A/N: I had to help my little sister with trying her shoes this morning and I got the idea. I have definitely been lacking in development for characters besides Katie. I know that and I apologize. She's just my favorite.

I like to keep my readers updated on where certain chapters are based in timelines if I remember to. I'd say this is only a little bit after when Melinda had miscarried in chapter 27. Maybe around November, so it's almost Aaron's birthday. Enjoy xx Mariah

Ages:

Jim — 37
Melinda - 33
Katie - 7
Aaron - 3

None of Aaron's shoes have laces, yet. There were shoes in his closet that slip on, and shoes that tightened snugly to his small feet with velcro, but not a single pair have a lace he could learn how to tie with like his sister, Katie.

The little boy liked to call her, Kitty since he couldn't quite say her name correctly yet.

That's why Jim believed he ambled into the kitchen this morning with his brown Oxfords held tightly to his chest. He was just too excited to get going with his father. He was taking him into town today and letting him pick out his very first pair of shoes with laces.

The boy was so excited. It was stinking adorable.

Aaron giggled excitedly when he noticed that there was a glass of milk and a plate of cookies set out for him on the counter. Melinda may not have had the time to try to teach him to tie his shoes as she did with Katie, but she made sure he had a snack, a big lipstick kiss on his right cheek.

"Those shoes are the size of his forearms," she observed, laughing at the large shoe in their son's arms. "I would stay and help if I didn't have a million things to do."

"I know," he said, joining in on the laughter. He captured her lips in my momentarily. "It's my turn for dinner tonight, so don't worry. You've got one less thing on your shoulders."

"You are the perfect husband, Jim Clancy." She whispered, kissing him on the cheek. "Katie! Come on baby, we've gotta get you to school."

"Mama... pick me up?" Aaron pulled on the hem of Melinda's purple dress.

"Does my favorite little boy wanna another big hug and kiss from his mama?" She said, kneeling down and opening her arms. He embraced her tightly as she swung him up, standing and placing him on the counter as she wiped the lipstick off his cheek. "You have fun with daddy today. I can't wait to see your new shoes when I come home." Jim had long taken the lipstick from her lips now and when she kissed his cheek this time nothing stained his cheek.

She stepped back and held onto Jim as her stomach swirled. She was still feeling the effects of being pregnant, even after losing the baby. It was common for the body not to know for a few weeks or so after a miscarriage.

For Melinda, it had only been four days, and that's what the doctor had told her yesterday morning when she had it confirmed.

"You good?" He asked as she nodded slowly.

"Just a little woozy. The doctor said it's normal." She whispered.

"I know," he nodded, reaching out for her hand as Katie came in.

"Is there a baby in your belly mama?" Aaron asked excitedly from the counter.

Katie stepped closer, intrigued by the conversation of another sibling, but she knew by the look on her mother's face the answer was a no.

"No there isn't, baby." She said, hugging the boy. "Katie and I better get going." She sidestepped after and Jim helped Aaron off the counter.

"Do I look picture day ready?" Katie asked, spinning in her dress. She wore warm leggings and a bright dress with cute shoes and her hair long and over her shoulders. "I have to look good, mom. This is the third grade. Your picture matters."

"You look so beautiful, dancing girl," Melinda said, kissing her head. "I like your dress and am happy you wore leggings. It's chilly out."

"Thanks, mom. Bye, daddy!" Katie came up to her father, hugging him before sliding out the side door right in front of her mother. "See ya, Aaron!"

"Those girls..." He said and looked over at his son. "Let's get going, little man. We've got stuff to do!"

"Ok," Aaron muttered as he set him down. He always hated it when his mother left. She was his favorite person. "I guess."

"Hey, no pouting and maybe we can get ice cream too." He said, following him into the front hall to help him put his shoes on.

The boy perked up and sat on the stairs as Jim grabbed his velcro shoes, putting them on and grabbing both of their jackets as he turned back around.

"Okay!" Aaron slid his jacket on and opened the door for his father. Jim grabbed his keys and zipped up his coat, following his son. "Let's go!"

"I thought that would perk you up," he laughed, locking the door behind him. He held out his hand as they walked down the steps. "Ready?"

"Ready," Aaron jumped into his father's arms like he always did whenever they left together.

He squeezed his little boy into his arms, kissing his cheek as they walked toward the truck.

Melinda's jeep was long out of the driveway and soon they would be too. Everybody in the Clancy family was off living their lives today.

"Do I untie it now?" Aaron asked as his father set the new pair of light up spiderman shoes on the coffee table.

He propped himself on his elbows on the table and took the already tied laces on his shoe in his fingers eagerly. He'd been asking for weeks to learn how, but Jim hadn't had enough time off built up yet. He wanted a full week to practice every morning with him and he'd finally fixed his schedule for that.

He was working night shifts all of this week, but Melinda had it covered and would be home in time for him to get off to work after dinner.

Delia was closing at the shop this week, giving some of her properties to a new realtor at her office to help out.

"That's right," Jim encouraged as the boy pulled them gently apart.

"Why don't you untie your shoes when you take them off, daddy?" He asked setting each lace carefully on the opposite side.

"Sometimes I do," Jim said, ruffling his hair. "Most of the time it's easier to just slip them off because then when I'm in a hurry I can just pull them on." Aaron started to cross them, looking confused. "You're doing good. Ready for the next step?"

"Why is tying shoes so hard?" He sighed and then pouted, furrowing his brow.

"Let's just focus on teaching you to tie them in the first place," Jim said, smiling. "Then we can focus on why it's hard."

"Daddy? I have another question." He asked and fumbled with the next shoe before looking at his dad. "It's serious."

"What's your question bud?" Jim asked, leaning forward to give his son his full attention.

"Is mommy okay?" The little one asked, his blue eyes wide with concern. "She's sad a lot of the time now."

"Yeah... don't ask your mama about that okay?" Jim whispered, holding his son's hands as he spoke to him. "It will only make her really sad, but your mama is strong. YOu know that right?" The little boy smiled and hugged his dad, sitting in his lap with his shoes. "Ready to learn how to tie these laces once and for all?"

"Yeah!" He said, beaming at him with his shoes in his hands.

"Because I don't know about you, but I'm ready to help you tie your big boy shoes," Jim said and then tickled his sides happily. He loved being a father that was for sure. He would never give it up for anything. "Alright, calm down." He chuckled, kissing his cheek as he stopped. "Now, show me how to make the bunny ear just like I showed you."