It was Thanksgiving Morning. Adam awoke alone Kim's side of the bed cold. He looked at the clock realizing it was stupid early for a day off. 7am on a day off was not his idea of a good time. He rose from the bed slipping into some clothes before heading down the stairs. The house smelled amazing already. Kim was obviously cooking already and he couldn't wait to dig in. He watched from the bottom of the stairs as Kim danced around the kitchen jamming out to whatever was on the radio. She looked happy and relaxed even though it was a big day. He decided he couldn't wait any longer to hold her. He snuck up behind wrapping his arms around her. Kim jumped up shirking. "God Adam you scared me!" Kim yelled swatting his chest as he laughed at her.
"Sorry Darling! You just looked so cute. I couldn't help it." Adam pulled her back into his arms for a proper good morning kiss. "Good morning babe! Coffee is made. Potatoes are cut and in water, same with the sweet potatoes. Carrots are chopped and ready to cook. And the pies are in the oven. Once the pies are done the turkey is going in the oven. It's gonna be a busy day!" Kim smiled wide. "Damn you have been busy! Well how about I make pancakes for us all while you run up to shower?" Adam offered hoping to take something off her plate. "Sounds like a plan. The kids should be up once I'm done so I will get them moving once I'm dressed." Kim kissed his cheek before heading up the stairs to shower.
Adam started working on breakfast as Kim started the shower to get ready. Adam fixed turkey bacon and cut up some fruit. The day would be full of fatty foods so extra fruit wouldn't hurt at all. He set the breakfast bar with plates and drinks before he plated the food. He heard little foot steps on the stairs and knew it could only be Allie. The shower was still running and Riley cant get out of his room without help. "Hey little Allie Cat. Did you sleep good?" Adam knelt down to hug the little girl. "Morning Adam! I slept good. Did you?" Allie asked. She was a very polite child. "I did thank you. Are you hungry for some fruit and pancakes?" Adam asked as he picked her up. "Yes please." Allie looked super excited for pancakes. She didn't get them often so this was exciting to her.
"Alright let's get you set up and you can dig in." Adam settled her into her booster seat and made sure she was secure before plating her food. He watched her eyes go wide smiling at the food being placed before her. He cut everything up so she didn't need a knife. He left her to eat as he made his own plate. He kept a close eye on her knowing she couldn't fall but he didn't want her to choke on anything. Once his plate was made he sat next to her and ate his breakfast. Neither noticed Kim and Riley coming down the stairs. Riley was still half asleep, resting his head on Kim's shoulder. "Hey you two." Kim whispered as she entered the room. Adam looked back to see them. "Hey buddy. Are you still tired?" Adam reached out to take his son so Kim could get some food. Riley just nodded. "Okay buddy. How about we get you a drink and then get you some breakfast?" Adam asked as he settled his son on his chest. Riley nodded again.
"Morning sweetheart! Are you enjoying your breakfast?" Kim asked Allie as she prepared a plate of food. "Yes mommy. It's good. Daddy Adam makes good pancakes." Allie smiled wide. "Yes he does. Let's get finished up so we can get you showered and ready for the day. Your dad is coming today and so are my family and Adams family. Are you excited for that?" Kim asked her. "Yes! It's gonna be great!" Allie yelled out. The adults laughed and Riley looked over. "Sorry bud. We didn't mean to startle you." Kim whispered to him. He smiled softly. They all got back to eating and allowed Riley to just wake up on his own. It would be better for later on. After they finished up Kim cleaned up the kitchen and helped Allie up to shower. The pies were cooling and the very large turkey was in the oven.
The girls exited the room and left the boys to figure out their next move. Riley was still waking slowly playing with some toys. Adam let him play laughing at how silly his son was being. "Ry? You need to eat something buddy. And don't say no. I'm gonna make you some pancakes with some fruit okay?" Adam watched his son contemplate the topic. "Well let me rephrase. You are going to eat some pancakes and some fruit. Also some milk. I will get you when it's ready." Adam paused listening to the girls giggling upstairs as the water splashed Kim. "Girlie you got to keep the water in the tub!" Kim laughed. "Sorry mommy!" Allie laughed loudly. "Let's get this finished. Daddy should be here soon." Kim said as she finished washing Allie. "Yeah daddy!" Allie loved her dad. It was a little confusing still with her dad and with Adam but she loves them both so much. "Alright. Drying off then dressing." Kim helped her out if the tub before draining it. Allie worked to dry herself off as Kim cleaned up the mess.
