Day 2 of vacation started in a very similar fashion. Allie wanting to go running and waking the couple up. Though it was adorable it was also very annoying as Kim needed to sleep more. The small family got moving onto their morning run noticing the town was busier today than it had been the day before. Leaving Kim curious as to why. She didn't focus on it though she just focused on her family as they made their way through town in the boardwalk. As they passed the park area on the sound Kim stopped dead in her tracks staring at the water. She squealed loud enough that Adam and Allie turned around. "What did you see?" Adam asked walking back towards her noticing the happiness on her face. "Look right there." She pointed. "Riley you see the River Otter?" Allie was already watching it and Adam just laughed. Kim loved otters so this was not a surprise.
They stayed till the otter was out of sight before they continued to run. They made it to the deli before turning back running straight to their bakery. The girls needed their cinnamon roll and Adam needed another water. It was hot as hell out again and he knew they would need the pool to keep them cool. The family sitting around a small table eating their snacks listening to the birds just relaxing. "Are we heading to the beach today?" Adam asked the kids. "Yes please!" Both kids excited to go to the beach again. "Sounds like a plan. When should we do the aquarium?" Kim asked knowing both kids loved it. "How about tomorrow since we are going to fireworks that day?" Adam offered knowing it would be a good time for sure. "That works for me. Are you kids okay with that?" Kim asked them watching them nod. "Okay great! Tomorrow we will eat breakfast out then the aquarium and the gardens. Maybe while the kids nap in the strollers we can visit the lost colony site?" Kim looked towards Adam knowing he loved history.
"What's that mommy?" Allie asked curious about what her mom was saying. "Well sweetheart it a settlement of people who came from England. They arrived here but were looking for Virginia but missed. So the ship landed close by here but they were low on supplies like food. So the people stayed and only sent a few select people back to England to get more supplies. It was all woods at this point and they didn't know how to live off the land so they tried to make friends with Native Americans. However that didn't go over the best. They fought a lot and many people on both sides died. But when the ship returned from England the settlement was empty. They couldn't find a living soul. And no idea what happened to them. Some people think they were killed or died. Some think they left to live with the Native Americans and some think they were captured by the Native Americans. In one very old book about the Native Americans of this area a story was told of white people living in harmony with the Natives. So that is what I like to think happened to them. A lot of the roads out here are named after those people who vanished. It's all one big mystery." Kim watched the wonder in the kids eyes.
"Sounds awesome! We need to check it out. Where is it?" Adam asked excited for this adventure. "Literally next to the gardens. So we can walk from one to the next. It is pretty cool to just seeing the site of the original fort and the land. Not much left there but still cool. And it's shaded." Kim smiled knowing it would a fun day full of exercise. "Sounds awesome. You kids ready to head back?" Adam asked seeing them excited. "Okay let's go." They started the brisk jog back to the condo. The kids were excited to get to the beach. As soon as they arrived the kids ran to their room to get changed and ready to head down. Kim started to make lunches for them. Adam got the cooler ready to head to the beach. After it was packed the couple headed to get dressed for the beach. Kim put on another new bathing suit that showed off her belly.
"Kids you ready?" Kim asked seeing the kids jumping up and down. "Okay let's move out!" Adam took the cooler and the beach bag while the kids took their toys. Kim followed carrying her drink and fan. Adam set down the cooler and the bag helping the kids set up their toys. Kim relaxed in her chair in the shade enjoying the family time. "This really is a great set up Kim. So much less work." Adam loved the tent and chairs being set up already. "Oh yeah so much easier. It's not the cheapest thing but it saves so much hassle and time having them set it up for me." Her eyes were closed but she was smiling. "That's all I care about. We have a lot to carry with the kids already so this is one less thing to worry about." He played with both kids till they fell asleep on the blanket. He covered them with a towel so they wouldn't get cold. He sat in his chair looking out over the water.
