It was their first morning at the beach. The first time Adam and Riley got to be a part of all the traditions. Allie was already running towards the main bedroom wanting her parents awake. "Mommy! Daddy Adam! It's time for our run and the big red chair!" She laughed seeing them startled awake. "Oh Allie Cat! Can you take it down a notch please?" Adam was rubbing his face trying to calm down a bit. "Sorry but I want to go!" Allie was jumping up and down. "Okay sweetheart. But can we wake up a bit more first?" Kim yawned stretching a bit. "Fine!" She rolled her eyes sighing heavily flopping on to the bed. The couple laughed hard seeing the over dramatic nature of their daughter. "I promise it won't be long. Just a few extra minutes to relax." Adam pulled her up into his arms snuggling her tight. She giggled as he pulled her into his arms.
The three lay quietly as the couple woke up a bit more. Allie was getting antsy so they let her go as they got up to get ready. They were surprised when they entered the living room to see Riley awake and moving already. "What happened here?" Adam was just confused knowing his son loved to sleep and was not a morning person. "You guys were getting ready so I woke Riley telling him we were going for a run and then for donuts. He got up quickly." Allie shrugged. "Okay well thank you for waking him gently. I do appreciate that." He hugged both his children loving how happy they were. "Are we ready to go then?" Kim asked. "Yes!" The kids yelled excited to get going. "Okay we need to take a slower pace with mom being pregnant and in this heat but we can still run some." Adam knew Kim needed to take it easy. Running was fine since her body was used to it but a slower pace was helpful with how big her belly already was this time. The kids ran for the door ready to go. Water bottles were grabbed and they headed out.
Strollers were grabbed and they started to jog. It was light and easy on the their street. Allie and Adam picked up some speed as they hit the main road. Kim also picked up speed but slower as she pushed Riley in the stroller. Allie knew she could run free till the hit a cross walk then she needed to be safe in a stroller for now at least. She was almost too big for it but they wanted her safe always. Allie started to run harder as they got to the boardwalk. She wanted to get to the big red chair sooner rather than later. Adam followed her trying to make sure she was safe. She was laughing and giggling as she got closer. Kim was smiling wide watching them together. As they all got closer to the chair Allie was yelling for her mom to hurry up. Once Kim arrived with Riley they both got their photos taken in front of the chair individually and together. Before sitting on the chair for more photos. Kim and Adam getting in on the photos as well.
The kids grew bored quickly before heading to the donut shop. Both kids cheering with excitement. The couple loving how happy both kids were here. The kids placed their orders first before the adults. After Adam paid they walked across the deck to watch them being made. Kim hung out in the shade enjoying a quiet moment. When they returned with the donuts they decided to head across the street to a shaded area to eat before running a bit more. Kim needed the shade and it allowed Adam to get a good coffee from the place Kim had taken them too last year. "This coffee really is good Kim. And I love this shaded area with room for the kids to play. This definitely wasn't here in 09." Adam kissed her head. "Yeah it was cleaned up when the Corolla Wild Horse Fund had a shop here. They used to bring a horse over to let the kids ride and pet. It was always a once wild horse that was tamed due to injury or wasn't accepted by its mother. But it was great." Kim smiled remembering the few years they could pet the horses.
"I'm sure Allie loved that!" He knew she loved the wild horses and hated that she couldn't pet them. "Oh she did. I think it only lasted a couple of years. But it was nice while it lasted." She smiled watching the kids playing. They headed back to the run. "Adam. I'm gonna take the shade trail for a bit just to cool off again." Kim called as they split ways. He nodded but stayed close to Allie. Kim and Riley were under the trees jogging along enjoying the shade. "Mommy! Potty please!" Riley asked squirming a bit. "Okay buddy. We are close to one." Kim heads over to the township building to use the bathrooms they had available. They were open to the public but always very clean. They ran in to the ladies room straight to the handicapped stall. Riley sighed happily as he was able to pee. They left the stall and Kim showed him the step stool area so he could wash his hands.
