A while later the kids had cleaned up and everyone had changed into their pyjamas and were squeezed together, cuddled up on the sofa with hot chocolates and watching a movie.
Gumball and Nicole were both purring as he smiled and rested his head on her shoulder, with her wrapping her arm around him, whilst Darwin and Anais were both resting against Richard's chest.
Nicole smiled at Richard and he smiled back.
She thought to herself as she looked around and smiled at all of the kids and Richard who all smiled back. She sighed happily. This is what it's all about. Family. It's been a long and gruelling journey, but it was all worth it for moments like this and I wouldn't want my life to have gone any other way. I love my family more than anything in the world, and I'll gladly do whatever it takes to protect them all.
She smiled, happy and grateful to be lucky enough to have a family like hers.
By the end of the movie, the kids had all fallen asleep, completely worn out from everything they'd done that night.
Nicole and Richard carefully picked them up, Gumball letting out a "Mrrp!" and beginning to purr even louder which made them both chuckle quietly.
They put them all to bed, Richard tucking Gumball and Anais in, and placing Daisy into her arms whilst Nicole placed Darwin into his bowl.
Richard smiled and went to go downstairs, but stopped at the door. "You coming?" He asked quietly.
"Just a second..."
He nodded and left.
She smiled and went over to each of them, kissing them on the forehead and affectionately rubbing the top of their heads before heading to the door.
She stopped and smiled at them.
"I love you so much kids, more than anything in the world. You went out of your way to make tonight so, so special for us, and we really can't thank you enough. We're so, incredibly lucky to have you three..." She chuckled. "Good night my little soldiers, sweet dreams..."
She smiled and turned off the light, closing the door behind her as the kids happily dreamed away, delighted to have accomplished everything they'd set out to do that night.
The End
