Kim as they laughed. They both headed in separate directions after leaving the mall. They all had so much to do. Including dropping Champ off at Firehouse 51. They agreed to take him for the week so he wouldn't have to be cooped up in the car that long on the drive. It was a great arrangement for all involved.
Kim arrived home empty handed which left Adam confused. "Did you not find anything?" Adam asked as he walked towards Kim. "Oh I did. It's with Erin so you can't find it. You enjoy surprises so this is another one for you." Kim winked as she headed into the kitchen. "I need to get Champs things together so we can take him to the fire house tonight. Help me please?" Kim asked as she worked to get his things all set and in the car. 20 minutes later the car was packed with all of the essentials that Champ needed for the week ahead. He loved going to the firehouse, tons of people to play with, always someone to pet him and always someone to snuggle with. It was the perfect getaway for him.
"Alright I will drop him off at the firehouse. And come back here to help you pack the rest of the stuff we need for this trip. Be back soon." Adam kissed her quickly before heading out to the car. He drove to the firehouse with nothing but the radio playing in the back ground. He was still excited about the baseball season that still lay ahead even if his team was not in contention. Kim's favorite team was so that gave him an idea. He made a few calls before he pulled up to the firehouse. He got Champ out of the car and started to walk towards the door. Champ was jumping he was excited to get inside. "Buddy calm down we will inside soon. Just calm down. You know you are not supposed to jump." Adam told him trying to him to calm down some.
As soon as they walked through the door Champ started to bark. Kelly was the first to see him and ran towards the dog who was excited to see the fire fighter. "Hey buddy! We are excited to see you too! Hey Adam." Kelly shook his hand and took Champs leash. "Hey thanks for taking him this week. I have his stuff in the car if someone could help we bring it all in. Kim over packed that's for sure. But she didn't want you guys to have any issues." Adam laughed as the squad team came out to grab the stuff from the car.
Adam spent some time at the firehouse before heading home to pack the rest of their items. They had a lot to pack especially with three kids. So Antonio was renting a large SUV to take the majority of Kim and Adams stuff since the kids took up a lot of space in their car. But they were excited to finally become a family, legally. They didn't need a piece of paper to label them as a family but for the adoption they needed that piece of paper. And Kim really wanted them all to have the same last name. For work she would stay Burgess but for everything else she could wait to be Ruzek.
When Adam returned home the house was loud and crazy. The kids were dancing around the living room and Kim was dancing around with Lily in her arms. He didn't alert them to his arrival he just watched and smiled at the pure joy on all their faces. He decided to video this moment to relive when he was away on the road. These moments kept him going while he was on the road. When the current song ended he let his presence be known. "Hey guys! You look like you are all having fun without me." Adam smiled as the kids ran over to get hugs. "Daddy!" They both yelled. "Hey baby! We were just waiting for you so we could have fun together." Kim added she got her hug from Adam. The kids had already started dancing again so Kim and Adam joined in.
They danced till dinner time just enjoying being silly and happy as a family. After dinner they cleaned up the house and started to pack the kids clothes. The kids had fun picking out their outfits for the week and they were excited to see a different place. Emma had never traveled before so this was a real treat for her. The home they rented had a hot tub so they packed the kids bathing suits. They knew it would be too cold for the pool most likely but the hot tub would be fair game. Once the kids were in bed Kim and Adam did the final pack of their own clothes.
Antonio showed up around 10 together their bags and start the trip south with Rixton in tow. They decided to drive through the night so they could enjoy some beach time before all the craziness started. Adam was already asleep since they planned to leave at 4 in the morning and Kim would sleep in the car for a bit on the drive down. It would be a long day and a boring one to but they were excited to get there. They were excited to get married once and for all. It couldn't come soon enough.
The next morning they were all up early and on the road. "Let's get this show on the road Darling!" Adam kissed her hard as they started the car. They were on the road for around 4 hours before the kids woke up. They pulled over at a rest stop to let the kids potty and to feed the kids. There was a nice picnic area where they could set up their packed breakfast. Kim had gotten up early to fix a breakfast that the kids could eat along the way. Once the were back in the car they switched drivers so Adam could rest for a bit. They played a movie for the kids to keep them entertained on the long ride. At each stop they took photos and had snacks before getting back into the car for another part of the journey. When they arrived in North Carolina all the kids were asleep again and Kim was thankful for that.
They arrived outside the rental house knowing not everyone was there yet. They entered the home and were greeted by a well rested Antonio who showed them to the room he set up for them and the room he set up for the kids. Once the kids were settled Kim and Adam relaxed on the couch with the others who had arrived already. They made small talk and watched bad tv till the rest of the team was there. Once they all arrived they had a drink together before all heading to bed for the night. They had two houses to hold everyone and they were next door to each other. Both ocean front. As they turned in for the night Kim melted into Adams embraces knowing this was just one more day before they were married.