They left the bathroom texting Adam to let him know so he wasn't worried when he didn't see them on the other side of the shaded trail. They all met up again on the end of the trail and headed on. It was hot already and both kids were dragging before they even finished half the run. Both kids were in strollers as they headed back. It seemed like it took forever to return to the condo but it was perfect timing. Both kids needed a nap and Kim really needed to cool off. "Darling relax for a bit and I'm going to make you some fruit and turkey bacon. You need both too." Adam watched her smile wide. "Thanks baby!" Kim relaxed at the table enjoying the air conditioning. "When I'm done with this I'm going to walk down to the storage room and get the portable fan. It needs to be charged but we will need it today first sure. It's already 90 outside without the heat index and the burn factor is high today. So lots of sunscreen on the all of us." Kim knew this could go so wrong with the heat this high already. "Works for me. I think we are going to end up in the pool a lot just to get cool if the waves are crazy. I really want to get Riley in swimming lessons. I think it's good for him." Adam said as he worked in the kitchen.
"Agreed! Allie had them but it wouldn't hurt to have a refresher for her as well. Especially since we travel and always get a hotel with a pool so it makes sense. And Eric loves to use a pool when he travels with her. We can set it when we get back." She smiled thinking about the kids. "Perfect. Are you cool enough?" He watched her munching on her fruit. "Yeah I'm good. Summer pregnancy is always hard. But I'm good. Loving the relaxation this brings for all of us. The kids have been so happy. I wish we could do this more with them. Just doesn't seem possible this year since I'm getting closer to the no fly zone. But we need to make a point to do this more in the off seasons." Kim knew they would love it even if it were not summer. "We can definitely do that! When does it stop renting?" Adam wasn't sure how that worked since he didn't need to worry about it. "Um my last renter is first week of September. And September is beautiful. And still warm. October is warm-ish. But still fun for everyone. Next year we are planning more trips." Kim was adamant about that. His eyes lit up kissing her softly.
"I'm running down to grab your fan." He left knowing it was just easier for him to grab it. When he returned he found her cleaning after her breakfast. "Thank you for doing that." He kissed her cheek then plugged in the fan. "Oh that was easy. I wonder how long the kids will sleep?" Kim mused as they sat together in the screened in porch. It was still hot there but it was shaded and it had a fan to help with the breeze. But it was more about the room and the connection the couple had to the room. They created their new life in this room. They bared their souls in this room. Mending the past to build a stronger foundation to move forward again. "So to continue tradition. What should we talk about?" Adam asked knowing how this room worked for them. "Well we finished the babies room. So now we should discuss the new car but I want to talk wedding. I think it's more fun than car talk." Kim laughed dreading the car buying process. Adam was laughing knowing most women didn't like car shopping.
"Sounds like a good plan. What type of wedding are you thinking?" He asked knowing most women planned way in advance. "Well in Chicago for sure. I think because we are talking May it will still be cool so indoors. Do you want a church wedding?" She asked unsure how he felt. "Well I was raised in a church but I'm not practicing as you know. So either is fine. The only thing that would be a no was a courthouse thing. Which we know isn't happening. So I'm good with anything. Maybe we can look for wedding locations in Chicago and see what we like." He knew now she never thought about it. And he hadn't either. So they were learning together. "Sounds like a good plan. Let me grab my phone." She got up moving to grab her phone from the kitchen.
"Kids are still sound asleep. Your phone had nothing important on it." Kim settled in next to him again. "Thanks for looking. We both know I'm not on call but I would hate to miss something important." He wrapped his arm around her hugging her tight. Kim search the internet for locations and shared it with Adam to figure out what they liked. "A lot of good choices here. How about we pare it down to like 5 and then we can figure out what's available?" She asked wondering how that worked. "Sounds like a good plan. I really like this one restaurant that over looks the water. We could still see it without being out in the cold. So let's make that a priority." He pointed to one he really liked that would work for them. "I agree completely." She smiled saving that information into her phone. "This is great! Are you ready to start getting the kids moving and heading to the beach?" He asked seeing smiling wide.
They headed in to start making the lunches for the family and packing the cooler. Adam took it right down to their tent before he headed back to the condo. When he returned to found both kids up and moving around dressed for the beach. "Alright kiddos! Who's ready for the beach?" He asked as the kids cheered. "Come on then!" Adam led them to the beach. "I'm gonna change quick." Kim stated smiling wide. "See you down there." Adam kissed her excited to see her belly in a bathing suit. Kim winked heading to their room laughing knowing he was getting worked up and they could do nothing about it. He just groaned moving the kids to the beach with their towels and toys for the day. The kids were playing under the tent when Kim arrived. "Hey babies!" Kim saw them turn to look at her. They were all smiling wide. "You look gorgeous! Love seeing you this happy, this relaxed. And this looks amazing on you. Pregnancy looks stunning on you." Adam almost growled seeing her in a red bathing suit with her pregnant belly well on display.