"I love this darling. This is perfect." He stated watching her rest. "It really is perfect. This week will be magical." She stood up kissing him softly before heading to shower off. She needed to cool off some. When she returned Adam headed to cool off some. It was over 90 outside and the sun was bright in the sky. "Small or large wedding?" He asked out of the blue. "Smallish. Family, close friends. But not the Aunts and Uncles we never see. I'm not paying to feed people who never see our kids." Kim hated that. "I'm good with that. I feel like we should only have the most important people there. I have no need to see people we haven't spoken to in ten years." He gave her a knowing look. "Agreed. Buffet style or plated?" Kim asked. "Plated. I think it's nicer." Adam explained. "Works for me." Kim smiled pulling out her phone to jot down the decisions they made. "Custom vows or traditional?" She asked looking on her phone. "Custom for sure. Speaking from our hearts." He watched her swoon a little. "Allie will be the flower girl and Ry the ring barrier." Kim stated as she jotted it down. "Who's your best man going to be?" Kim had no idea what he was thinking with this one.
"Not sure. I feel like it could be Jay since we have been friends forever but we lost years. And I love Kevin and your relationship with Kevin so that's a possibility too. Don't know how to make that choice." He sighed. "Either is a great choice. I wasn't sure if maybe you had a friend from while we were apart that you wanted to use more." Kim wasn't sure since they mostly hung out with the team. "Lots of friends but none like Jay and Kev." He smiled knowing that would make her happy. "I definitely think Erin is the best choice for Maid of Honor. She's been my rock through everything. And the person I called after my rape." Kim looked over knowing that was probably something Adam didn't know. "She was the person you called first?" He was surprised for sure. "Yeah I trusted her and Voight was her foster dad. I didn't know how to tell my parents let alone you. So I called her. She was there as fast as she could with Voight. They took me to the hospital. Erin never left my side. Even holding my hand as the SAE kit happened." She cringed thinking about that.
"Sounds like a true friend. Sounds like the right choice always." He squeezed her hand knowing it was hard remembering the past. "You know they were both with me when I went into labor. Eric was useless but Erin held my hand the whole time while Jay wiped my forehead, got me ice chips, then helped me to push when I was too tired to keep pushing. They never let me fall." She smiled thinking about it. "I would have loved to see that. But this time you will not have to depend on them. I will be holding you strong. You aren't alone this time, ever." He knew she knew that but it didn't hurt to say it again. "I returned the favor when Erin was in labor with Drew. She was a mess. Scared to turn out like Bunny. But that would never happen. She is nothing like her but that fear was ingrained in her. But she is truly an amazing mother." Kim was in awe of her friend. "That she is. To be honest wasn't sure she would ever have kids but I'm happy for them." He truly was impressed by them and the relationship they had. "Drew was definitely an accident. Birth control and antibiotics don't mix." Kim laughed remembering that day.
"That's funny!" He laughed with her. They watched the kids starting to wake some. Kim started getting the lunch set up so the kids could eat once they were fully awake. "How was your nap kiddos?" Kim asked softly not wanting to scare them. "Good. I'm hungry now." Allie stretched out a bit. "Of course my sweet." Kim picked up Riley hugging him a bit rubbing his back. It was tough but they both loved this time together. Adam served Allie lunch and grabbed some for himself letting Kim and Riley rest together. He did adjust Riley a bit so he was more comfortable on Kim's bump. Kim just smiled loving this moment especially when she realized he was asleep again. "Baby can I have half a sandwich?" Kim whispered trying not to wake Ry. "Yeah hold on." He grabbed her a sandwich giving her half keeping the rest on a small table they brought down. "Thank you." She smiled taking her first bite.
It was just about 10 minutes later when Riley started to wake again. This time with no intention on sleeping again he was hungry and food always won out. Adam helped him get down so he could eat his lunch comfortably and so could Kim. It was also too hot to be holding a child long term. Once the food was all consumed they headed to the ocean to jump the waves a bit. The kids laughing the entire time. They headed back around 5 to start showers and have dinner. Kim cooked while the kids played a game with Adam. The laughter never stopped. Kim loved hearing her family so happy. Allie hadn't been this happy before. She loved her father but it was clear she needed and wanted a full time father in her life. She was always making new art work for him to hang in his locker. And he loved showing everyone the new art she made. He was truly an amazing father.
