It was Friday, two days before the family left for vacation. The first full vacation as a family. It was crazy to think about that the couple had been back together almost a year and were getting married in one week. All while having a child on the way. Kim had gone out during the week and purchased outfits for the kids to wear as well as a dress for herself to wear for their wedding. It wasn't going to be fancy in anyway but she still wanted a white dress. Adam would be wearing dress pants and a dress shirt. To them it was perfect. The couple had also find out to get wedding bands with the date of their wedding engraved inside them. Right now the family was working to pack their clothes for the trip ahead. They were all very excited for this time away together.
"Mommy! Who's watching Tiger while we are gone?" Allie asked snapping the couple from their thoughts. "Sweetheart Kevin is going to stay here with Tiger all week when he's not working. He knew you were very worried about his care while we were away." It was a tough sell for sure but the look on Allie's face when they said they weren't sure was enough to change Kevin's mind. "They will have so much fun! Tiger will love it!" Allie cheered though the couple was sure Kevin wasn't thrilled but he would do it for them. And he promised to send photos so Allie would relax while they were away. "I promised we would leave lots of instructions so Tiger gets the proper care all week." Adam watched his daughter smiling brightly just like Kim. He loved his little girl, she was pure sunshine. "Have you finished picking out your clothes for the week?" He asked watching her dance around to the music in her own head. "No!" She laughed but Adam didn't. "Sweetheart please go to your room and pick your clothes." He sighed but she nodded and headed to her room.
"Lord help us when she turns 13." Kim shuddered. "You know I made that same comment at work about her sassiness one day." Adam laughed remembering that day. "Oh I know. But hopefully we can get that under control before then. The counseling seems to be helping some. She has been speaking her mind and feeling her emotions. Plus learning that it's not her fault with Eric's family and I think she's made progress." Kim shrugged as she got snacks together for the plane ride. "I agree completely and I'm sure Eric does too. We did the right thing for her. We did the one thing we always promised and that was putting the kids first. This isn't long term for her because we took care of it. She's doing great again." They were proud of how they had all handled it but also how well Allie was doing with talking about and being open. They knew she even talked about her mother's rape and how sad it made her. They were deeply proud of her for being so open. She was stronger than anyone knew possible.
"Im going to see how she's doing packing." Kim wondered what was happening in her room. It a,ways worried her when she asked her daughter to pack. She always made a mess going through her things. "Yeah I will take Riley up to pack. I'm sure it will be easier than Allie Cat." He laughed knowing what Kim was walking into. She sighed as she headed up the stairs. Adam right behind her with Riley in between them. Thankfully Tiger was off doing his own thing. He did like to sleep while everyone was busy which was helpful to get the kids moving onto other tasks. Kim found Allie surrounded by clothes all over her bed and on her floor. It looked like she was trying to make outfits. "Sweetheart! What are you doing?" Kim looked around exasperated. "Packing!" Her tone was very clear that she thought her mom was crazy for asking. "Oh well it looks like a mess. Let's try to clean some of this up." Kim tried moving her in the right direction.
It took another hour before she was finally packed. Adam and Riley were both packed by the time the girls finished packing just for Allie. "Baby! Can you figure out dinner while I pack?" She asked looking ragged from Allie's room. "Yeah. Was it that bad?" He asked seeing expression. "Oh you have no idea. The whole floor was covered and her bed. Insane!" Kim shuddered. "I'm sorry I shouldn't laugh but that's funny!" He patted her butt as he walked by taking the kids and their luggage down the stairs. He headed in to the kitchen pulling out a menu for a local pizza place. Neither wanted to grocery shop when they were leaving in a few days. He ordered food for tonight and the next night before turning his attention back to the kids. "Outside kids! It's too loud in here." Adam moved the kids out to the yard letting them burn off steam. Both kids trying to kick soccer balls into the net Riley got for his birthday
Both kids were having a blast trying to play soccer which Kim loved. Soccer had always been a release for her and felt safe since it was doors in the open where everyone could see. No office to be taken into and raped. Allie was also loving Karate. Adam had taken Kim to the studio several times working with her fears. He had explained to the instructors what had happened in that building all those years ago and they were very understanding. They welcomed her in when no one was there to help desensitizing her to the location. And even offered full back ground information to help Kim feel more comfortable with letting Allie take classes. It had been wonderful seeing the support from strangers to help her feel safe with the process going forward.