"I figured you would like this one. I needed a slightly larger suit since I'm pregnant so I figured red was even better." She was blushing under his intense stare. "Definitely amazing choice. Are there more?" He asked wondering if she had gotten more than one. "I did get a couple since the bottoms get hard to put back on when they are wet." Kim shrugged settling in next to the kids playing with them. After a short bit Adam suggested they head into the water to cool off some. The whole family was sweating so the water would be a welcome change in temperatures. The waves were a tad rough for the kids so they headed to the pool for a quick dip before returning to the tent. Kim just headed to the outside shower turning it on getting under the cooler temps. It was quicker than walking to the pool. The small family settled under the tent again enjoying the sound of the water but also the family time.
Allie started to giggle around an hour later. "What's so funny Allie Cat?" Adam saw her almost rolling in laughter. "Riley's hungry! I can hear his belly from here." This time they all laughed. "Buddy you want some lunch?" Adam asked seeing his son laughing and nodding. "Okay let's have lunch then." Kim passed out the sandwiches, put out the fruit plate, the veggie tray and offered drinks. The kids were very excited for the food but also the drinks to help them cool off some more. After lunch the kids ran around crazy for a bit before crashing for a short nap. Adam made sure they were completely shaded while Kim headed back to use the bathroom and get more drinks. They had gone through most of them already since it was so hot outside. She even brought back a sweet surprise for the kids, frozen fruit pops. The couple didn't like the cheap ones that were mostly sugar and chemicals. Kim always got the ones with fruit chunks in them but also the juices made from fruit only. They were more expensive but it was worth it to get extra fruit in the kids.
"Hey got a little treat." Kim showed him as she got under the tent again. "Yum! The kids love those. Actually so do I. Slightly guilty pleasure but not too unhealthy." He took one munching on it right away. "Me too. The raspberry is my favorite." Kim took one to eat while they enjoyed the silence. "Steam pot tonight right?" Adam asked out of the blue. "Yup! Do you think Riley will eat it or should I just order something else for him?" She still wasn't sure about seafood with him. He had gotten better about food but seafood was still an issue. "Maybe just some chicken nuggets? The corn and potatoes he will eat with no issue. And we can try seafood again tonight. Hopefully he will come around." He shrugged unsure but knew they had to keep trying. "Sounds good. Next time I head up I will order it." She closed her eyes just relaxing. "Where do I need to pick it up from?" Adam had no clue where she had gotten from the year before. "Oh there is a small restaurant attached to the gas station in town. That restaurant. The food is good and I only have to make one stop. Way back in the day it used to be a Burger King. But as you can see it didn't last. I think that was the last chain store that tried to open here." Kim looked over to him.
"I love your knowledge of the area. Tell me more." He loved history so this was great for him to learn about the area. "Well the area was originally hunting cabins for ducks but also farms. A huge part of the area was owned by the Scarborough family. Hence the name on the street and the two shopping centers. They sold off the land trying to stay here as long as they could with no education to build a life with. They literally owned a home here till the last member who wanted the land passed away. He had a house with a shop in the garage where he sold the wooden ducks he made. It was called 'Pops Duck Shop'. It was kind of sad when Levin died. Like an institution was gone." Kim saw him smiling at her. "Where was the house?" He was interested in knowing more. "The white surf shop is on the land the house used to stand on. So directly across from the street named for his family." Kim was happy he was so interested.
"So was the town named Duck because of the Duck hunting?" He was curious but it sounded right. "Not really but yes to a point. So it was named during a time where education was lacking. People couldn't read or write but most could spell duck. So that's what they went with." Kim thought it was incredibly sad. "Anything more about our little town here?" He watched her eyes light up. "Tons! The bait and tackle shop is the oldest building in the town. Do you remember seeing the tombstones in town?" She asked knowing it was hard to miss them. "Yeah outside the park." He commented. "Yeah so that area was a homestead. It was abandoned for years because the sons wanted nothing to do with the house. So the township bought it with the two other lots next door to build the park, the township building, the playground and the full boardwalk. But yeah it's the husband and his two wives." She reached out to hold his hand. "Nice they didn't move their bodies. They were meant to be on the land." He knew she was happy about his interest in the area. "Yeah I love how the town has made so many improvements but still kept the charm and small town feel. It's really a perfect community." Kim heard the kids stirring.
