AN: Hi guys, here again. I forgot to mention when I started this story that Jim never died so "Aiden Lucas" is really Aiden Lucas Clancy. It's just natural for me to write reprimands using only the first and middle names. Hopefully that hasn't confused any of you. I posted this chapter early for two reasons. 1) I finished it early and 2) My boyfriend will be here all day tomorrow. 3 Anyways, read away my lovelies.

Melinda descends the staircase in the Clancy household just in time to see Gunner and her son running wild through the living room. She shakes her head and lets out a knowing sigh at the chaos. "Aiden Lucas, you better take that craziness outside." She chastises lightly, even her well behaved son needs a reminder sometimes.

"Morning Mama." Aiden says before kissing his mother's cheek. "I'll take Gunner outside to play instead. Can dad make his pancakes today? Please Mama?" The little boy begs. Melinda lets out a giggle at his eagerness.

"I'm sure he will baby. I'll tell him you asked for them when he wakes up." She lets him know.

"Sweet!" Aiden cheers. "Thanks Mama. Come on Gunner!" He rushes out before he runs off in a hurry to get to the backyard. Melinda shakes her head with a smile on her lips.

"That boy is so silly." Melinda mutters to herself as she turns around to go get dressed. When she does, she sees her

husband, Jim Clancy, silently watching her from the landing of their staircase. She smiles wide just like she always does when she looks at this man. "Why Mr. Clancy, if I didn't love you I'd say you were rather creepy." She giggles in response to his fake shocked face. "I'm just going to get dressed, Aiden has requested daddy's famous pancakes for breakfast this morning." Jim kisses his wife good morning before responding.

"Alright honey, I'll go start them then. Where is our boy this morning?" He asks inquisitively. Melinda turns around to tell Jim that he's outside with his dog before continuing up the stairs to their shared bedroom. When Melinda was done getting ready for the day twenty minutes later she joined Jim in the kitchen.

"Can I help you with anything in here babe?" Melinda asks her husband happily. Jim looks up for a moment, taking a break from stirring his homemade pancake batter to answer her.

"No thanks love, I have it covered. Why don't you just go relax on the couch until the food is ready?" Jim suggests. Melinda nods absentmindedly as she silently makes her way to the glass door that leads to the backyard to watch her son play unnoticed. It always makes her smile to see the joy and pride in his eyes whenever someone asks him about Gunner. This thought brings to mind another. The way Aiden acts with Gunner is the way she's always acted with her son and in that moment Melinda realizes her baby is growing up, this causes a single tear to roll down her cheek. She chuckles at her silliness and wipes it away.

Later that day, after the hustle and bustle of eating and cleaning up from breakfast, Aiden comes to his parents with excitement in his bright blue eyes. Jim smiles at the look on his son's face. "What's up bud?" He questions the five year old.

"I've been working super hard on a surprise for you and Mama. Do you want to see it?" Aiden asks as he jumps on the spot, unable to contain his exhilaration. Melinda smiles softly in his direction and responds for both herself and Jim.

"Of course baby. Go ahead, we're watching." Aiden gives his mother one of his famous smiles before crouching on the floor in front of his puppy.

"Okay Gunner, gimme five buddy." He prompts the young dog. "Good job boy!" Aiden cheers once Gunner does as he's told. The five year old gives his pup a scratch on the head and a treat for a job well done. "Okay boy, shake left." Gunner produces his paw. "Good! Shake right boy." and the puppy gives his master the other paw. Aiden gives Gunner a small handful of treats for the multiple tricks. Melinda and Jim share a look and a smile at the hard work and dedication their son has shown for his dog. "Ready boy?" Aiden asks in an excited tone. When Gunner gives him a head tilt, Aiden smiles and says "Rollover." Gunner does it no problem. "Great job buddy!" Aiden congratulates the golden. "Are you ready for the big finish?" Gunner gives a small yip as an answer which causes Jim and Melinda to laugh. "Alright boy, come on." Aiden instructs his dog in a focused manner as he taps the side of his leg. This results in Gunner following his boy, head at his knee with periodic glances at his face. "Okay Gunner, sit." The dog does as he's told and Aiden gives him a nice long ear scratch as a reward. When Gunner lies down to rest, Aiden looks at his parents expectantly before asking, "Do you think we did good? Good enough for the bring your pet to school day because I want to show all my friends." Jim and Melinda share another look of pride before glancing at their son.

"You both did great." The parents say in unison.

"I'm very proud of you Aid." Jim tells his son.

*End*

AN2: Well folks, that is all for this one. I hope it held up to your expectations. I have another piece in the works and I'm always taking story requests. If you'd like anything specific, shoot me a PM. I can do Ghost Whisperer, Client List, One Tree Hill and Charmed fandoms. I might even be willing to try a Criminal Minds fic if anyone has any solid ideas for that. Until next time,

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