The next morning Kim awoke to see Adam was already gone from the bed. She got dressed and headed out to find her family. She found them in the living room playing quietly while Adam was making breakfast with Jay. "Morning y'all!" Kim greeted when she entered the room. "Morning mommy!" The kids whisper yelled before running to get hugs. Kim moved to kiss Lily's cheek before heading over to Adam. "Morning baby! Morning Jay!" Kim leaned in for a kiss from Adam before taking the coffee he offered. "So what are we doing today?" Adam asked as he continued cooking. "Well there is this really cool natural sand dune, worlds largest sand dune, that we could climb and play on and then lunch before heading to the aquarium. Thought the kids would love it." Kim suggested. "That sounds amazing. I'm sure the kids will have a great time and it will wear them out for sure." Adam laughed as did Jay.
"Well Jay you guys are invited as well. I know most everyone wants to explore and get some beach time in but you are more than welcome to join. Might even be some history lesson in there if your lucky!" Kim laughed knowing Jays love of documentaries. "Exercise, outdoors and history lessons? I'm in!" Jay laughed knowing she was messing with him. "I'm being serious though. Lots of history here, lots of strange things here too. Things you won't find anywhere else on earth. It's amazing. It always heals my soul when I'm here." Kim started fondly out the windows at the ocean. She didn't even realize Adam was standing next to her. "It's beautiful and I can't wait to see more. And some education to go with sounds awesome." Adam kissed her cheek before setting food down in front of her.
After she ate Kim took the kids outside on the deck to listen to the ocean. She felt like a cat soaking in all the sun she could. Relaxation took over quickly, she was at home here. The whole group eventually got up and plans for the day were discussed. Knowing not everyone had the same plans for today was fine with Kim, they agreed to do dinner together at the house as a whole family. It would be crazy but worth it. Kim got ready while Adam got the kids dressed and ready to go. Then they switched off somAdam could shower as well. Once they were all set they heading out with the Halstead's to Jockeys Ridge. The worlds largest natural sand dune.
The kids were super excited about all the sand and the adults were happy for the work out. Walking in sand was tough on the legs but it was worth it when the reached the top and saw the views of both the ocean and the sound. "So your history lesson is, the sand castle you see behind us was part of a miniature golf course called Pirate Golf. You entered the course on a giant wooden ship and there was an octopus, a pirate, the sand castle, large treasure chest among other cool things. The course fought against the shifting sands for around 5 years before it gave up all together and the sand took over completely. Some years you can't see the castle at all, it all depends on the winds. And on the back side over there was a hotel. It had the same issue with sand and at check in you were given a shovel so you could dig out in the morning. That hotel is still buried under the dune." Kim loved the look of surprise on the kids faces. Almost like they didn't believe her. But she pulled out her phone to show photos to them.
After several hours running around on the dune they slid down the dune and walked back to the car. The kids were hungry and tired. They decided to head back to the house for lunch and naps before heading out again. They arrived home and washed the kids feet and legs off before letting them inside the house. They were covered in sand. The kitchen was empty so Kim got to work making lunch for the kids while they settled in at the table. While the kids ate Kim fed Lily on the couch. Lily fell asleep right away after that. Emma and Jackson needed to be carried to bed, they were falling asleep in their lunches. It was adorable.
While all three kids slept Adam and Kim ate lunch out on the deck in silence. Kim soaking up the sound of the waves and Adam watching her. Kim was glowing in a way he hadn't seen before. And he loved it. "Am I interrupting anything?" Erin asked as she walked outside. "No I'm not sure she even knows we are here. She is entranced by the ocean." Adam commented as Kim continued to stare at the water. "She's literally glowing." Erin noticed it as soon as she walked outside. "Yeah she's absolutely stunning. I didn't know it was possible for her to be more beautiful but right now, in this moment I have no words." Adam was amazed by how relaxed, happy and beautiful she was right now.
"Tomorrow's the big day. Are you nervous?" Erin asked as she sat next to him. "Nope. I'm ready for this. Ready to make it official. I have never been more sure of anything in my life." Adam stared lovingly at Kim who was still lost watching the water lapping on the beach. "You guys are definitely meant to be that's for sure. I have never seen her this happy before." Erin couldn't have imagined a better match for Kim. Adam was everything they had wanted in a person for Kim. This was a dream come true for all of them.