Adam had received a text from Jay saying they were out and did they want to get the kids together. He responded right away letting them know they were more than welcome to come over. They had plenty of food ordered and the kids would be thrilled. They arrived at the same time as the food. "Kim darling! Dinners here and so are the Halstead's." Adam called up the stairs knowing she was busy packing. "Okay be right there!" Kim was surprised hearing they had visitors but it was okay. She headed down the stairs heading to the kitchen seeing their friends. "Hey guys!" Kim offered hugs as she entered. "Hey girl! Hope you don't mind us coming over." Erin wasn't sure if Kim knew they were coming. "It's all good! You guys are always welcome! You know that!" Kim swatted Erin's shoulder.
"Well let's eat while it's hot! Come on kids!" All three kids were sat at the table two in booster seats. The adults settled around the table sharing the dishes. It was easy and fun. "Are you guys all packed?" Jay asked knowing they left early Sunday morning. "Um yeah. I still need to finish packing but the kids and Adam are done. Luckily a lot of stuff is already there. Bathing suits, towels, sheets are all there already. And all our toiletries are there for us girls so that's a help. Really just need the clothes." Kim,shrugged a bit. "Sounds good. We really need to plan a trip back. I'm sure Drew would love it now that he's older." Erin commented knowing Jay wouldn't mind. "Yeah anytime it's not rented you are welcome to use it. You know I don't mind especially since y'all pay unlike other people." Kim laughed knowing people tried to use it but didn't offer to pay so she didn't allow them to use it. "Of course! It's only right. You are right to keep freeloaders out." Jay laughed knowing that was an issue.
"Who tried to freeload?" Adam hadn't heard this before. "Some friends but also my own mother. She thinks since I own it she should be able to use it for free. That's not happening. I have bills to pay associated with the condo. The bare minimum is the cleaning fees. And in the off season I turn off the cable and internet. Why pay them when no one is there." Kim shrugged. "Wow that's messed up. I know she's caused issues before but this is just crazy. I'm sorry but she needs more therapy. I know you have done it before but she needs more." He shook his head while they all laughed. "Not wrong. She's just never thinks before she speaks. And that causes more issues. I'm honestly surprised she was so kind about Chris. I figured she would make some sort of comment about pregnancy." Kim knew Adam was thinking the same thing. "Oh yeah I agree completely! She's made uncomfortable comments before. Had me wondering if we were on the same page or not. Remember after we got home from the beach?" He looked at them all.
"Oh yeah I remember that. Awkward for everyone in the room." Kim cringed. "Yeah that was bad. Im Thrilled it didn't derail you guys. That could have derailed most couples." Erin gave them both the knowing look. "Oh we know. We talked that night fixing it. It was uncalled for and comparing two different things. Eric and Adam are two completely different people. They can't be compared. Of course both pregnancy would be different. That was almost like stupid to say." Kim was getting worked up quick. "Darling. Please try to relax a bit. We are okay. We will always be fine. Take a few calming breaths." Adam tried to calm her seeing her worked up. He watched her nod taking slow breaths. He got her a cool drink to help her a bit more. She took a few sips feeling her heart beat slowing again. When she started to eat again he held her wrist feeling her pulse again. It helped relax him knowing they were okay. He never wanted to see her in the hospital again from her blood pressure. It scared him, them and they didn't need that again.
