AN: this will most likely be a short chapter but I hope it's enjoyed. It will be mostly Duncan's POV

Chapter 25

Duncan's POV

August

Thursday

3:00 PM

I was simply trying to keep my mind at ease and remain calm.

I was even listening to music and shutting my eyes tightly, it was kinda hard at times when the sting just continues.

Opening my eyes and removing my headphones I turn to look at how the process was coming along, and so far I'm very impressed.

" What do you think so far? " asks the tattoo artist noticing me staring. I smile looking at the very detailed work that's been done so far " That's really nice man...good job " I said allowing him to continue.

Surprisingly I didn't have any tattoos and everyone probably would have assumed I did for being a bad boy, and for some time I wanted to get inked.

So after consulting and drawing something out, I approved and now here I was getting my first full-on tattoo. I decided to get my entire left arm done as a sleeve, it's a dedication to my love for Courtney and Serenity, my family and after everything I've gone through I survived it.

The artist got the idea of where I was coming from and took to heart what this meant to me, like myself he told me he also was walking the same path as me back in his teen years. Just like how cars saved me, Art is what got him started now he's got a business, a wife and a couple of kids.

" So you and the wife thinking of adding any more rascals? " he asks me making conversation which caught me off guard "Make your daughter a big sister? " he adds working on an area.

" Not sure yet honestly? My wife wants to finish getting her law degree first and I understand because she's always wanted to be a lawyer " I explained "Plus I wanna work on opening another shop next summer " I add realizing another reality.

" That's cool and I feel ya there, I was in the process of opening my third shop when our fifth baby arrived...I'll admit it was tricky but we pulled through " he commented wiping away.

I couldn't help but laugh a little hearing him "Woah dude got any other hobbies than making babies " I teased which made him laugh too " I do my wife's hot and we still got it " he laughs "You a got hot wife too " I said watching him tattoo.

From there we got into talking turns out his kid's ages are 14 ( boy ), 12 ( girl ), 8 ( girl ), 2 ( boy ) and 1 ( girl ). And his wife is also a tattoo artist she manages one of his shops.

I was impressed by this guy, he and his wife had it all together and figured it out with a litter of kids. I guess there are ways of doing things even when unexpected occurrences happen in some way, there are ways to get through.

Courtney does want to finish school so that she can get going on starting her career, plus knowing her I almost get the sense she doesn't want to rely on me for everything financially. But I've told her I can handle it especially when I have something in store for her.

1 Hour Later

I currently stood in front of the mirror looking at my tattoo, I was very impressed with it.

I chose to have the words love ( top ), family ( middle ) and strength ( bottom ) written big and wide enough to work its way down my arm I also added roses. I always had a soft spot for roses.

" Holy shit that's awesome, " I said smiling in excitement " I'm glad you love it, " said the artist "Can't wait for the wife to see it " I replied unable to stop staring at it.

I thanked and paid the guy now it was time to go home.

5:00 PM

Walking into the apartment I always get this sense of peace, I wasn't sure what it was but coming home knowing Courtney and Serenity were here waiting for me made me happy.

" Duncan is that you? " asked Courtney calling from our room "Yeah babe it's me, " I answered back walking down the hallway to the bedroom to see Courtney folding laundry.

As I arrived I wrapped my arms around my wife who looks back at me "Hi, did you have a good day? " she asks "Yeah work was good but I also went to do something personal " I replied stepping back to show her my wrapped arm.

" You went and got a tattoo? " asked Courtney looking at it "Yeah I've wanted to for some time and I finally did it " I explained watching her look it over "It's beautiful is there a meaning behind it? " she asks smiling.

I explained that " love " signified my feelings for her and Serenity it's what keeps me going every day and in life, " Family " meant all of us not just us but my parents, brothers and all the people we know to this day, and lastly " strength " meant never giving up and surviving everything I went through both when I was a delinquent and in jail. And the two roses were to represent her and Serenity.

" Duncan that's something " breathes Courtney looking at me " I wanted it to have a real meaning " I reply realizing I haven't heard a myth "Where's Serenity? " I asked "She went swimming with Louis, Mikey, Miguel and Millie at the outdoor pool in the park " answers Courtney continuing to fold laundry.

" Cool " I answer sitting beside her "Hey...do you want more kids? " I asked boldly making Courtney stop what she was doing.

" That was random? " she answers smiling lightly " I know but it's kinda been on my mind Serenity's getting older " I explained "Then with Gwen and Bridgette having babies and Lynn due soon...we're being surrounded by babies," I said sounding soft.

Courtney stood in between my legs " I know we're surrounded by babies...and the answer to your question is yes I want more babies, especially knowing that you'll be here " she answers making me smile "Good I'm glad I asked " I said feeling relieved.

" But you know before we can start I - "

Cutting her off I speak " I know you wanna finish school first and I respect that, " I said already expecting her to say that "Yes but also I need to get my IUD removed," says Courtney smiling "Right I forgot about that thing otherwise we'd have a litter by now " I laughed wrapping my arms around her.

Courtney laughs at me "That's one way of putting it " she says caressing my face " But also know that I look forward to having more babies with you " says Courtney smiling " I'm glad to hear that...so til then can we practice cause we're awesome at making babies " I said winking and smiling.

As we were about to kiss...

* knock * * knock *

" Maybe we can practice tonight," says Courtney rushing to get the door knowing that Serenity was here " alright then " I replied following behind.

As the day went I eventually realized that I haven't talked to Courtney about opening another shop, I guess since we talked about our family I should talk to her.

During dinner, I tell her explaining the details of what it will be revolved around and that next fall I wanted to get to work on it. For a moment she was quiet then finally smiling she says...

" Duncan that's an amazing idea, go for it and I'm so proud of you "

I wasn't expecting that type of reaction but I'm glad she supported me in my dreams just like how I believed in hers.

AN: I know kinda short but it's something I'm happy about.