"Who are you supposed to be, Jack?" Erin asked as she straightened his tie, and he rolled his eyes a little at her, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. "I'm sorry, honey, but my brain isn't with it tonight. It was a long day."
His face instantly softened into a wide grin as he shrugged. "I'm my favorite superhero. My daddy!" Erin cooed a little at how sweet that was before pulling Jack into a tight hug. "I prayed that Dad would be here to see me, but I guess that the bad guy was stronger."
"Oh, darling, that's not it at all. Sometimes, God makes us wait for an answer to our prayer. And maybe that's because He was keeping your daddy and Elise's daddy safe. Okay?" He nodded a little as he hugged her again, burying his face in the crook of her neck and allowing her to pick him up and carry him down the stairs. About halfway down, she heard the door open, and then the sound of David's voice. "But sometimes, God also provides us with a minor miracle when we need it."
"Jackers! Where are you?"
"Daddy!" he cried out as he squirmed in Erin's arms, and she carefully finished the last few steps before setting him on the ground and letting him run to his father. As they started chattering away, Erin smiled at her fiancé, welcoming him over to her side and wrapping her arms around his waist as she breathed in the scent of his aftershave.
"Did you miss me, stellina?" he asked before brushing his lips against her cheek.
"Immensely, darling. Alex published a new paper, and it is thoroughly amazing. I'm just a little sad as a result?" He nodded before pressing her head against his chest as he took a few deep breaths. "But you're home now, and able to take Elise trick or treating, and I can stay here with Catherine."
"Actually, we're going to use the wagon to take her with us, and let you and Jessica stay back to hand out candy. Just think of all the extra treats they'll get with our adorable little daughter in the wagon? Jack and Elise will be so happy!"
Erin rolled her eyes a little as she pulled away from him. "Please try to not get our children so hyper that they don't want to sleep tonight. We do have church in the morning, after all." David chuckled as he nodded, kissing her cheek lightly before guiding her into the living room where everyone else was already gathered. "Well, I guess we have good news, Jess. The men are going to take the children around the block."
"That's what Aaron was saying. And we get to stay warm in the house." Erin nodded as she picked up Catherine and snuggled her close. "All right, I think that the kiddos are ready to go and collect their candy tax. Enjoy pulling that wagon, you two."
The men nodded as David took Catherine from Erin's arms and kissed her cheek again before following after Aaron and the children. Erin watched them go, a yearning smile on her lips as she made her way over to Jessica's side. "Now we wait."
"Uh huh. I usually sit in the kitchen on Halloween, since it's closer to the door. Though if you wanted to drag out a few blankets, we could sit on the porch swing. It's a gorgeous night, even if there is a nip to the air."
"I like the way you think," Erin replied as she opened the trunk and picked up two thick lap blankets. "And perhaps we could make boozy cocoa to drink while we hand out candy?"
"I knew there was a reason that I loved having you in my life," Jessica teased as she picked up the candy bowl and brought it outside with them. "You sit here, and I'll make the cocoa."
Erin nodded as she began to set up the blankets for them, before setting the large bowl on the pedestal next to where she was going to sit. With that done, she sank down onto the swing and bundled up in the blanket before pushing the swing back and forth with her toe as she watched the kids start to come down the street. An easy smile came to her lips as the first group of little ones turned up the walk to the porch. "Trick or treat!" they called out in unison, and Erin gestured towards the candy bowl, trying not to chide them as they took a handful of candy, but she must have had a look on her face, as the oldest nudged her compatriots and they dropped some of the extra candy back into the bowl before grinning at her. "Thank you!"
"You're welcome," she replied as they turned and skipped back down the walk. Not long after, Jessica came out with their cocoa, and they made small talk between the kids asking for candy. The hours passed quickly, to Erin's surprise, and she found herself a bit sad when they were out of candy. Bundling up the blankets in her arms, she followed Jessica inside and into the living room. Together, they folded the blankets before settling down on the sofa. "So, how long before they're back, do you think?"
"Well, given that Aaron and Dave spoil those children something fierce, they're probably going to hit up as many houses as possible so that the sugar rush is complete. I just hope that Aaron remembers to visit Mrs. Rector because she gives out king size candy bars and shiny dimes to every child. It's tradition." Erin giggled as she nodded, curling her feet beneath her as she leaned back against the sofa. "Have you thought about what you're doing for Catherine's birthday?"
Erin shook her head slowly as she looked over at Jessica. "I haven't felt in the mood to plan a huge party, like we did for Elise. I don't know why, but I think that I'm just going to have a low key affair, with the kids, and Jack and Aaron, and you, if you want to come. I know that David's sisters are coming here for Thanksgiving this year, and my parents will be here for Christmas. Can I ask something of you?"
"Anything, Erin. You're like family now."
"I know you'll probably be with your parents for Christmas, but either Christmas Eve or Boxing Day, would you spend time with us?"
"Of course," Jessica replied as she reached out and took hold of Erin's hand, squeezing it softly. Erin gave her a tiny smile before she yawned deeply. "You're free to use the guest room and get in a quick nap."
"No, I should be fine, but thank you." Jessica nodded and they fell into another conversation, until the front door opened, and she could hear the tromp of feet come closer and closer to the living room. "Welcome back!" she called out as they entered the living room, and David held up one finger as he tugged his head towards Aaron, who was carrying a sleeping Jack and Elise.
"They're all asleep. Jess, do you mind if we put the older ones to bed in Jack's room? We could come by tomorrow morning and pick Elise up for church."
"That sounds perfect, Dave. Come by early enough, and you might even get breakfast." Jessica gave Erin a brilliant smile as they got to their feet, and then the woman was pulling Erin into a warm hug. "We'll talk more, soon. And I know, you don't like opening up to people, but you need to let me in more. Okay?"
"I'll try, Jess."
"And I'll keep trying to pull you out of your shell. Now get some sleep, you look so exhausted." Erin nodded against Jessica's shoulder, relishing the feel of a warm hand on her back as she took a few deep breaths. Then she was stepping into David's open arm, allowing him to lead her out to their car as she fought to keep her eyes open until she was in the passenger seat.
"If you fall asleep while I drive, Erin, I'll try to keep quiet until we're home." She nodded as he pressed a soft kiss to her forehead before opening the door for her. Erin slipped in and buckled her belt before snuggling into the seat and allowing her eyes to close, listening to David coo softly at Catherine as he buckled her in her car seat. The last thing she was aware of was the car starting up before she completely fell asleep.