Dinner came and went and the family went to the park to burn off the energy. Adam noticed a local restaurant had live music in the back yard bar so the family headed over to dance together. It had been a fun night for sure. The kids fell asleep before they even got home from the walk. They were placed into their beds and the couple heads to the porch. It was buggy out and they could hide comfortably from them in the porch. Adam held her close as they settled together. "Any other wedding decision to make tonight?" He whispered wanting her to know how committed he was to help with all the planning. "Um color scheme?" Kim asked kind of curious what he thought. "I like the idea of using a litter blue color since it will be spring. I was also thinking grey instead of black. Are you okay with that?" He watched her process. "Like light grey or charcoal?" She asked trying to figure it out. "Charcoal." He was pretty sure that would work. "Yeah I like that. Especially with light blue. Works for me. I'm thinking flats so I tuck under your chin when we embrace." Kim watched his face change to awe.
"I love that idea. I think it's beautiful. Very us." He kissed her head as they relaxed. "How about your favorite song for our first dance?" He whispered. "Really? Wouldn't that seem strange?" Kim was surprised. "Not at all. It's a very special song for you, for us. I want to try to incorporate our first relationship at bit since it was such a wonderful time in our lives. I want to honor that." He watched her nod crying just a bit. It wasn't long till she was drifting off in his arms. "Bed time sweetheart. The ocean air is tiring you out big time." He carried her to bed before heading back out to lock up for the night. He found her sound asleep when he returned. He striped down joining her falling asleep fast.
The next morning the couple got moving early knowing they had a lot planned for the day. They dressed before getting the kids dressed and ready to go. They headed to Allie's favorite place for breakfast. Both kids excited for the day ahead. They both talked about things they wanted to see. Kim laughed as she drove but enjoyed the conversation. They ordered quickly knowing they all needed food and quickly. "After this can we make one more stop before the aquarium?" Kim asked her eyes bright. "Yeah that's fine where do you want to stop?" He was very curious. He knew it was craving related. "It's a gas station that sells the best fried chicken and biscuits. It's called Biscuits and P.O.R.N." Kim laughed as she spelled it out knowing the kids wouldn't follow along. Adam's jaw dropped. "Like for real?" He was shocked she wanted to go there.
"Yes it's real. It's only one aisle now but it used to be a full room of videos and magazines. Anyway they really have the best biscuits and fried chicken. I just want a few bites so I promise to share." She smiled knowing he would be fine with this stop. "That's cool. A little shocked you know about this but I'm down for good food. We just need to keep the kids away from that section." He shook his head but couldn't wait to check it out. "You can even buy a shirt if you want." They both laughed knowing no one would believe it. The kids cheered when their food arrived they were clearly hungry. Both Kim and Adam were hungry as well but they kept it down. Adam watched Kim looking towards the kitchen area almost staring at it. "Whatcha looking for?" He wondered where her mind had been lost. "I don't know why but I was just thinking about Bob. The old owner used to yell at you if he didn't like your order. Like not in a mean why just to mess with you. And he would always tell you to get the hell out. It was sad when he took his life. The energy hasn't been the same." Kim mused as she looked back towards Adam.
"Wow I had no idea. That's a great legacy to leave behind even if it's sad. I'm happy we come here. The foods good, the atmosphere is good, the logo is hilarious." He watched her smile a bit before laughing. "They used to sell thongs with the logo on it." They both laughed knowing it was funny having a thong with the saying eat and get the hell out on it. "Even better!" He laughed as they continued to eat. Breakfast came to an end and the family left quickly as there was a line for the table. He headed right for the chicken biscuit that was only a block away. Kim ushered the kids to get drinks while Adam checked out the porn section and got a tee shirt to commemorate the visit. Kim ordered the sandwich and paid for everything before they got back in the car. She even grabbed a few extra biscuits for later in the day. Adam watched her take the first bite moaning in pure happiness. "That good huh?" He smiled but was having a hard time hearing her moan like that.
"You have no idea!" She took another bite before offering him one. "Yeah that's good. Okay let's head to the aquarium now." Adam took over driving so Kim could munch on her food. She really didn't eat too much of it just needed to satisfy the craving. At a traffic light he got a photo of her with the sandwich looking blissed out to share with everyone. As they got close the kids got more excited. They wanted to be able to run around a bit and Kim was hoping being there first thing would mean it was less busy so the kids could enjoy it more. They arrived finding the closest parking spot in the shade before getting out of the car. Adam let the kids try Kim's leftover sandwich before they were led towards the aquarium. Kim used her membership for the zoo to buy discounted tickets before they entered. It was empty so the couple was thrilled. The kids were free to look up close at each tank without being pushed around.