After Allie was dressed and the bathroom was cleaned up they headed down to see Adam helping Riley eat his breakfast. "Riley! I know you can eat that on your own sweetheart. Why is daddy feeding you?" Kim asked knowing he was being stubborn. "No daddy do it!" Riley yelled out. "Oh really? I thought you were a big boy?" Kim asked with a small smile. "I big boy! I do it!" Riley yelled. "Good job buddy!" Kim winked at Adam as she moved further into the kitchen to get more things done. While most of the appetizers were being brought by other people Kim still needed to make a couple things and get the plates ready. "How did you do that? He refused to eat alone." Adam asked as he watched Kim move around. "Well turn it around. The big boy thing works well most times. It's like you and Jay, tell you guys you can't do it and you work to prove us wrong." Kim smirked at him. "Oh is that how it is?" Adam smiled at her pulling her closer. He tickled her making her cry from laughing so hard. "Yeah baby! That's how it is." Kim joked before running to the living room laughing. Adam chased after her.
Adam caught her throwing her over his shoulder both still laughing. "You think you are so funny don't you?" Adam laughed as he tickled Kim. "Damn straight!" Kim laughed trying to get out of his hold without hurting him. "Okay you're funny, somewhat." Adam concluded as he set her down. "That's right! And don't you forget it!" Kim pokes his sides laughing still as he gave up. "You are a mess!" Adam admitted. "Oh I know! That was never in question!" Kim laughed as she picked up get daughter who was laughing at her parents. They all were startled when the front door opened. "Sounds like a party in here!" Eric stated as he walked in the home. "Yeah! We are having fun!" Kim laughed. "Hey daddy! Daddy Adam and mommy are silly!" Allie yelled. "I see that sweetheart!" Eric came over to hug his daughter.
"What are laughing about in here?" Eric asked curiously. "Oh just picking on each other. Having fun in our downtime." Kim smiled wide as she explained. "Oh no! She was telling me how she essentially tells me how I can't do something like a dare to get me to do it. And she thinks it hilarious." Adam stated he walked over to Riley again. "You are hilarious. Not really but you know what I mean." Eric said sitting down with his daughter. "Well I think I'm funny! So quiet!" Kim laughed as she walked towards the kitchen again. Kim started to make the biscuits in the toaster oven since her oven was in use. Adam cleaned up after Riley and helped him down. "Come on bud. Let's get you bathed. Your grandparents will be here soon. And your Aunt Kate and Sammy." Adam said as his son ran towards the stair case. Adam watched his son climb the stairs by himself but he stayed close by just in case. He was a pretty good climber and he was really stable on his feet so he didn't need much help.
"Hey Kim. Are you making spoon bread?" Eric asked. It was one of his favorite things that she made. "Um hadn't planned on it but I think I have all the stuff to make it. And it can fit in the toaster oven so yeah I will make it." Kim answered from the kitchen. "Thank you I appreciate it." Eric called back. "No problem. At least you asked now and not right before dinner." Kim worked on a few more things before sitting down for a bit. The small group was playing on the floor when Riley started down the stairs naked. "Um buddy! Where's your clothes and your daddy?" Kim asked running towards him. "Phone." Riley yelled. "Oh he's on the phone and snuck away. Let's go!" Kim picked him up hearing Eric laughing in the background. "Good luck with that Kim." Eric yelled.
Kim laughed and took Riley back to his room to get dressed. "Missing something?" Kim asked as she saw Adam on the phone. "What? Where was he?" Adam looked up from his call. "He was coming downstairs naked as a Jay bird. He used you being on the phone to run." Kim stated with a smile. "Thank you! And Kevin said hello. He was asking about stuff to bring for tomorrow. Wanted to see how much beer we need." Adam shrugged. "Well hello to him too. Let's get this one dressed before he pees on me." Kim suggested as Adam laughed. "Yeah that happens. Someone refuses to use the toilet like the rest of us." Adam looked at Riley knowingly. While Riley just laughed like he understands completely. "Yeah you buddy! You need to use the toilet! You are too big to need diapers buddy. So stubborn." Kim smiled at him. Riley laughed again as Adam dressed him in jeans and a flannel shirt. The final touch was tiny chuck taylors, Adams favorite shoes.
