We're finally here! The Epilogue only took about 6 years to get to but we finally made it. I hope you have enjoyed my story. And I really hope it made you laugh.
It was a silly premises I thought about 6 years ago and it took me a while to have the guts to start writing it.
I mean really. Who wants to read that their writing sucks?
So thank you for taking the time to read, follow, favorite and/or review. It means a lot to me.
My hat goes off to all that take the time to participate in these fiction fan sites.
Eight years after tournament finals…
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Getting this contraption on sure can be confusing but I know I have to put it on. He demands to be present during all meetings and debriefings.
I can't disappoint him…because there will be repercussions.
Trust me, it's not pretty.
And frankly, it's a little terrifying that he's so smart at this age.
It makes me worry for our future.
I slowly approach "his area". He just woke-up, it might not be safe.
Our eyes meet.
Neither of us willing to blink.
It's another test.
I will not fail.
"Did you have a nice nap, sir?"
No response. No blinking.
This could be promising.
"Would you like a snack?"
The first blink!
"We have a meeting in 10 minutes, Mr. Alex."
Then a whimper.
He raises his hands to me.
"Come on, little guy. Let's go find mommy. She has your favorite ready."
Eight years later, this is my life. I am husband, father and King of my castle.
Okay, I lie.
Queen Sookie rules our land and I'm her sexy knight.
Life is good.
After the tournament, we headed to Hawaii for our wedding and a week-long honeymoon.
It turns out Sookie was pregnant.
Go me!
Our first child was born about 7 months later.
Cameron.
Code name is El Capitan.
He's my planner and key strategist. He is Intelligent, detail-orientated and our computer expert.
We sent him to a two week computer camp last summer. I'm not exactly certain what they learned but I'm thinking we got our money's worth. We haven't had to fix a computer, laptop or any other electronic problem since he came back. He double-checked our taxes this year.
I wonder what he'll learn at this summer's computer camp.
A year after Cameron, we had our second son, Tanner.
His partner in crime.
His code name is the Engineer.
Three years ago we took the troops to Lego Land aka Tanner's Valhalla. Because what child doesn't love Legos? It's right up there with ice cream and mud.
It was there that we truly understood his talent. Upon entering the children's play area, Tanner shook his head at the children's "pathetic attempts of construction".
His words, not mine.
After the crying kids left the area, he built a city.
I still don't know how he piped in the running water to his fountain.
He was 4 years old.
Two years after Tanner was born, along came Isaac. With the birth of our third son, Sookie thought it was best to increase our home owner's insurance policy and medical insurance.
God bless maternal instincts.
When Isaac was 4 years old, I thought he'd love a chemistry set. He really enjoyed his science programs and I wanted to encourage his eagerness to learn more.
After the firemen and insurance adjuster left, I knew he had found his calling. We just needed to tame it and rebuild part of the garage.
I called a contractor. Sookie started a bail fund/college fund.
His code name is the Mad Scientist.
He's still a work in progress.
Another two years later, we were given a reprieve of sorts.
You see, we welcomed our little angel, Isabel. A mini version of her mother.
She's my little ballerina. The sweetest child on the planet.
Twirling, tutus and tea parties.
Isabel has mandatory tea party attendance every Saturday for 30 minutes. Pets included. Appropriate attire required.
It's my turn to wear the clip-on earrings and lace gloves.
This brings me to our last and final child, Alexander.
Sookie said she's retired and her uterus is closed for business.
I guess 4 boys and an angel are enough.
Alex is 6 months old and rules with an iron baby fist.
We call him…The Capo.
His facial expressions are intense and that's not because of what he's doing in his diaper. One raised eyebrow is all he needs to get a confession out of one of his brothers.
He has a bizarre interest in playing cards. I'm not sure where he learned it but he's a natural at Texas Hold'em poker. One grunt to keep the card, two grunts to get another, baby burp to raise and vigorous sucking on his pacifier to go all in.
I take him with me to poker night with the guys every second Wednesday of the month.
We make a killing!
Baby apple puree for everyone!
Carrying my son into the kitchen, he starts to get excited at the sight of his mother.
Take a number, son.
"Hello, my beautiful baby boy. Did you have a good nap?" Sookie cooes.
"I received a blink when he woke up." I proudly say.
"The Capo is in good spirits this afternoon. The boys must have something planned. Should I ask?"
"Probably not. We have a meeting in a minute. Alex just needed a bottle first."
"Well, have fun. Please, try to keep their nefarious ways to a minimum. It's just the start of the summer. Spending the summer grounded would suck."
"Of course, my love. This is just the preliminary and planning stage. The mission has not commenced yet."
"Go. Isabel and I will finish making lunch."
"Come on, Alex. Let's see what your brothers have planned."
Strapping my youngest son to my chest in his baby carrier, I yell, "Monsters!"
My three older sons come barreling into the living room, skidding and bumping into the furniture.
"Yes, father?" Father? Really. Uh oh, something is amuck.
I hope it's good.
"Report. And make it quick. Your mother is almost finished cooking lunch. Grilled Cheese sandwiches."
"After much discussion, we've decided on the subjects and mission name. Operation Prank Call will start upon your approval and funding." El Capitan explains.
"Proceed with your briefing."
As the kids give their report, Eric looks to his baby boy. The Capo raises one eyebrow in disbelief of the boys' activities. He seems mildly impressed and slightly disappointed. It seems they have more adjustments to make before their mission can proceed further.
Like Sookie said, the summer has just started.
At the close of the meeting, Isabel comes skipping into the living room followed by our Mastiff, Luke Skywalker, and our teacup Pomeranian, Chewy – both dressed for the upcoming tea party.
"Daddy! Lunch is readyyyy!"
"Thank you, angel. We'll be there in just a minute."
"Boys, we'll reconvene in a few days with your changes. Dismissed."
As we walk into the kitchen, my sweet, little angel is jumping around and dancing while watching THE VIDEO.
"Daddy, I like your dancing! Will you teach me?"
I know I deleted THAT video yesterday!
A/N I know it's taken forever to complete this story. I didn't think I'd ever get to this point. My kids were in elementary school when I started. They're in high school now. LOL Yeah, I know.
I appreciate everyone that has taken a little time out of their day to read my story, follow, favorite and/or review.
It means the world to me, knowing that I could make you smile or even laugh. (I hope)
I'm not hitting COMPLETE yet.
I do have a couple of mini-outtakes in store. We have to find out about this mission the boys have planned. And who the lucky recipient(s) will be for their operation. So place your bets!
Thank you all once again!
Until next time,
TMart