A/N: Since this month has begun I have been in a mood, plus this time in TLF is around present time :) Enjoy xx Mariah

Ages:

Jim - 36
Melinda - 32
Katie - 8
Aaron - 3


Jim slid the pizza into the oven as Aaron watched intently. At nearly four, he was finally fully understanding what holidays happened throughout the year. Last year's Halloween had been one of his favorite's, especially since he'd gotten to be a lion, his favorite animal.

He kissed the top of his head and turned to see Melinda and Katie putting the finishing

touches on their pumpkins. "Those look great!" He said as he walked over and picked up the last one. "I guess I should work on mine, huh?"

Melinda gave him a grin. "It's not a race."

He shook his head. "I know. The pizzas are in. Aaron is watching through the glass." He made a face at the carving Melinda had done. The grin was off-center from the eyes and the teeth she had labored over were all loose and saggy. "Good thing the kids got my mom's artistic genes."

She held up her knife. "You sure you want to say that to me while I'm holding this?"

He held up his hands. "Your carving looks great, sweetheart." He grinned, leaning over to kiss her cheek.

Melinda placed the knife down and then put the top back on her pumpkin and walked around the counter to wrap her arms around Jim's waist. She smiled and pressed her eyes into his neck. She let go and sat down to watch her children and husband work together to gut the final pumpkin and then Katie helped Jim form an idea of what face to draw on it and their kids watched intently. He took Aaron's hand and let the boy help him cut out the eyes. Katie helped with the mouth. He did the nose on his own.

Looking over the four pumpkins gathered, it was clear Jim's was the best. Katie had drawn a normal pumpkin face, but it had been done nicely. Melinda had wanted to leave hers inside, but her husband picked it up in his other hand and carted it out with his. Melinda had picked up Aaron, ready to go clean him up in the bathroom upstairs.

"Is it time to light them yet?" Katie asked her mother, following her into the front hallway as she stepped up on the stairs, setting her brother down on the landing.

"We have to finish eating first, bug. Go wash up, okay? We light them before we go out for trick-or-treating, remember?" Melinda said, ruffling her hair before turning to Aaron and following him upstairs. "And I think Daddy's about to pull the pizza out of the oven once he puts the pumpkins out. I'm just gonna clean up Aaron and grab his costume and bring it down."

"Oh, right," Katie ran into the kitchen to open the oven and check the pizza.

Jim returned after putting the pumpkins out and gently said, "Steady there, Katie." He took the other pizza out and set them side-by-side on the counter to cool. "Good, now we'll clean off the island from the pumpkin guts."

Katie giggled as she picked them up, the sliminess feeling weird on her hands as she scooped the guts out and put them in the trash. "It feels so weird, dad." She looked up at him as she tossed them away, holding it open with her foot as Jim threw his away.

"Yeah, it does, doesn't it?" He said, smearing some on her cheek before he went to the sink to wash his hands.

Melinda laughed as she watched the two as she came back into the kitchen, holding Aaron in her arms. He was clean and dressed in his Iron Man costume. He was so excited after the new Avengers movie came out this spring. "Is the pizza ready?" She asked.

"It's cooling down," he turned around as he dried his hands. "You wanna help Katie get ready and I'll take Aaron? We'll get the pizzas ready."

Melinda set Aaron down, who turned his mask down and immediately began to shoot his lasers around the room. He'd been so excited when he saw the costume upstairs. "Yeah, I guess."

Jim knew that he would have to make it up to her later after the kids were tucked in bed. He hadn't done much tonight besides help with dinner. "Thank you," he smiled and walked around the counter and toward her. He leaned down and kissed her lips. "Thank you."

"Okay, stop it." She laughed, patting his chest and walking over Katie who was waiting for her. "Come on babe. We'll go get you ready for trick-or-treating."

"Can we do some makeup?" Katie asked.

"Of course. A witch has to look flawless, right?" She said, nudging her side and kissing her cheek.


"Katie, slow down. You and Hannah are getting ahead of us." Jim watched his daughter dash across the bushes to the house next to them.

"Aw come on Dad! If we don't hurry all of the good candy will be gone." Katie darted off and met up with Hannah who was already ringing the doorbell.

"She does have a point, sweetheart," Melinda said, patting his arm. "As long as we can still see you, Katie!" She shouted.

"Okay, mom!" Katie called back, dashing toward the next house with Hannah.