The group finished eating before taking the kids back outside to play. Kim resting on the deck watching the kids making videos of them. "How's it going over here?" Erin asked sitting next to her. "I'm good! How are you doing?" Kim asked looking over towards her. "It's good. Bunny's in jail again. So we shall see how that goes. Apparently Stephanie was her supplier and could only get into visit by saying she was family. It's been insane dealing with it all. I think when you get back we are going to take a mini vacation to the cabin. Just to breathe a little. It's a mess." Erin sighed heavily. "Sounds like a really good plan! You both need it and I know Drew would love it." Kim was happy that they were making plans to heal among the craziness. "Yeah I think you are right. Anything is better than dealing with Bunny." They both laughed knowing it's true. "You want to join them?" Kim asked Erin hoping she didn't feel obligated to hang out on the deck. "Nah I'm good. It's nice just relaxing a bit. We don't do this often enough." Erin was happy to relax watching her husband and son.
Riley was the first one to crash out. He had literally laid down on the lawn falling asleep. The group laughing as Adam scooped him up taking him to bed for the night. Drew and Allie moved to the deck to play a game which was thrilling for the adults who were tired from running around. "Allie Cat! Dad's on the phone!" Adam headed out with the phone. They all watched her talking dancing in her seat. She was very excited to go on vacation and see him again during the week. She never cared what day as long as he showed up. Like this week coming on Thursday night instead of Friday since his brother had to be in court. They all noticed the hair twirling as she was still talking. Her sign she was going to crash hard soon. But she loved talking to her dad so they didn't rush her. Before they ended their call he promised to see her Sunday in Virginia Beach for lunch before they headed to NC. Kim and Adam were thrilled with the extra effort he was making.
"Are you ready for bed Allie?" Kim watched her eyes closing and reopening. "Yeah." She whispered already falling asleep. "Okay my sweet let's get you to bed." Kim kissed her forehead, telling her goodnight and I love you as Adam carried her to bed. He didn't think she would make it up the stairs safely with how tired she was. "Man those kids crash hard!" Jay laughed once Allie was inside. "Oh I know. And lord knows I can't carry her anymore. Even Riley is getting hard for me to carry. I can't even imagine how hard it will get in another month." Kim groaned knowing this kid was growing large. "Well good thing you have all of us to help. And Adams family is willing to step in on early morning is a huge help." They were thankful Kim wasn't alone this time. She was more than supported this time around.
"Did she even make it to bed?" Kim asked as Adam sat next to her again. "Nope! She was lightly snoring when I left her room. How's our boy doing?" He hand rubbing her belly. "Good moving around. It's getting a little stronger feeling. I think it will be kicks by next week. Still a few weeks till you can feel it though. I think they might be a gymnast. Already tumbling in there." Adam was smiling bright. He loved hearing all about Chris and hearing what he's doing. It's been a great experience for sure. "Awesome! I can't wait to feel it." He was just happy resting his hand on the belly. "Yeah until she kicks your face." Erin laughed knowing it happened to Jay often. "Oh yeah that's great!" Jay chuckled. "Still better than the spine." Kim laughed. "I'm down for it all. I want to experience it all. We got lucky so far with no throwing up so if I have to get kicked in the face by my son I'm good with it." He really wouldn't care.
"Be careful what you wish for." Jay laughed remembering how bad both Kim and Erin had been towards the end. "I honestly will take it all. I don't care how bad it gets I just want to be here for it all. I want to experience all of it. The good, the bad, the ugly. All of it." He watched as her eyes started to close. "Darling. It's time for bed. You and the baby need sleep. You head up and I will clean up and join you." He watched her nod getting up to hug everyone good night before heading up the stairs to bed. "We will let ourselves out. Drew needs to go to bed anyway. Guess we will see you when you guys get back. Have a great trip. They hugged before the Halstead's left for the night. He cleaned up after dinner putting all the leftovers away. He started the dishwasher before joining Kim in bed. She was asleep already but he was happy she snuggled into his side when he joined her.
Saturday flew by before they knew it it was Sunday morning very early. The family was packing up and headed for the airport. They let both kids sleep in the car knowing it would be better for later. Thankfully the kids could sleep through most things. The car ride filled with nervous energy knowing this week they became a full, legal family. Adam pulled up to the airport helping to get both kids and all the stuff out of the car before parking the car. Kim was waiting inside with all of their things waiting. He was quick knowing it was a lot for Kim. They should have had an extra person to help them but Kim was stubborn. Adam checked the bags and car seats before they started to move towards TSA. They got through quick enough as it was still early. They grabbed breakfast as they waited to board the plane. Both kids were waking so it was good timing.
