Adam awoke again to whining. He already knew it was their dog. "Hey Gunner what's going on? You want to show me?" Adam grabbed some pants and followed the dog over to the kids room. He shook his head knowing the kids were being crazy once again. "Kiddos! You are supposed to be asleep. Why are you awake already?" He had no idea this was a thing but he was pleased that they weren't doing worse things. "Not soft!" Milo almost cried. Adam picked him up right away not waiting them to cry. "Buddy it's not that bad. I mean yeah it's not mommies bed but this isn't horrible. Mom really wants you guys sleeping in your own room." He watched Mia smile but Milo was sniffling. "Alright so let's try something. You two have air beds for when you travel. So let me get those and we can try them okay?" He watched them nod but Milo didn't let go of his hold.

Adam headed to the garage to grab the beds bringing them. He got them set up within minutes. Once they were all set up Adam placed the kids down letting them try the air beds. He watched Mia fall asleep right away. Milo needed a few mores with Adam laying next to him before he fell asleep again. He gave them each a kiss on the cheek before heading back to bed. Gunner was on the floor next to the beds again. Adam settled into bed next to Kim again. "Everything okay baby?" Kim asked snuggling closer. "Yeah I got the kids set again and they are asleep again. It's all good." He felt her nod as her breathing evened out again. Next time he woke up he found Kim still asleep but he had to wake her. They were looking at a house this morning and Kevin was watching the kids.

"Darling it's time to wake up. We have the house showing today." He could feel her moving around. He could feel her stretching a bit but he also heard her making a little squeaking noise as she stretched. He smiled fondly. "So adorable!" He whispered seeing her smile. "Morning baby! Do I remember you saying something about the kids during the night?" She asked opening her eyes a bit more. "Yeah they were awake again. Milo crying because the bed wasn't soft enough. But I know they need to sleep independently from us. So I ended up getting their travel beds. They crashed back out in those. I felt the mattress they use it's not that bad. I think it's a phase but we should still look for better beds for the kids just to try it." He watched her expression soften. "Thank you for handling that. I really do appreciate it. I love that you are stepping up for them. It's beautiful to watch." She kissed him softly. "And I agree let's try the new beds and see what happens." She watched his face looking like he needed to tell her something else.

"Yesterday the kids let the dog back in from the deck. I think we need safety locks with them getting taller." He saw her sigh. "Okay. I'm not ready for that but they are apparently. I knew this was coming but it's still hard seeing them grow up. Becoming little people. They aren't babies anymore." She cried softly though she knew it was silly. "They will always be your babies. But they have to grow up. I know it's hard but you are doing the right thing for them." He just hugged her letting her have her feelings. He knew it was hard for parents to let their kids grow up. But her case was harder since she was a single parent their whole lives. Married or not she was a single parents. "I'm being ridiculous I know." She laughed a bit. "No you are not. I think this is pretty normal for any parent especially a single parent who had been through so much. You are doing great!" He hugged her tight knowing her emotions were a bit crazy at the moment.

"You ready to get up?" He asked feeling her tears dry. "Yeah. You want to shower together?" She asked looking into his eyes. "Oh absolutely! Let's go!" He jumped up running to the bathroom to start the water. He headed back grabbing some boxers while Kim grabbed her panties and bra. They got into the shower needing to get moving but that didn't stop the couple from enjoying the shower together. No sex was involved but lots of touching, lots of caressing, lots of kisses while washing each other. The couple got dressed in silence. Adam watched as Kim dried her hair. It didn't take nearly as long as it used to but it still took time. He loved watching her. It was simple, easy, carefree. "Come here!" She asked him over. He entered the bathroom having her turn to dry his hair for him. He never dried his hair like this but she was happy so he just sat and let her work. Once he was done he kissed her on the forehead leaving her to finish her hair.