They stayed outside till the kids awoke from their naps. "Can we go to the aquarium now?" Emma asked. "Of course sweetheart! Let's get going." Kim got the kids in the car as Adam packed a few snacks for the kids. Once the Halstead's were ready as well they headed towards the aquarium. It wasn't a long ride at all and with the excited kids Kim couldn't wait to get there. It was a small aquarium compared to Chicago but it was perfect for today. As they entered the kids posed with the shark statue. They made funny faces as they took turns posing. Once inside the looked at all the local fish before heading towards the otter tank, Kim's favorite area.
Then they saw the turtles and alligators before heading to the Sea Turtle Rehabilitation center. The kids got to learn all about the injured turtles including how they were injured, how they heal and what they ate. They then got to practice their new found skills in the pretend turtle rehab center. It was adorable how serious they were taking it. They each "saved" two turtles before heading further into the aquarium. They saw more fish, lobsters, eels before getting to the sting ray area where they could pet the string rays. They also got to touch the starfish, crabs and sand dollars. They enjoyed every moment. They saw the jellyfish next. It made Kim dizzy but the kids loved watching the jellyfish swim.
Jay and Adam got lost in the educational area that was dedicated to sunken civil war battle ships. Even watching the movie while Kim and Erin took the kids to see the sharks. The group was outside before the guys caught up again. They were on the pier reading the plagues about the watershed in the sound. The breeze was cool but the views were amazing. They walked the entire pier before walking the garden area and woods. The last thing the kids wanted to do was dig in the sand area looking for shark teeth or fossils. They found nothing but they still had fun making a mess. As they left the aquarium for the parking lot they stopped at one last area. "This is the graveyard area for the Etheridge family. The father Richard was the first man of color to run a life saving station and he only employed other men of color. It was ground breaking at the time but it became the normal going forward. Richard served at that post till he past away. To honor him and all he did not only to promoted and employ people of color but also what he did to save those who ship wrecked just off the coast his family was laid to rest here." Kim was proud of her knowledge of the area and wanted the kids to learn new things on this trip. It was important to her that her family loved it here too.
As they drove back towards the house they stopped to pick up fresh fish for dinner. They went with some fresh Tuna that had been caught that morning. After getting enough Tuna for the whole group they headed home to start getting dinner started. Everyone was back at the house when they arrived. "Hey everyone! We got fresh Tuna for dinner. Hope everyone is hungry." Kim announced as they entered the living room. "Sounds amazing! We should start getting sides started." Mouse and Nadia got up to join them in the kitchen to help cook. Adams sister helped to set the tables as Adam spent some time with Sammy. They hadn't had much time to catch up lately so they hung out for a bit.
The rest of the adults and kids played games and watched tv trying to stay out of the way. The kids were talking a mile a minute informing the adults about everything they had learned today and all the sea life they got to see and touch. The adults were very amused by how excited the kids still were. It also meant the kids would crash hard later. "I have an idea. Why don't you three draw the fish you saw today?" Voight asked as a way to get the kids back under control. They cheered and got to work coloring and drawing the best they could.
Around an hour later dinner was served and the group enjoyed the meal. "This is so good Kim. Thank you for cooking! Also thank you to Mouse and Nadia who helped out." Kevin toasted. "Your welcome. I figure we should have local fish while here. It only seemed right." Kim added as she ate a little more fish. Jay, Antonio and Kenny started to clean up the kitchen while Trudy put away the left overs. Kim of course made way too much food but she didn't care. She preferred to have too much then too little.
Kate pulled out the desserts she purchased from the bakery Kim liked. She placed them on the table with plates and silverware. "Kim you were right about this place. Everything looked incredible. I got lots of small pieces for everyone to pick at." Kate was sweet for doing this for them. "Thank you for going to my favorite bakery. I used to walk there every day for a piece of cake during our vacations here. And throw away the evidence before I got home. It was awesome!" Kim laughed as she took some sweets and sat back with the kids.
The night continued with games and movies being played and one by one everyone headed to bed. Kim was one of the last to go to bed. Nervous for tomorrow wanting it all to be perfect. While the service would be short and the guest list small it was truly important that things went well. "Darling! Please come to bed!" Adam begged knowing she needed to sleep. "I want everything to be perfect tomorrow. I'm just nervous something will go wrong. You deserve the perfect day with the perfect wedding." Kim sighed as her shoulders sagged. "Darling. We both deserve the perfect day and it will be perfect because it's us. Because we are making it official. I promise it will be fine. Now come to bed." Adam reached for her hand as he pulled her to the bed. "Okay. I love you baby!" "Love you too darling!"
They drifted to sleep in each other's arms. Dreams of the day ahead fresh in both their minds. They couldn't wait for this to be official. They couldn't wait to go forward with the adoption process for Emma but also for Jackson to also become a Ruzek. Tomorrow is the catalyst to making those dreams a reality.