The kids were excited to be going to the beach again. They talked about things they wanted to do during the week. Kim knew Adam would love some of the historical sites but knew Riley would be bored and so would Allie most likely. They decided to try the Elizabethan Gardens which was lovely and the kids could run a bit. It was also close to the water which was nice. They could also go to the aquarium afterwards which they already knew the kids loved. They decided to try the bumper cars hoping Ry would be tall enough. The kids were excited. It was hard to keep them seated. Boarding was starting so they all moved to the gate. Having small children allowed them early boarding. About an hour later the plane finally took off towards Norfolk. The kids got to watch movies while in flight to keep them busy and they snacks just in case. Less than 3 hours later they landed in Norfolk. They got the kids off the plane as quick as possible since both kids needed to potty.
The small family then headed to baggage claim getting their luggage and car seats again. Moving through the airport to short term parking to get Kim's car. Adam got both car seats buckled in, Kim stayed with the luggage and kids. Ry was in the car first, then Allie then all the luggage. Adam didn't want Kim to lift a finger. She settled in the passenger seat typing in the address of the restaurant they were meeting Eric at. It was a bit of a drive but no one cared. They just wanted to have lunch and relax for a bit before heading further south. "Have you been to this restaurant before?" Adam asked since he knew for sure he hadn't. "Um yeah a few years back. It's very busy. But good food and large portions. It's kind of touristy." Kim explained. "Well I'm excited for it. I'm getting hungry again anyway." He was always hungry they all knew that.
They arrived at a parking garage close to the restaurant. Kim had texted Eric to let him know they were close. The restaurant was nice enough to reserve a table for all of them with a booster seat. They normally didn't do reservations so she figured he passed some cash to make it happen. The family walked down the block arriving outside the restaurant. Allie practically bouncing to see her dad. They entered and saw Eric right away. They all moved towards the table seeing Eric standing to hug them all. He shook Adam's hand and offered a high five to Ry. They had made a lot of progress over the past year but it still wasn't perfect and probably wouldn't ever be. "How was the flight?" He asked sitting with his daughter. "It was fine. Easy enough. Can't wait to be at the beach though." Kim answered looking over the menu. "Oh I hear you. Soon enough." Eric smiled seeing the picture Allie was drawing.
The blended family enjoyed lunch together. Eric even talking with Riley seeing how he was doing since his birthday. He spoke in detail about playing soccer and using his slide. After lunch they walked closer to the beach for just a few minutes. "Eric I really wanted to talk to you about something." Adam took the kids further away. "Whats going on?" He was confused. "Listen I just wanted to tell you that on Friday Adam and I are getting married at the chapel at the beach. We want to keep it just the four of us. I promise an hour max and then you can spend time with Allie again." He watched emotions flashing over her face. "Listen I get it and that's okay. And I'm happy for you all. And I promise not to say anything to anyone till you make it official. You two are meant to be, I see that. No matter how I feel, I see how happy you two are together. It's all good. Really. I'm happy for you both." He hugged her before they joined the rest of the family.
After another hour the family started to drive towards Duck again. The kids were even more excited now they knew it was just a few hours away. Adam drove towards the condo excited to get back to their safe place. The kids took a short nap as they drove. The couple happy that they crashed for a bit. As they arrived Kim got out of the car first. She woke the kids leading them to the condo. Kim took her purse and a bag as she headed up the stairs. Adam followed behind with the first of the suitcases. "Kim darling. Just rest up here while I bring up the suitcases. The heat's not good for you." He watched her nod as she settled onto the couch with the kids. It took four trips before all the suitcases were up and then he headed to the storage area to grab all the extra stuff they needed.