They headed downstairs together seeing Allie playing with Eric. "Are you having fun?" Kim asked walking closer to her daughter. "Yes mommy!" Allie looked back at the game they were playing. They heard a knock on the door. Adam headed to open the door. "Hey Kev. Fridge is in the basement." Adam let him through with beer for the next day. "Hey girl! Thought I would drop this off early. Hope you don't mind." Kev kissed her cheek as he walked through. "No worries. You know where the fridge is." Kim pointed towards the door. "Thanks girl!" Kevin headed through to the basement. Kim watched as they headed towards the basement. Adam was helping making sure Kevin got there okay. When they came back upstairs Kim made sure Allie saw Kevin. "Baby look who's here." Kim pointed towards Kev. "Kevin! I missed you!" Allie yelled. Kevin scoped her up twirling her around above him. Giggles filled the room. After placing her down he picked up Riley and swung him around as well. "Look at you little man. You look just like your dad." Kevin held him on his hip while talking to Adam further.
Once Kevin left it wasn't long before the family all started to show up. The house was full with in 30 minutes. Tons of laughter and chatter. Snacks were placed on the table with plates for people to munch on while they hung out waiting for dinner. "I'm gonna take the kids outside for a bit. I think they need the fresh air." Adam Let Kim know as he headed out with the kids, including Sammy. Eric followed them outside along with the rest of the men. Adam grabbed a soccer ball to kick around with the kids to keep them busy till dinner. Allie was having a blast running around Riley looked bored. "Ry what's up bud? What do you want to do?" Adam asked seeing his son wasn't engaging. "Car daddy!" Riley asked. "You want your car? Okay." Adam heads to get the car for Riley knowing the kids were in good hands.
As Adam came back with the car Eric looked confused. "Isn't that the car Allie had?" Eric asked quietly. "Yeah she out grew it so Kim suggested we repaint it for Riley since it was still in good shape. So we looked online for some ideas on how to revamp it and he loves it." Adam said as he brought the car closer to his son. "That makes sense completely. She pretty handy like that." Eric said as he watched Riley ride off. "Yeah she also kept all of Allies baby stuff and Riley has used a lot of those things when we had two places. It was amazing. And if she ever wants another one we are all set. She just amazes me everyday." Adam admitted wistfully. "Yeah that sounds about right." Eric moved back to his daughter kicking a ball around with her. The family continued to interact and snack as they all mingled either inside or outside. Kim stayed in the kitchen cooking up a storm trying to make this day perfect all around.
It was another hour before Kim opened the door letting everyone know it was food time. "Alright. We are doing this buffet style. Please help yourself to as much as you want." Kim mentioned. "Did you really put up chalkboards in front of each item? That's adorable!" Adam kissed her head lovingly. "I just wanted to make sure everyone knows what everything is." Kim shrugged. "It all looks amazing!" The group all exclaimed. "Thanks for the spoon bread Kim. It's delicious!" Eric stated eating that first. "You are welcome!" Kim made her own plate as the group started to eat. They all chatted while they ate and some went back for seconds. "Kim are you thinking about doing the half marathon again this coming year?" Her mother asked during dinner. "Um I don't know. I'm still running but I haven't had time to train for it. Maybe." Kim wasn't sure,she hadn't thought about it.
"When did you run the half marathon?" Adam asked, not surprised that she ran but curious. "Um 5 years ago. It helped me lose the baby weight. Why do you look so surprised?" Kim asked. "Um well I ran it as well. You got me into running years ago. And surprisingly I ran it 5 years ago as well." Adam was shocked. Kim gasped in surprise. "Really? That's crazy! How is this possible?" Kim was shocked. The group was surprised and Adam just laughed. "We need to look for photos to see if we were close together. This is kind of insane." Adam laughed as this crazy coincidence. "We definitely need to look and maybe we should run it together. It would be fun to do this together." Kim suggested. "Let's look into that! I want to run the race with you. It would be super fun." Adam looked excited for it. "We can look into it. I'm sure we could make it work." Kim mused.