The couple headed out to check on the kids together. They found both kids still sound asleep with the dog between the two beds. "Well this is adorable. I'm happy they are still asleep." Kim smiled as she sat between them. Adam watched from the doorway. He loved watching his family. He loved seeing how soft, loving and kind Kim was with her children. It was a very pure form of love shining through. "Good morning babies. Time to wake up." Kim rubbed their backs trying to wake them. Mia was up first, stretching just like Kim did every day. "Morning mommy!" She reached over to hug Kim. "Oh my sweetheart. Love hugs from you! Are you ready to start your day?" Kim watched her nod getting up and heading to Adam for hugs. "Hey sweetie! Did you sleep better in the air bed?" He asked hoping it was a good short term solution. "Yes thank you." She smiled bright just like Kim. They looked so much alike. "Okay my sweet let's get you in the bathroom to potty and wash up." Adam placed her down letting her walk to the bathroom.

By this point Milo was awake but snuggled into Kim's side. "Did you sleep better my sweet boy?" Kim asked as she held him. "Yes Adam got us soft beds." Milo was excited. "I'm glad and I promise later today we will look for softer beds for you two. I guess till then you two can sleep on these beds. Would that work?" She wanted them to have some control in their little lives. "Yeah. I need to potty." He whispered. Kim just laughed letting him run off to the bathroom. "Hey bud! I see you liked your travel bed!" Adam hugged him quick knowing Milo needed to pee. He saw him squirming. "Okay potty time. Mia you good now?" He watched her nod. "Okay head back to your room to pick out your outfit." Adam watched her run back. He helped Milo wash his hands before sending him back to their room to pick his outfit.

Kim was dressing Mia when the boys entered the room. "Love the outfit Mia! Good job!" He kissed her cheek as she giggled. Kim was amazed by how good of a father he was. He really just knocked it out of the park. "Alright buddy let momma change your outfit then breakfast time." Adam watched Mia playing with the dog while they waited. "Looking good buddy! Definitely looking handsome today!" They shared a fist bump before they all headed downstairs. Adam let the dog out before heading to the kitchen. Kim already started making breakfast for the whole family. Adam tapped her shoulder pointing to the deck as the kids opened the door letting the dog back in. "Kiddos! You guys can't open the doors without myself or Adam with you. We don't want you going outside without us knowing." Kim tried to explain nicely but she was unhappy with that. She watched them both nod that heard and understood.

Kim returned to cooking while Adam fed the dog. Both kids playing games as they waited. The family sat down to eat waffles together. Fruit and turkey bacon was also served. Both kids enjoyed talking through breakfast. They were excited to see Kevin but they were also excited to shop for new beds. It killed Kim knowing they were t babies but she knew it was time. They were making things very clear that they were ready for change. They were ready to grow. "Kiddos are you done eating?" Adam asked seeing they both put their forks down. "Yes!" They both yelled. "Okay down the hall to the bathroom please. We need to clean your faces." He helped them down and watched them run to the bathroom to wash the syrup off their faces. They returned to find Kim cleaning up the kitchen and loading the dishwasher. "Thanks for breakfast darling! It was delicious!" Adam pulled her in for a hug. Kissing her softly. "You are welcome! It's the least I can do for you taking care of the kids during the night. You figured out how to fix their issue last night without caving into their want to sleep in our bed." She hugged him tight.

"I love helping them, taking care of them. Kim they are my kids. I see no difference if they were mine biologically or not. I would anything for them. For you." They stayed in their embrace till they heard the door bell ring. Adam headed to the door while Kim held the dog back just in case. Gunner was excited and they didn't want him to run out. "Hey man! Thanks for coming over." Adam let Kevin in sharing their bro hug as he entered. "Hey no problem. I'm happy to help. Can't imagine looking for a house with two kids would be fun nor easy." Kevin followed Adam further getting attention from Gunner first. "Hey buddy! Good to see you." Kevin petted the dog before moving to Kim and the kids. "Hey Kev! Thanks for this! They are excited to hang out with you." Kim pointed to the kids jumping for joy literally. "Hey girl! I'm excited to hang with them too. They are great kids." Kevin hugged her before going to the kids. He lifted them both up getting a big hug. "Okay my kiddos we have to go but we will be back soon okay?" Kim asked unsure but knew they were in good hands. "Yeah we are good!" Milo smiled brightly.