Jim held Aaron's hand as he and Melinda walked with him up to the house that Katie and Hannah had just been to. He smiled and leaned down to kiss her before Aaron let go of his hand to ring the doorbell as they waited back on the sidewalk.

"Trick or treat!" The four-year-old said and got a handful of goodies before running back to his parents, who both grabbed his hand and began walking to the next house.

They'd been out for about an hour and a half now. It was getting darker and colder.

"Think we should go another block or two and then start to head back?" Jim asked, scanning the sidewalk until he found Katie, waiting for them at the next house with Hannah. They both were looking in their goodie bags which were getting pretty full.

"Sounds like a good idea," Melinda nodded. "I'll wait with the girls. You go on up."

Jim nodded and Melinda let go of Aaron's hand as they went up the walkway to the next house.

"So, have you girls had a good night?" Melinda asked, peeking in Katie's bag. She eyed around before she snagged a Reese's. "Can I have one of these?"

"Sure mom," Katie shrugged, unwrapping a KitKat and biting into it. "Are Auntie Delia and Ned coming over to watch Halloween movies like usual?"

"That's the plan like every year," she nodded, wrapping her arm around her. "We're gonna start heading back in a few blocks."

"Aw, but what about the full-size candy bars?" Katie asked.

"We have some at home," she winked. "Don't worry."

"Really?" Both girls perked up.

"Yes," Melinda laughed, walking toward Jim as he walked back carrying Aaron. "What's wrong, babe?"

"He's getting tired. I think we should head back home," Jim said, wrapping his free arm around Melinda as he turned toward the girls. "Sound good, girls?"

"Aw, but mom said another few blocks," Katie whined, crossing her arms. "This is not fair. I'm older and I should get to stay out longer... right?"

"I know, sweetheart, but that was before I knew your brother was tired. Sometimes life just isn't fair," she reminded her, grabbing her hand, but Katie pulled back quickly and she sighed. "C'mon, we'll stay out later next year."

"But you said!" Katie shouted, shaking her head.

"Katherine Ann we are going to head home and we'll go down another street for you and Hannah, but if you don't knock attitude off we won't," Melinda warned her, guiding her in front of them. "Got it?"

"Yes," the eight-year-old sighed, walking ahead with Hannah who was still quiet and eating candy for the sake of wanting to keep getting more candy before she went home. "I got it."

They kept walking until they could turn down and walk down toward a couple of blocks full of new houses on their walk home.


After dropping off Hannah, Jim and Melinda finally headed home with their children. As they walked up the driveway, Katie lugged her candy bag inside the house and up to her room.

Melinda carted Aaron into his room and Jim went to change into something more comfortable. She got him out of his costume fairly quick and he went to sit on his bed with his candy bag as she got him pajamas and he put them on like a pro. It was something she loved to help him do. She didn't care, she would take any little bit of time with her son that she could. Aaron was nearly asleep as Melinda helped pull his sleeping shirt over his head.

She held him against her chest for a moment and rubbed her hands through his soft hair. It was always such a joy whenever she got to hold him like this as he slept. She laid him down on his bed and pulled his blanket up to his chest. She double-checked the baby monitor and bit her lip.

She hated that she still used it, but with how often Aaron had nightmares like Katie did when she was young because of their shared gift, Melinda liked to know when he would wake up so she could go and check on him. She stood up and grabbed his candy bag. She'd keep his bag somewhere safe and give him little bits of candy over time.

She made her way out and turned the light off as she walked to Katie's room to check on her and was surprised at what she saw. Katie had managed to get out of most of her costume, but still had her skirt, tights, and a tank top on, but had fallen asleep sprawled out on her bed. The girl had managed to even keep a half-eaten Snickers in her hand but was officially passed out.

Apparently, she had a lot of fun running around with Hannah, and had she fallen asleep instead of staying up to watch movies like usual.

Melinda laughed at the sight and walked over to help her. She took the candy bar from Katie and finished it herself before she tried to wake Katie up so she could at least put some pajamas on her if Katie was that tired.

"Katiebug, wake up." Melinda gently shook her daughter's shoulder but nothing was waking her. It seemed like the eight-year-old was fast asleep. She began to take off the rest of Katie's costume and put a pair of shorts on her to match the tank top. Once she was satisfied with her, she tucked her into bed and placed a kiss on her head. She moved her candy bag to the floor and then turned back to her. "Goodnight, my sweet and sassy girl. I wish you could've stayed up tonight with us." She rubbed her cheek and then turned out the lights.

