Soundtrack – Sweet like chocolate – Shanks & Bigfoot

Freddie sighed in relief as he walked up to his front door. Halloween was a lot more fun with kids – but it was also a lot more exhausting. Billy was still on her feet but drooping a little, after not only the elementary school party but the supervised trick r treating. He'd been carrying Earl for a good hour, now, and it was hard to even switch off arms with a full candy bucket as well!

Margaret was waiting for them at the front door with a gentle smile – the same smile that had first made his heart turn over in his chest. Freddie couldn't help but smile back as she leaned down to give their little vegetarian zombie a welcoming hug, and steer her into the living room.

Freddie let out a sigh of relief as Margaret silently took Earl from him, and carried him away upstairs to put to bed. Usually, they made a point out of putting the kids down together, but Freddie was just too beat right now. He probably would have a lot more energy if he hadn't pulled a twelve-hour shift right before the party, though.

Billy was sitting on the floor, with her bucket upended, and as Freddie all but fell onto the sofa, she was already busily sorting through her loot. Freddie assessed her plunder with a practised eye; his little girl had managed a really good haul, actually.

"Why the three piles, sweetie?" he asked idly.

"Keep, trade, and dunno yet."

Freddie chuckled – trust Billy to be organised even about candy! – and leaned back into the couch cushions. He took off his stetson, dropping it in his lap, before he let a sigh escape, and allowed the day's tiredness send his mind drifting.

"Daddy?"

Freddie opened his eyes – he hadn't even realised he'd closed them. Must have been more tired than he thought. Billy had climbed up onto the couch, and knelt facing him, her hands cupped in front on her.

"What is it, Billy-girl?" he asked.

Billy smiled and opened her hands over his stetson. Freddie blinked as a pile of shiny objects tumbled into his hat. Another blink, and he realised that his little girl had given him all the Reese's peanut butter cups – his favourite.

"Happy Halloween, Daddy. Thank you for taking us out."

Billy ignored the candy to lean forward and scoop his daughter into a hug. "Happy Halloween, sweetheart. You're welcome."