Kim stayed by the otter tank for a bit just watching them swimming. Riley was running back and forth with the otters. "Do you like Banks and Fin?" Kim asked him. "Yes!" He cheered as they got close to him. He grew bored so they moved on checking out each area till they got to the sting rays. Allie was all for it while Ry was reserved. Adam helped him see it was okay and even cool feeling the rough skin of the sting ray. They were all surprised when he saw the sharks and didn't want to leave. So they sat for a bit to let him watch. Only once he was bored did they head outside to the pier. It was breezy but felt good under the hot sun. The last stop was the digging for shark teeth which was messy but the kids enjoyed it. They surprisingly spent almost two hours there exploring all the grounds. They headed back to the car for drinks and then headed to the gardens. Kim always enjoyed it as it was beautiful to look at and well designed. They even had an area for the kids to run around.
The boys didn't necessarily love it but were happy to be outside and moving around so Kim took it as a win. The kids were half asleep as they moved to the lost colony site. The thing Adam really wanted to do. "Okay so this is the location of the original fort." Kim pointed as he moved over the land. She watched him looking around. She saw him looking toward the water seeing how close it was. The followed the trail right to the water line where the sat for a bit letting Kim rest her feet. "It's crazy to think people lived here with next to nothing. Trying to survive with no shelter at first and little supplies." He kept looking around just amazed by it. "Let's keep walking so we can get to the visitor center." He followed her still taking in the area. He read every plaque and took lots of photos as they went. As they got to the visitor center he looked at each artifact amazed with what was found decades later. "When the kids get a bit older maybe we can go to the play one night." She knew he would like that. "Sounds great!" They finished looking around before waking towards the car again.
It was getting close to lunch time so they headed back towards the condo. The kids would be waking soon and would be hungry again. Kim munched on another biscuit as they drove back. Sharing bites with Adam every so often. He noticed she was getting tired herself as they got closer. But the kids were now awake. "Okay kids when we get home you both need to potty then we will have lunch while mommy naps. They we can head to the beach some okay.?" He watched both kids nod. He helped everyone back into the condo as Kim headed to couch. Adam made lunches for them all but saw Kim was mostly asleep so he put hers in the fridge. "Kiddos start eating lunch while I get mom in to bed." They ate happily but quietly since they knew mom was very tired. "Darling let's get you in bed where you can be more comfortable." He led her to the bed helping her to strip her clothes and get comfy before leaving her to sleep. The sun and heat had done a number on her so this was much needed.
Adam joined the kids at the table with more fruit so they could have a proper lunch. No matter how tired or crazy their lives were the kids needed to eat balanced meals. Both Kim and Adam stressed that to everyone. The kids talked about all the things they liked from earlier in the day but also about heading to the beach soon. "When we are all done we can head down to the tent. I'm not sure about going in the water till mom joins us. But we can still run around and play together." He watched them getting excited. The kids headed to get dressed while Adam decided not to change not wanting to wake Kim. He packed a cooler full of drinks and extra snacks as they all headed down to the beach. Both kids overly excited to get to the beach.
When they arrived he noticed people using their tent. He was overly annoyed but didn't make a large scene. "Hey folks. Hope you won't mind leaving our tent that we paid for." He heard them gasp almost offended. "Yeah y'all need to move so my kids can get shaded again. And for when my pregnant fiancé comes down so let's move it along." He was shocked that they complained about moving. "I can call the cops but that seems extreme. So move it out." He did notice the lifeguard coming over to help move the people from squatting in the tent. "Sorry sir. We will keep a better eye out next time." The lifeguard stated. "Not your issue to worry about. It shouldn't have been an issue at all. I don't care that they used it when we weren't here but we are now and we paid a lot for this set up for a reason. They need to respect that." The men shook hands as the kids settled on the blanket Adam had placed down for them.