After they all were stuffed the headed into the living room to watch football while the kitchen got cleaned up and left overs packed up. Kim had purchased take out containers so people could take food home and not worry about getting the containers back. Once it was all packed up Kim joined the family again. Kim snuggled into Adams side to watch the game. The kids were knocked out cold and were taken upstairs for their naps. Both Kim and Adam wanted to do an early dinner so the kids could have a nap after and still sleep at a decent time. So while the kids napped the adults decided to play some football. The yard isn't large but they made it work to burn off the extra calories and make room for dessert.
After Kim's family was beaten in the game they headed inside. Kim's parents pulled out their phones and started to look for photos from the marathon that Kim had been in 5 years before. Kim was very interested in what they find. Adams dad also pulled out his phone to see what he could find too. "Okay so I found the photos. Here you guys can look through them." Kim father hands over his phone to them. Kim took the phone and she sat next to Adam to look through the photos. They looked through each photo, zooming in to see if they could find Adam in any of the photos. It was the very last photo and no luck so far but when Adam saw that last photo he gasped. "Omg! Darling?! Right there. Zoom in." Adam pointed towards a small area in the photo. Kim zoomed in and almost dropped the phone. Adam caught it. "How the hell?" Kim looked up at him shocked. Adam passed the photo around for everyone to see what caused Kim to drop the phone.
"I think it's fate you two. This is abnormal. The chances of this are unheard of." Adam's mom spike after seeing Adam in the background of the photo. "Sounds like fate baby!" Kim smiled as she looked over at Adam. "Definitely!" Adam smiled pulling her closer. "This is crazy! How did we miss each other? Adam you were so close?" Kim was just in shock. "I guess it wasn't the right time. And not the perfect place. The boardwalk in Duck was the perfect spot for us to reconnect. That was the right timing. If had been sooner Ry wouldn't be here." Adam shrugged hugging her tighter. "How about I got get the kids who are waking up while the shock wears off?" Eric excused himself. It was probably very awkward for him realizing he could have lost her and his chance way earlier if they found each other sooner.
Once the kids entered the room Kim moved to the kitchen to start putting dessert on the table. "Okay we have spiced pumpkin pie and a double layer pumpkin cheesecake. Whipped cream and cool whip. Did in y'all." Kim stood back and watched her family dig in to the sweet treats. The moans and groans coming from the table as people ate was music to her ears. "So good darling! This day has been perfect!" Adam kissed her softly, not wanting to make a scene in front of their families. "Thanks babe!" Kim blushed at the compliment. As they finished up eating Adam headed to the kitchen to clean up more. He emptied the dishwasher and reloaded it giving Kim a break from cleaning. After the kitchen was more clean he joined the family again to relax some. It had been a great day as a family.
A couple hours later the families started to leave taking leftovers with them leaving the small family to enjoy some quiet time. "I love our families but I'm so happy they are gone. God the house is much quieter now." Adam sunk into the couch. "Agree. The kids seem to be enjoying it to." Kim pointed to the kids laying watching the movie Kim out on. "Once they are asleep we are going to bed." Adam suggested. "Nope I still have a load or two of dishes to do and I need to prep for tomorrow with our friends." Kim explained as they snuggled. "What do we need to make for tomorrow?" Adam asked unsure of what they had planned out. "So we are making turkey tenderloin and desserts. Everyone else is making a side dish to go with the meat. So it's not to bad. Veggie tray, meats and cheeses. Super simple thank god." Kim smiled realizing how easy this would be for her. "Sounds good darling. Do you need Help?" Adam asked wanting to take the pressure off. "Nope I'm only worried about the desserts tonight. The rest is tomorrow's problem." Kim stated as she looked up to receive a kiss.
"Sounds good. I will be glad to help tomorrow. For now just rest and relax some." Adam kissed her before turning back to watch the movie before them. Kim smiled and relax against him. It was nice being here in this moment. Short while later the couple noticed both kids asleep again. It had been a crazy busy day and the kids were over it. "I will take them up. You start the desserts and when you are done you, me bed time. We both need it." Adam wiggled his eyebrows at her letting her know exactly what his intentions were. "Oh I see! Well you better get moving then. We both have lots of work to do then." Kim patted his chest before moving towards the kitchen swaying her hips. Adam let out a low growl as she moved away. Kim laughing getting the reaction she planned for.