"Great we will be back shortly. Be good for Kevin kids." They shared a fist bump with each kid before they left. "You ready to go?" Kim nodded as they left. The couple excited for this house showing. The couple drove in excitement discussing the details of the house. "So it's 6 bedrooms 3 and a half baths. It has a full guest suite which I love. And it has a fireplace which I love." Kim was overly excited about it. She just hoped it looked as good in person. "Yeah I love the backyard and the pool. With all the fencing it will be safe for the kids. I also love the finished basement. I think a game room for the us and the kids would be great. Lots of storage for the games, with a wall mounted tv. A good size table to play the games on. Maybe a ping pong table." He really wanted a good sized space for the kids to run around year round. They were active kids and loved being active. So this would be a great house for them.

"That sounds great! It would be great for the kids but also when the team comes over to hang out. I have a really good feeling about this." Kim could feel it. "I agree! I think this could be it." They pulled up outside the home full of nervous energy. "If it's not good we keep looking, We can't dwell for too long. Unless I want to pay taxes on my capital gains." Kim stated as they walked towards the door. "If this isn't the one we will find it. I promise." He hugged her tight right as he knocked on the door seeing the agents car in the driveway. As they waited they looked at the front yard but would need more time to explore it. The door opened seeing their agent welcoming them inside. "Hey Melanie! I hope this looks as good as the photos." Kim hugged her nervously. "I think you are going to love it! I walked around a bit already and I'm pretty confident about this one." She took them through to the kitchen knowing that was a big thing for Kim.

"Wow this kitchen is great! Lots of space to work. Lots of storage space. I don't love the fridge being a Samsung but that can be changed. Too many class action lawsuits against them for freezing inside." Kim opened it and pointed to the frozen section. "Yeah that will have to go." Adam couldn't even get the tray open as it was frozen to the bottom of the fridge. "Let's keep looking," Melanie wanted them to stay on the positive not focus on the bad things. The downstairs tour went well and even the basement worked for the couple. They headed to the bedrooms next. They both loved the laundry room with the bedrooms. It was just easier with kids. And all the rooms were good sizes. The bathrooms could use some updating but they worked and were functional enough that it wasn't the biggest issue. They then headed to the back yard which was large for the kids and dog to run around. "What are you thinking darling?" He could usually read her but right now he was clueless. "I uh love it. Even the garage would fit our cars and the third bay would fit a lawn mower and toys for the kids. I think this is it. It just felt good inside, homey. And if the fridge is the only thing that has the be replaced right away even better. What did you think?" She was still excited but needed to hear his opinion.

"I love it. I can totally see the kids running around back here with the dog. I can see you all making cookies in the kitchen. I can see the kids having friends over here. I can see us lying in front of the fire during the winter enjoying each other." He saw her shudder knowing what he meant. "Then let's make that happen. Deal?" She he,d out her hand for a shake. He just laughed pulling her in for a kiss. "Deal!" Adam just swung her around happy with their decision. "Okay Melanie we want this house. Obviously we need an inspection before closing. And maybe some wiggle room on the price. The financing is going to be strange for this home for us since I have so much I have to invest from the same of my last home but if we could get it for 650,000 I would like that. I know it's less than they want but that would mean we wouldn't need a mortgage. And not needing a mortgage means we can move quicker. 30 day close would work best I think." Kim and Adam had talked at long lengths about how this would work for them but they agreed she paid for the house, he paid the bills. It would just be easier in the long run and would work out pretty even in the long run as well.