"Hey kiddos. Did you have a nice nap?" Kim asked seeing them smiling. "Yes!" They were both excited to still be at the beach. "You guys want a popsicle?" Kim asked knowing they would. "Please!" Both kids knew what was coming. Kim handed them each a raspberry pop knowing they would be thrilled. "Is it good?" Kim asked seeing them munching away. They both nodded happily. "Okay when you guys are done we need to head in to potty." Adam knew the kids would need it soon. "And more sun screen!" Kim was no nonsense in that moment. They all agreed and finished eating their popsicles. Adam ushered the kids back to condo Kim following them to cool off under the shower head again. He let Allie use their bathroom while Riley used the hall bath. It wasn't sure if it was urgent or not yet but this would solve the issue quick if it were. The kids returned to the living area finding Adam in the kitchen getting a drink.
"Can we jump in the pool before heading down again?" Allie asked. "Yeah of course!" Adam could use it too. They headed over to the pool for a quick dip before joining Kim again. "Oh looks like the pool got some use!" Kim laughed seeing her drenched family. "Yeah Allie wanted to jump in for a minute. Very helpful for sure." Adam kissed her as they settled under the tent again. "It's just about 4 so I'm going to head up and order the steam pot and use the bathroom myself." Kim headed back to the condo trying to get dinner situated. As soon as it was ordered she headed back to beach. She loved spending all day there. The kids were playing when she got back. They were building a sand castle with help from Adam. They noticed Riley getting distracted by ghost crabs again so Kim watched as he chased them. She didn't want him to run into anyone or get too far away.
As they walked back Adam was smiling wide. "Should we head back for the day? It's almost 5?" Kim offered knowing the tent would be picked up soon. "Yeah we are all getting hungry. And we all need showers." Adam helped get the items together and started to take things back to the deck. He headed back to help moved the kids back. The sand was hot and the kids were getting cranky a bit. The feet were washed off before the kids were brought in the house again. Adam took Riley straight to the shower to get cleaned up together since it was just easier. Kim let him know she was heading to get the pot. Allie was left on the couch playing but knew not to leave the house. And she was good about the rules. When the boys were dried off and dressed Adam ushered Allie into the shower.
Everyone was done when Kim returned. She started the pot before jumping in the shower. It was busy but they were loving it. She could hear laughter while in the shower. Which thrilled her immensely. The shower was quick but that was fine. She dressed and headed out to continue making dinner for her family. The kids were playing a match game at the table while they waited. Adam was staying close by cheering them on. It was lovely to watch. "Dinners almost ready. Adam can you set the table outside please?" Kim loved eating outside and the deck was shaded at this point so it was much cooler. "Of course." He grabbed the plates and silverware heading to the deck to get everything set for the night. "Dinners ready kids!" Kim started taking the dinner to the table as the kids washed their hands. "This looks incredible darling! Thank you for cooking!" They shared a small kiss before moving more food to the table plus a bucket for all the trash.
Kim made the kids plates before she sat down again. Kim and Adam helped themselves as the kids started to eat. "Kids what do you want to do tonight?" Adam asked hoping to keep them busy but enjoying fun at the same time. "Can we mini golf?" Riley asked. "Sure that works for us." Kim smiled knowing Allie loved it too. "Same course as last year?" Adam didn't care either way. "Yeah it's easy and less busy. Plus close to several ice cream places." Kim knew they could all have fun at that course. "Sounds good to me. No one wants to get stuck behind a kid who doesn't really get it just yet. So this works." Adam knew they could try to teach him better this year as he was a year older. "Let's finish up so we can head out soon." Kim tried to give Riley a few bites of crab and shrimp which he did eat but he wasn't in love. But he still ate it. That was progress in their minds.
As dinner finished the kids were washed up again. Adam helped clean up the dishes and started the dishwasher before heading out to drop off the trash in the dumpster. He would hate to smell it later as they got home from golf and dessert. "We ready to go?" He asked seeing them coming down the stairs again. "Yeah we are all set." Kim smiled helping the kids into the car. Allie got herself set in the car. Adam helping get Riley buckled in to his seat. Kim had started the car to get the air conditioning running. Adam hopped into the passenger seat letting Kim drive knowing where they were headed and the best way to get there. The kids were looking out the windows as they headed out. Adam saw a few things he wanted to check out later in the week.