Adam took the kids up one at a time getting the changed and settled into bed. Once they were down for the count Adam headed down to see Kim cooking and baking. "So what are we making this time?" Adam wasn't sure she had a true plan. Sometimes it was based on what they had to work with. "Well I'm making a pumpkin cake with cream cheese frosting. All homemade. And then a sweet potato pie because it's Kevin's favorite. His mom made it every year and since she passed he doesn't get it unless I make it for him." Kim explained as she measured out the ingredients. "Sounds delicious. Just like you." Adam kissed her neck holding her against his body. "Well that's lovely but you have to wait. We need to get these in the oven before anything else can happen. So how about you empty the dishwasher and reload it please." Kim was not getting distracted. She couldn't mess this up. "Yes dear!" Adam whined as he moved to the dishwasher.
Fortunately the kitchen was big enough for them both to move around and get things accomplished without bothering the other one. Once Adam completed his task he moved to help Kim clean up the things she wasn't using any longer. The sooner they were done the sooner they could head to the bedroom. They both knew they would have to come back down to clean once the desserts were done but the could get some alone time in while the desserts baked. Kim was just finished the one but still had to finish the other before they could head up. Adam was bouncing foot to foot waiting. "Please go upstairs! You are distracting me. If you want this done quickly you need to leave." Kim gave him a very stern look one that made him realize he was pissing her off. "Okay. See you upstairs." Adam kissed her cheek before retreating up the stairs and out of the danger zone.
Once he was upstairs he decided to set the mood a little. The hadn't had much time together lately and when they did it rushed. Still very enjoyable for them both but not exactly romantic. Most definitely not sweet, loving and time consuming. He wanted that to change tonight. They both deserved something more special. While time wasn't fully on their side they had an hour to enjoy and be intimate before returning downstairs. He switched on the electric candles and dimmed the lights. Turning some soft music on before she arrived. He heard her setting the timer after shutting the oven door. He waited patiently for her to enter the room. A soft gasp fell from her lips upon entering the room. "Baby! This is so sweet! Thank you!" Kim looked touched at the thoughtful gesture. "It's been a bit rushed lately so I figured we could slow it down some. The next few week are crazy with Christmas around the corner so I wanted this time with you." Adam moved closer wrapping his arms around her, seeing nothing but love in her eyes. He knew he had done well.
They slowly undressed each other. Taking their time to enjoy the view and the tenderness of the moment. He was right they needed this, she needed this. Once they were undressed Kim looked into his eyes they were sparkling, she leaned up to kiss him slowly, lovingly but full of passion and emotion. He kissed her back with the same level of emotion before reached down to lift her up and carry her to their bed. He laid her down gently allowing her a moment to get comfortable. Once she was settled he moved above her. He began kissing every inch of her skin. Each kiss soft and feather like. It was beautiful, magical but also intense. He could see the emotions playing out on her face. As a tear left her eye he wiped it away with his thumb.
"I know darling. I feel it too." Adam replied before kissing her lips once more. His hands moved up and down her body before holding her hips tight. He gave her once last look seeing nothing but love before he entered her slowly. Kim made no sound but her face said it all, she was in heaven. He stilled until she was fully stretched around him before he started to move. Slowly, softly thrusting inside her body. Each thrust full of love, full of passion, full of joy for their life together. It was by far the sweetest love making they had ever had. As they came together they both tears in their eyes knowing this was it. This was where they were meant to be for life. Fate had intervened at the right time when they were both ready for the other. They truly believed it.
As they came down together Adam wrapped her in his strong arms afraid to let her go. That it was all a dream but her kisses told him otherwise. "I don't want you to move. Hurry back please!" Adam whispered as they heard the timer going off. "Of course." Kim hurried down the stairs shutting off the oven and allowing the desserts to cool. The dishes could wait till tomorrow. They had more important things to do upstairs together. Wrapped in each other forever. As she climbed back into bed for round two she thought of just how crazy life had been but it turns out fate had always been on her side. She just couldn't see it till now. That would be the new mantra going forward fate.