"I don't think that's too much off the asking price so let's work up a offer and I will submit it when I get back to the office and as I'm driving back I will call the other agent and let them know it's coming so they can be on the look out for it." Melanie wrote up the offer with the couple signing the paperwork before they went their separate ways. Kim even gave Melanie the deposit hold check already just in case. She was that confident about it. The couple headed home full of nerves once more but excited to see how this all went. The whole car ride was quiet but they were touching the whole time. They arrived home knowing the kids would be excited to see them again. Adam parked his car in the garage squeezing Kim's hand one last time as they exited the car.

"Hey we are home!" Kim announced as they walked in. They heard tons of laughter coming from the living room. "Mommy! Adam!" Both kids yelled running towards them. "Hi did you guys have fun?" The couple laughed seeing the kids nod excitedly. "That's great!" The kids ran back towards Kevin. "Hey Kevin. How did it go?" Kim asked unsure how the kids did. "Hey girl! They did great! They had lots of fun. How was the house?" Kevin was still on the floor playing with the kids and the dog. "It was great. Me love it. Just waiting to hear back as to whether we get the house or not." Kim sat with them as Adam brought them drinks. He settled with them as Milo came over to lay on him. "Hey buddy are you tired?" Adam felt him nod. "Okay buddy just close your eyes. Take a nap. It's okay." Adam just held him as he drifted off to sleep. "Kevin I got to ask I was thinking about maybe doing a baby shower for Erin and Jay. Do we know if they are registered anywhere? Or if they even want one?" Kim knew he might have some more inside knowledge.

"You know I have no idea but I know they would appreciate a baby shower. Erin's not going to get one from her family except Voight. And Jay only has Will. I think it's a great idea. We could get friends from the firehouse and from med as well as the team. Yeah let's do that. Maybe in November since they are due in late January?" He mused out loud. "I think that's perfect. I will text Voight about it if you could text Will. I don't have his number or I would." Kim was a,ready texting Voight giving him the heads up. "I think this is a great idea. They will love it. Especially Erin. She plays tough but she's a real softy at heart." Kevin stayed a bit longer till Mia was crashing too. "Alright I'm out of here. We can start planning Monday. Take care guys!" Kevin started to leave. "Thanks again Kevin. We both really appreciate it. They obviously had a good time." Kim smiled hugging him before the guys shared their secret handshake. Kim locked up after Kevin and the kids were carried to their air beds. Gunner following close behind.

"Ready to crash on the couch for a bit." Adam held his hand out leading her to the couch. He laid down pulling Kim to lay on top of him. It was comfortable, relaxing. Kim had drifted off letting Adam's strong hold lull her to sleep. He never attempted to move her. He just allowed her to feel safe and content. Close to an hour later she woke to find Adam on his phone scrolling through Instagram. She didn't even realize it was her page. He was smiling seeing all the photos of her with her friends and her kids. But he was probably more surprised that their faces were covered. "Hey." She whispered softly trying not to startle him. "Hey. How was your nap?" He asked putting his phone down though not closing the app. "It was nice thank you. I guess I needed it." She sighed not moving off his chest.

"You do need it. Years of fight mode leaves you chronically tired we both know that. And I like you sleeping on me. It feels amazing knowing you are comfortable enough to sleep on my chest." He saw her smiling still resting on top of him. "Whatcha looking at?" She asked knowing he had been scrolling. "Just looking at photos from your Instagram. Loving photos of all you've seen and done. But I do have a question. Why do you always block the kids faces?" He was confused by that but loved seeing their former life. "To protect them. I know it's a private page but that still doesn't prevent bad things from happening. A recent case in Manhattan is proof. A teenager was abducted. Through image searching they found out that sex dolls were being sold in this girl's image. The mother had posted that photo on her private page but someone still got a hole of it. One of the men who bought the sex doll wasn't getting off to it anymore and wanted the real thing. So he paid to have her abducted. She's been found luckily but it's still scary shit. So I protect them best I can always." She looked up to see the sick look on his face. "That's a whole new level of sick. Nothing is safe anymore. I see why you said everything scares you when it comes to sex crimes. Makes total sense." Putting his phone down to hug her tighter.