They arrived outside the mini golf both kids cheering to get started. Adam jumped out to help Riley get out and Allie unbuckled herself. The kids walked calmly to the entrance. Adam paid for the golf getting the club for Riley and a ball taking him to the first hole. The couple split going in different directions letting both kids play at their own pace. Allie finished first and started playing the second course while they waited for Ry. As old as it was, it really was the perfect place for a small child to learn and play. When Ry grew bored they headed out for ice cream. Allie wanted to go to the spot so they headed out again. Both kids enjoyed their ice cream as they started to head home. The kids were getting tired and truthfully so were the adults. The ocean air always made Kim more tired but also more hungry. Allie danced in her seat talking to Eric as Kim drove so the kids could crash as soon as they got home.
When they arrived they noticed Riley was already asleep and Allie was getting there. Adam scooped up Riley taking him to his room right away. For now he was sharing with Allie which was fine. They each had a bed and plenty of room still. Allie brushed her teeth before climbing into bed for the night. After both kids were sound asleep the couple headed to the porch to talk. Adam could tell she was thinking something. Her eyes were lighting up, her smile dreamy. "I know that look. What are you craving?" He smiled knowing her so well. "Crab fried rice." She smiled wide. "Okay. Where can I get that?" He wasn't sure since he wasn't as familiar with the area as her. "In the center with the coffee shop." She watched nod pulling out his phone to order it for her. He left quickly to pick up her order knowing it needed to ready quick as she pregnant and she could get nasty without her food.
He jogged up the stairs with her food. He could see her giddy with excitement over the craving. "You want the whole bowl or are you sharing?" He wasn't sure but knew she rarely ate the full thing. "I will share. It's a lot of food. They give you so much crab it's insane!" She opened the container showing him what he had picked up. "Holy hell! That's a ton of crab! Let me get some bowls and we can eat in the porch." He scooped some into each bowl handing her bowl with a spoon so she could head outside again. He entered the porch seeing her crying a bit. But wasn't concerned. This happened often when she got her cravings satisfied. "Good?" He watched her nod happily. He took a few bites before speaking again. "This is really good. I'm shocked." He wasn't sure what to except but he was very surprised. "So there are two Thai places I love here and even an Indian place. It's great! I wish we could get the kids to be a bit more open about new foods. Like Allie is normally okay but even she has some issues." Kim mused as they ate a bit more.
"We can try them. Maybe the Indian one this week? Where is it?" He wasn't sure he ever saw it. "It's actually right before the bridge to the area. So it's further out so it's not as crazy busy." Kim actually loved that about it. "Oh so it's on the water. Perfect! We are totally going there with the kids this week!" He was now excited to try this place. Kim beaming with happiness. She moved to kiss him hard loving how he was happy to work with her cravings and her likes of things in the area. "You ready to head to bed?" He asked breathlessly. Her lips moving to his neck never answering him. "Okay let's put the bowls in the sink and head to our room." He was rushing now. He needed her and quick. She checked on the kids as he cleaned up from her snack. Locking the door and moving quickly to their room. He found her getting undressed ready for what was to come. "Just about one year ago we came into this room together. For the first time in 13 years I had slept through the night. With no drugs, no alcohol. Having been slightly intimate and still nightmare free. This has been an amazing ride." She moved onto the bed kneeling on the mattress.
"You are truly my miracle Kim. I can't believe how far you have come in a year. I have never loved you more than I do right now in this moment. Seeing you happy, relaxed, pregnant and free. Freely enjoying your life in the bedroom and outside the bedroom. I wasn't sure we would ever get here but we did and it's been amazing!" He stripped down quickly pulling her into a long slow kiss. He wasn't rushing tonight. He wanted her to feel every kiss, every nip, every ragged breath. It was essentially their anniversary so he wanted it to be special. Kim wrapped her arms around his neck letting her fingers massage the back of his head. She was practically purring as his lips headed further south. No words were spoken as he made love to his future wife. The couple came as one with tears in their eyes. Moaning each other's names softly.
It had always been beautiful for the couple but knowing they made it a year. They made it through so many obstacles to get here made this moment even more beautiful. Adam opened his eyes after a short bit seeing Kim asleep in his arms. He would have loved another round but he was happy she was sound asleep in his arms once more. "I love you darling. My love, my life, my wife always." He kissed her one last time as he fell asleep next to her.