Kim had started getting the beds made and the towels in the bathrooms. She wanted the bathrooms ready in case the kids needed to potty again. She then started to unpack the suitcases and put all the clothes away. She never lived out of a suitcase unless it was an overnight trip. And the kids would be raised the same. Adam noticed both kids getting antsy. "Mommy are you done yet?" Allie yelled out jumping around. "Almost sweetie!" Kim called back. Adam was confused and Allie realized it. "We can't go to the beach till everything is unpacked." She huffed. "Oh well let me help then." He headed off hearing her cheering. Adam made quick work of the last suitcase. "Okay we can go to the beach now." Both kids cheered as they headed to the sand.
Kim sat close by deciding to order groceries through Instacart. She sally didn't want to go shopping. She wanted to spend time with her family. It was more important to her. And the extra cost didn't matter in the long run. "What are you doing?" Adam asked sitting next to her. "Ordering groceries for delivery. So we can just relax with the kids here." He smiled wide knowing she heard him and was taking the less stress thing seriously. "Thank you! I appreciate that. One because we need food but two because you are relaxing which is very important. I love you!" He held her as they watched the kids play. It was the perfect start to a great vacation.
"Order should be here in an hour. This is so relaxing." Kim rested her head back in his shoulder. "This is relaxing. Just what we all needed." He laughed at the kids running around crazy. "I'm gonna run around with the kids. Just rest, keep relaxing." He kissed her head as he got up to chase the kids. Kim took video of the three running around playing together. She loved watching them all together. She relaxed till she got a notification showing her delivery person was close. "Baby going to get the food delivery." She called out getting up. "Nope! You guys play! I got the food delivery. Take my phone just in case and give me yours. Be back shortly." He kissed her lovingly. She headed over to the kids who were playing with ghost crabs while Adam headed back for the order.
"Kids we need to head back soon so we can go for dinner. Just a few more minutes okay?" She watched both kids cheer excited for dinner. "Mommy I got to potty." Riley giggled. "Okay let's go back!" Kim moved the kids back to the condo going up the back stairs since it was a shorter walk. Adam unlocked the deck door seeing them running up the stairs. "I assume someone needs the bathroom?" He laughed seeing Ry running towards the bathroom. "Yup! But we made it." Kim laughed knowing it was probably close. "Thanks for that. I just need to finish putting the groceries away and then we can head to dinner and the park." Adam kept working in the kitchen. Kim joined it so it went faster. She was hungry herself so she was ready to go.
They all headed out 10 minutes later. The kids dancing in their seats ready for good food. It was a short ride to the small deli. They all entered finding a table in the corner of the restaurant. They ordered for the kids before ordering for themselves. The kids would start to get cranky without food soon. And so would Kim so she ordered hush puppies. She loved them, fried cornmeal with butter. The kids colored as they waited for their food excited to get to the park afterwards. Adam watched as the kids cheered for their meals. They were hungry and had been well behaved. It was a short time for Kim and Adam got their meals. They shared bites as they traded stories. Some about the area, some about their lives apart. But it was only the good stories. They had moved passed the past. The good times were all they cared about especially here.
As the kids grew antsy the adults finished their meals so they drive to the park. It was just easier tonight. Adam had paid for dinner as Kim got the kids back in the car. Adam came back to find his family buckled in and ready to go. The park was still pretty empty as it was check in day and still a bit early in the evening. The kids ran around enjoying the park. It was a good time. As the night moved on the kids started to crash. Adam moved the kids back to the car to start heading home. Once the kids were sound asleep the couple headed to the porch to enjoy the night together. It was a special room for the couple. They shared their souls in this room. "This might be one of my favorite things about this place." He pulled her to his lap so he could hold her better. "Mine too. So many memories here." She paused for just a moment. "Friday it's official." Kim smiled wide thinking about it. "God I can't wait." He kissed her hard excited for their wedding.
"Ready for bed?" Kim whispered breathlessly. "Absolutely!" He picked her up carrying her to their room after locking the front door. He laid her down wanting to make love to his soon to be wife. "I love the vulnerability you showed in this room that first night. I love the trust you showed me in this room on the first night. I'm so thrilled to be able to make love to you all night in this room." He heard Kim sigh contently as he worked her body into oblivion. It had been a long beautiful night for the couple. Both excited for their wedding just a few days ahead.