"Yeah still want to share the good times with the kids with those we care about. We aren't close to people anymore with living here so they can all see adventures with the kids." She just smiled knowing it was hard being away from those they always knew. "We can always go visit and they can come here. I know it's important to everyone to stay in their lives. So we can plan that going forward. No worries or stress about that right now. Let's get some lunch started and then we can get the kids moving. We promised getting new beds for the kids this weekend." He knew they couldn't break that promise to the kids. "Okay let's get moving. I don't want to move off you but I know we have to." She moved gently off him and headed to the kitchen. "Later my darling we can snuggle again." He kissed her head as they started to work making lunch for the family.

After the table was set and the food placed on the table the couple moved to wake the kids. They were already waking up so this was good timing. "Hey my babies! Are you ready to get some lunch?" The kids popped up real quick hungry. "Alright let's head down then." Kim scooped up Milo, Adam scooping up Mia bringing them down to the kitchen. The kids were still waking up but happily sat eating lunch. They had played hard with Kevin and needed to be refueled for sure. The more they ate the more they began to talk about the fun they had with Kevin. "I'm so glad you kids had a good time. Are you ready to head out after this to look for new beds?" Kim asked watching them dancing as they ate. "Yes!" They both cheered. Adam was laughed but thrilled hoping this would end the early mornings. Neither adult rushed the kids to get moving wanting them to eat lunch and be full before they moved out for the day. Proper nutrition was key so they never rushed meals with the kids.

The kids were finished eating and excited to get moving towards the store. The kids were loaded in the car and buckled in. Adam decided to drive heading to a local furniture store. They arrived at the store getting the kids in the stroller before heading into the store. They headed right to the children furniture section. The couple looked at all the beds deciding to get two beds that were the same so they could be in the same room and look good. And be okay in separate rooms. Bunk beds were out of the question. Both fearing the kids would fall out even with the rails. They finally came to a decision on two beds and headed to the mattress area which was probably more important. For Milo specifically who was more upset about the bed situation. They let the kids lay down on the beds trying them out. Trying to figure out which was most comfortable for each kid.

The kids somehow picked out the same mattress which was good. The company was also willing to deliver same day for an extra fee. Neither Kim nor Adam cared about the extra cost knowing it was best for the living situation. The small family headed home to start the process of moving the furniture out of the kids rooms. The whole room cleaned after the furniture was removed. "Okay so before we move everything back into the room. How about we go through the toys and clothes to donate what you don't use anymore?" Kim asked both kids knowing they had still had baby toys they no longer played with. "We can do that." Both kids started to look through the toys looking at each one trying to figure out what to keep. They did eventually remove several toys each. Then starting on the clothes. Two hours later the clothes were gone through and the donations loading into the car.

Kim had ordered new sheets and comforters for the kids beds with pillows. Adam headed out to pick them up and drop off the donations. He was very proud of his family for giving things away that they no longer wanted or needed. Kim had instilled good values into them from the beginning. She also made sure they helped gift to those in need during the holidays. He returned home seeing the furniture being delivered already. He was happy for sure. "Hey I'm back!" He saw his family smiling. "Hey glad you are back. I'm not paying extra to have them set the beds up. We can do that. But I want to start the sheets now so we can have this done before bed time." Kim was excited for this now that it was happening. "Okay you start the sheets I will head up to look at the beds and see what tools I need." He patted her butt as he headed up the stairs. Kim was laughing as she headed to the laundry room.