"Mama?" Katie stirred in her bed and called out for her mother.

"Yeah, honey?" Melinda went back over to Katie and sat on the side of her bed. "What's up?"

"Are you going to be here when I wake up?" Katie's eyes were closed as she spoke and Melinda knew she was trying to fight sleep.

"Yes, of course, I'm gonna eat breakfast with you and drive you to school if you want." She whispered, leaning down to kiss her head, brushing her bangs out of her face. "I don't have to be at the shop until the afternoon."

"Good." Katie blinked to keep her eyes open and smiled. "I love you, mom. I'm sorry about earlier."

"I love you too, Katiebug." She smiled, leaning down to kiss her cheek. "It's all a part of growing up. Sleep tight sweet girl." With that, Melinda turned and left Katie's room. She hated that Katie was going to miss out on all the fun.

She fished her phone out of her pocket as she pulled the door closed behind her. She dialed Delia's number and her friend picked up fairly quickly. "Hey, Deels. I was thinking we could maybe do a movie night another day. Both of the kids are asleep." She made her way across the hallway to her room as she heard the shower click on.

She smiled and slipped her jacket off, leaving it on the bed. Jim must be showering.

"And you want time with your husband?" Delia chuckled on the other end. "I get it. Ned's out with his friends Devon and Ryan. I trust him a little more now that I put that tracking app on his phone."

Melinda rolled her eyes. "Yes, I guess that is one way to trust someone." She sighed. "So is that okay? A movie night later this week..."

"That is definitely okay, honey. You have fun with Jim." Delia said happily. Melinda's heart eased. Thank goodness. Sometimes Delia wasn't easily agreeable. "I'll see you tomorrow at two."

"I will. Tomorrow at two, see you then." She said softly and set her phone down on the side table with Aaron's candy bag.

She pulled her top over her head and shimmied out of her jeans. She walked into the bathroom and closed the door behind her. She slipped her panties off as she saw Jim's outline in the shower. His hand was resting against the wall as the water ran over his head and down his back.

She was so turned on just by looking at him. God, Jim Clancy. That man and what he did to her. The way his muscles glistened under the water as it ran over his skin.

"Well, both of the kids are asleep." She said, unclasping her bra and slipping into the shower as she tossed it on the ground. "You should have seen Katie, she fell asleep with her skirt on. It was pretty funny." She walked toward him, wrapping her arms around his stomach and rubbing up against his chest. "Aaron is fast asleep too. I got him dressed and down first. Wasn't expecting Katie to be asleep."

"So it's just us and the Banks' then?" He asked, lifting his head as he ran his hands through his hand and turned around. "What movie are you thinking?"

She smiled up at him, leaning up on her toes to kiss him, She wrapped her arms around him.

He smiled as she pulled back. "What did you eat? You taste like chocolate."

Melinda licked her lips and looked up at Jim. "A candy bar, Katie was asleep and..."

"You took from her bag?" Jim chuckled. "How scandalous..."

"What? No, well technically yes, but she was asleep with it in her hands. If I had just left it there she would have dropped it and it would have melted on the floor. I know you wouldn't want to clean that up any more than I would." She ran her hands over his broad shoulders and smirked at him. "But guess what?"

"What?" He raised his brow and eyed his wife. What was she up to?

"Delia and Ned aren't coming over, we have the night to ourselves..." She whispered, licking her lips. "And I believe you owe me..."

He chuckled, running his hand through his hair as he grabbed the bar of soap. "Oh yeah?" In here?"

"Yes," she smiled, leaning back against the shower wall. She ran her hand down over her breast, pulling on her nipple. "I want you... and I want you to come here, right now."

He chuckled, setting the soap back down as he walked toward her. "You've got my attention," he said, watching her as he wet his lips.

He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her to him, his body was flush against hers, his erection trapped between them. His hands wander, teasingly at first, but deliberately a moment later. He took a breast in each hand, massaging them before clasping her nipples between his fingers and rolling them in a circular motion.

It felt good – so good.

He was always good at foreplay. So so good.

His hands move south, over her stomach. She tensed in anticipation, gasping loudly when he finally reached his destination. The pressure of his fingertips between her legs felt impossibly good, and she cried out, her head leaned back on the wall as her way of telling him that.

