Thank you to Imperfect Being, AdamaGirl, walkerdude1, ozzlover, Berenakiss2 and the guest for reviewing, it's thanks to you guys that this chapter is finished.
Chapter rating: T
Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
All mistakes are my own. I hope you enjoy :)
21st February
"Are you both in your pyjamas like I asked?" Laura called from the hallway between the boys bedrooms.
"Yes" Zak said, hopping over to her from his bedroom, "can we do stories now?"
"Sure, go grab a story and wait in my room, I'll get your brother" Laura replied ruffling his hair, before turning at the sound of a scream coming from downstairs. Moments latter Bill appeared carrying a crying Katie, who had her arms stretched out towards Laura. Katie's first tooth had started coming through in the last few days and unfortunately it was creating a lot of pain for the little girl.
"Some fresh air didn't help and she won't keep the teething ring in her mouth, if you're not around" Bill told her as he handed Laura the infant. Katie immediately clutched onto her mother and buried her face in Laura's neck.
"I know, it hurts doesn't it" Laura said, rubbing circles on Katie's back, "here this should make you feel better" she's added placing the cool teething ring in her mouth.
"How about you come and read some stories with your brothers and I" Laura told Katie, kissing the top of her head reassuringly and walking towards her room.
"What have you got today?" Laura asked the boys settling in the middle of her bed, with Katie cradled in her left arm, her head resting against Laura's breast, as she furiously sucked on the teething ring.
"Tom and his day at the zoo" Zak said proudly holding up the book.
"I've got the magical adventures of Liam and Paisley" Lee replied handing Laura the book and snuggling down next to her.
"Okay, we started with your book first last night Lee, so we'll do Zak's first tonight" she told the boys, holding out Zak's book in front of them, so all three could see.
"How's she doing?" Bill asked Laura, walking into the room after closing the house up for the night.
"I just put some teething numbing gel on her gums, so she's feeling okay at the moment" Laura replied cradling Katie in her arms and running a finger down the little girl's cheek.
"Daddy doesn't like seeing you so upset" Bill said lifting Katie into his arms, resting her against his chest and kissing the top of her head.
"I think it's nearly come through now" Laura told Bill, "hopefully in a couple days' time she won't be in so much pain".
"Fingers crossed, you're being a brave girl" Bill said patting the infants bottom and placing her in her cot, "sleep well my treasure".
"What time are Grandma and Grandpa getting here?" Lee asked Bill, as he munched away at his cereal. They were having a barbecue at their house today, with Bill's parents, Ellen and Saul, Marcy, Elosha and, Abigail and Larry.
"They'll be here at 12pm, which is where on the clock Zak?" Bill replied.
"When the big and little hand are at the top" Zak said proudly.
"Good job" Bill told him, ruffling his hair.
"Morning" Laura said walking into the kitchen, carrying a restless Katie.
"Morning Mommy" Zak replied smiling up at her.
"Morning Mom" Lee said, "how's Katie?"
"A bit sore, hopefully a teething biscuit and a little bit of cold cucumber helps" Laura replied, handing Katie to Bill and walking over to the fridge.
"It's okay Katie" Zak told the little girl, coming to stand beside his father, "when you're teeth come through then you can eat foods like pizza".
Laura chuckled at Zak and handed the teething biscuit to Bill, "well that is true, but she can also have healthy foods too".
"Yeah, but those ones aren't as yummy as pizza" Zak replied, his tone conveying absolute conviction.
"Hi my little princess, how are you doing?" Evelyn asked walking into the living room to where Laura and Katie were playing on the carpet.
"She's doing alright, her first tooth came through last night, so she's only a little bit sore today" Laura replied smiling up at the older woman.
"How was she? I know with Bill it was a nightmare"
"The last few days she's been very clingy and upset, she wants to be held at all times by either Bill or I. Even at work on Thursday, I had to sit her on my lap, instead of placing her on the activity mat like usual, because she would start crying as soon as I was out of her grasp" Laura replied frowning.
"Unfortunately it's just one of these things we have to go through as parents. Although no matter how old they are, it never gets easier seeing them in pain" Evelyn said lifting Katie up into her arms and kissing her cheek.
"That's not very comforting" Laura replied chuckling, and squeezing Katie's hand, as the young girl wriggled excitedly in her grandmother's arms.
"Meats ready" Bill told Laura, as he Saul and Larry walked into the kitchen each with a tray of either steaks, chicken skewers or beef patties.
"Can you please place those on the end of he island" Laura replied as she placed the salad and Ellen placed the potatoes on the table.
"Where are the kids?" Bill asked coming over to kiss her on the cheek.
"They're upstairs with your parents, your Dad is playing hide and seek with the boys, and you Mom is playing with Katie on her activity mat" Laura replied smiling up at him.
"Sounds like they're having fun, I hope my parents aren't too tired yet, they're an exhausting bunch" Bill said chuckling.
"That they are. Lunch is nearly ready, Abigail just has to butter the last of the rolls, why don't you go and tell the boys and your parents" Laura told Bill.
"Sure, maybe I can tell Dad some of the boys favourite hiding places" Bill replied with a mischievous grin.
"Time for lunch you two" Bill called at the top of the stairs, winking at his father and pointing towards the cupboard.
"Yes" they heard Zak shout.
"Be quiet dummy, Grandpa will find us" Lee whispered back.
"He just did" Jospeh said grinning and opening the door, to finding two sets of eyes staring up at him, "come on foods ready".
"Remember to wash your hands" Bill commented before walking towards Katie's room.
"Hi Mom, lunch is nearly ready if you want to head down with Katie" Bill said walking into Katie's room, to find the pair snuggled together and fast asleep in the rocking chair. He smiled at the sight, before softly walking over to the pair and gently waking his Mother. "Hey, lunch is ready, why don't you head down stairs and I'll change this little one".
"Oh yes, I can definitely smell that" Evelyn replied chuckling, "I'll stay and help you".
"How have you been?" Evelyn asked stepping over to the changing table with him.
"Good, it's been pretty busy planning a wedding and raising three kids, but we're making it work and I wouldn't want it any other way" Bill replied smiling.
"I'm so proud of the life your leading and the family you've created. It's so rewarding as a parent to see you so happy with Laura and the kids" Evelyn said pulling her son into a quick embrace.
"Thanks Mom, it means a lot to hear that, Laura and the kids mean the world to me" Bill replied buttoning up Katie's onesie and lifting her into his arms, "come on let's go get some food".
"There you are, I was about to send out a search party" Joseph joked when Bill and Evelyn walked into the kitchen.
"Very funny dear, we were just having a mother son chat" Evelyn replied, swatting at Joseph's arm lightly.
"How's my gorgeous girl?" Laura asked taking Katie from Bill and kissing the top of her head.
"She seems to be doing alright at the moment, just had a good nap with Grandma, so she's all rested" Bill replied smiling.
"That sounds nice. Lunch is ready, why don't you go help the boys fill up their plates, and I'll get this one settled in her bouncer" Laura said.
"Sounds good, you ready for lunch boys"
"Yes" they called, running over from where they had been playing with Saul and Larry.
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