The kids playing with the dog in the living room laughing. Adam came down smiling wide as the kids played. "Alright kiddos. I'm going to get the beds set up right now okay?" He watched them nod. He headed to the garage to grab his tools. He didn't need much luckily. It was less than a hour later before the beds were done. They were just waiting on the sheets. They took the kids outside for a bit to run around with the dog. It was good fun for the whole family. Kim headed back in to dry the sheets before returning to her kids running around crazy. Adam was laughing at how crazy they were being. "Looks like we are having fun!" Kim laughed joining their little game. "Yeah it's a good time for sure. They are really happy." He hugged her tight he was damn proud of her for raising such amazing kids on her own. "Let's do take out tonight? It's been a busy day and we both need rest." He watched her smile. Loving how kind he was, how thoughtful he was.

"Sounds like a good plan! You order I'm gonna chase the kids." Kim took off after them laughing at they started to chase her. It was easy, simple, fun. The kids were tired by the time dinner arrived. "Kiddos dinner time!" The kids ran to the table excited for dinner. The kids talked but had calmed down a lot since they were so tired. With dinner finished the kids were taken up for baths while Kim made both beds for the kids. She even installed the safety rails just in case. Kim entered the bathroom just as the kids were getting out of the tub. "Babies let's dry you off and then get you ready for bed." Kim helped dry them off grabbing Milo before he ran off naked again. He giggled the whole way to their room. Adam was also laughing knowing how it worked. Kim worked to get Milo dressed and then Mia before letting both kids try out their new beds.

"Kiddos what do we think of the new beds?" Kim asked watching them lying on their individual beds. "Love it!" Milo yelled as he got under the covers. Mia nodded as well. Both kids seemed to be enjoying the space but also the comfortable beds. "How about we play a bit longer before going to sleep okay?" Adam offered as he sat on the floor with the toys. Both kids got on the floor playing with Adam but also Kim. The girls played with dolls and the boys played trucks. Neither surprised both kids didn't last much longer. They were falling asleep while playing. "Okay my sweet babies. I think we need to go to bed now." Neither kids fought it. Barely tucked in before they were sound asleep. The couple watched for a few minutes before heading back downstairs.

"How are you holding up?" Adam knew she was having a hard time with the kids growing up. "Um it's hard but I'm hanging tough like always." Kim shrugged a bit. "Can I ask you something?" He watched her nod. "Why did you use two cards earlier when you bought the beds and stuff? I thought you were doing better financially." He asked cautiously. "Oh I definitely am doing better financially. But I put half that money spent on the account that is their child support. So he paid for half technically and I paid for the other half." Kim smiled knowing he didn't think of that. "Well that's smart. I guess that's part of what that's supposed to pay for so that makes sense." He smiled hugging her. "I also started their college funds as you know. One for each of them. And I also started accounts so they can have cars when they get old enough. And I still have money to support them properly." She smiled knowing she had done good for her kids.

"You are truly amazing. So smart for sure. When they are old enough they will appreciate it for sure. I know that because I would have if my parents had done that for me." He felt her relax into his side. "It's been nice being able to buy the things they need. The things I need. Without worrying about paying my bills. I feel like a weight is off my shoulders. It's been nice you know?" It didn't really require a response but he did. "I know what you mean. I hear ya completely. You did damn good girl! So damn proud of you!" He just held her tight loving this not so broken woman in his arms. She was healing, stronger, more confident, more sure of herself and the world. It had been a beautiful journey so far. "You ready to head to bed?" He watched her pull out her phone showing him who was calling. "Hey Melanie! What's the news?" Kim had hope but was still nervous. "Hey guys sorry for the late call but I wanted to let you know, you got the house! Congratulations!" Melanie stated excitedly. "Omg! That's amazing! Thank you so much!" Kim cried tears of joy. "You are very welcome! I will call you when I have all the final details! Take care talk soon." She hung up letting the couple celebrate.

"Omg baby! We got the house!" Kim cried so happy and Adam swung her around laughing happily. "I'm so excited darling! Bedroom now!" He scooped her up holding her on his hip taking her to their room. The couple spending several hours loving each other's bodies till they fell asleep wrapped together. Both excited for their life together and the new adventures that were ahead. A vacation and a new home all in the next month. Life was a dream.