He traced circles around the sensitive mound, slowly at first, but increasing in speed when she dug her hands into his hair. His voice sounded so distant when he asked her how she was, and she could only moan in response.

He pulled away a moment later, and she couldn't stop that whimper that escaped her lips. Her disappointment quickly turned to surprise and then to anticipation when she felt him gather up her hair in one hand and swing it over one shoulder. The first kiss that he placed on the base of her neck sent a shiver down her spine as she opened her eyes. looking up at the ceiling for a few moments before they closed again.

And then his mouth followed that trail, placing soft but insistent kisses and luscious licks along her breastbone, it nearly took all of her energy just to stay upright. When he got close to her breasts, she felt him grip her hips for balance as he dropped to his knees. She gasped when he bit her tight, and moaned when he moved to the other side to repeat the same action. But it's the feel of his nose nudging between her legs that made her cry out his name.

He stilled, and she knew the silent question that's being asked of her. She answered by spreading her feet, giving him better access. He didn't hesitate then, and she cries out again when he pushes the curled tip of his tongue inside her. When he pulled it back out, she became dimly aware of him speaking, but only managed to make out the words taste and long above the sound of the running water.

She's almost glad when he moved away to get to his feet again, the sensation and knowledge of his tongue being inside her nearly too much to handle.

He resumed his original position, pressed up against her, one hand reaching over her abdomen and down to her clitoris, the other reaching up to twist a nipple between his fingertips. Her head falls back to rest on his shoulder, back arched, and she's faintly aware of his whispered words in her ear as he brought her to her breaking point. She cried out as he took her over the edge, the sound echoing around the cubicle.

He held onto her tightly, surrounding her, until her breathing slowed. When she felt strong enough to straighten and lean back into him, the presence of his erection hit her like a wave. "What can I do for you?" She whispered, leaning up to kiss him. She rubbed him with her hands, lightly moving over his back.

He chuckled, somewhat nervously, against her. "Anything you want. I was thinking we could dry off first," he whispered. "And take this to the bedroom."

She smiled and kissed him again. "Shut the shower off," she whispered, slipping out of the shower and grabbing the closest towel to wrap around her. She grabbed the next one and held it out to Jim as he stepped out and followed her into the room. He went to the door, locking it and walking to the bed as Melinda laid back in the middle.

She was naked, sprawled out for him with her thighs parted and her hand rubbing up against her sides. She had the look of lust in her eyes as she licked her lips. She wanted him.

That didn't really help. He felt himself stiffen even harder if that was possible as he leaned down against her. Their lips touched and his hands moved over her body slowly. She was warm, flush against him as he moved down to kiss her neck, grasping her breast. His mouth dropped to wrap around her nipple as he pushed into her. His hands moved to her ass, and she moaned as he began to move in and out of her.

It felt so good, and she can't imagine how good it must feel to him. "Oh, yes." She whispered, playing his hair. "God, yes, Jim."

He moved carefully at first, pumping slowly between her thighs. It's good, but it's not enough for her, and he knew that. He slipped his fingers between her thighs once more, her mind recalling the image of his hand between her legs earlier. When a wave of pleasure caused her to jerk her hips back against him, he groaned and started to move faster.

"I'm close," he groaned, kissing her chin, her cheek. "So close. I love you." He dropped his hips, moving deeper as he picked her leg and moved it up against his chest.

It felt too good for her, and she swiftly moved a hand down to his waist to keep him there, and he moaned his appreciation into her mouth. His hips started to move erratically after a few minutes, and she tightened herself around him, knowing that he must be close.

As their lips parted, he groaned against the crook of her neck before jerking against her one final time as he pulled out. His cock throbbed as he spent himself against her, his semen dripping down her thigh as he kissed her.

He's still breathing hard when he shuffled to one side to lean toward her, pillowing his head against a raised arm. It seemed that he can't quite let her go, however, his other hand pressing gently against the small of her back.

"Can we do that again?" She asked tentatively, eyes fixed on him as she curled toward him, their lips touching again.

She felt his shoulder heaving against hers in laughter. "So soon?"

She smiled to herself, pulling back to look at him. "No, but soon. Should we go through Aaron's candy bag?"

The answer was immediate. "Definitely and then we can do that again," he said, pressing another kiss against her lips.