Around an hour later Kim joined them dressed in a bath suit ready to relax with her family. "How was your nap?" Adam asked watching her sit down with the kids. "It was nice thank you." Kim was smiling wide again. "Here's your lunch." Adam handed her the lunch he made for her. "Thank you I appreciate it greatly." Kim stayed with the kids enjoying the laughter while she ate. "I'm gonna cool off quick be right back." Adam headed to the pool to get soaked before he headed back to his family. Kim was finishing lunch when he came back. She was obviously starving. "Some fruit then we can hit the waves." Adam handed Kim some fruit while he sprayed the kids with sunscreen again. He was careful not to get the sunscreen in their eyes or Kim's food. As Kim finished her fruit she sprayed Adam in sunscreen and he returned the favor. This was her first application of the day so it was a little risky for her to be in the sun just yet. So Adam took the kids to the water line to splash for a bit before Kim joined them.
Both kids loved the ocean so they were excited to get in again. The laughter was loud and infectious. People on the beach watching them enjoying the water as a family. Kim had taken a bit too much salt water to the face and needed to wash her eyes out. They headed back to the tent where Adam grabbed a bottle of water to pour over her eyes. He gave it to her after that so she could wash her mouth out. "So gross! But that's what happens when you laugh as a wave hits you." She was laughing still even if the salt water had been uncomfortable in her eyes. She never wanted the kids to be afraid of the water and truthfully she was fine. Both kids were happily playing in the shade again. Adam sat with them building sand castles. Kim rested in her chair wrapped in her towel. She took several photos of the family playing together. They had decided to eat home that night before heading back out for bumper cars and fireworks.
The family eventually headed back to the condo to shower and get dinner started. The kids played games while Adam helped Kim in the kitchen. It was very small but they made it work. Once dinner was prepared the kids happily ate excited for the night ahead. Both kids had never done bumper cars before and Riley had never been to fireworks before. Adam had avoided them over the years but he was excited to see them again with Kim. They decided to go somewhere where they could view them but the sound wouldn't be as loud for Riley. They were both afraid the sound would scared him or hurt his ears and neither wanted that. They left the condo both kids cheering with excitement over fun ahead. The kids chatted away about the things they wanted to do. Kim chuckling away as they went.
They headed inside the business for the bumper cars seeing it had a small arcade, ice cream, mini golf and go carts. "This place is great! Especially when the kids get older." He looked around seeing how great it was. "Yeah I like it here. The mini gold is a little pricy but you get both courses. It challenging a bit though." Kim shrugged as they paid for the bumper cars and headed out. They quickly realized Riley was a bit too small for it but Kim agreed to drive with him so he could enjoy it too. The whole family laughing as they chased each other around the track. It was a good time for sure. When time ran out they headed into the arcade area to play the games for a while. They headed for ice cream then to the fireworks.
They headed to the Sound side Pavilion area where they could see the fireworks over the water. They set up a blanket for the kids to rest on and a chair for Kim as it was easier to get up. They noticed lots of other families there as well. A few food trucks were also set up taking advantage of the holiday and the fact people would flock here for the show. Adam got drinks for them all and a snack for Kim knowing she would have a craving popping up soon. She always did at night after the sun went down. It wasn't too much longer till the fireworks started. Both kids were in awe. But Adam only watched Kim and pure joy and wonder on her face. He took a photo again of her face. He decided to make a post with both photos. "My Kim, my love, my life. First is 13 year old Kim the first time we met, the second 27 year old Kim. Both still shining brightly with wonder enjoying the fireworks." He tagged her in the post putting his phone away.
After the grand finale the kids were half asleep so they were loading in the car. Kim settled in as Adam finished cleaning up their set up. He joined them driving them all home. Kim had suggested the beach road since the bypass would be more congested with the fireworks letting out. It was a slower ride but they enjoyed it. They arrived home with two kids sound asleep. Riley was carried by Kim but it was tough. Adam took Allie getting her upstairs pretty quick before coming back to get Riley who was almost to the condo. He was shocked Kim had made it that far with him but proud. "You ready for bed?" He asked watching her. "I think I need to stretch out a bit. I'm sore from carrying Ry but I wouldn't leave him in the car." She cried a bit being so uncomfortable. "Hey you did good. Let's get you in the shower a bit. The warm water will help some." He led her the shower in the hall so that he could massage her back under the water. He could hear her moans in relief but also in pleasure. "After the shower I promise to give you the relief you need." He heard her moan slightly louder.
The shower lasted 30 minutes before they dried off and headed to their bed. Adam laid her down letting her get comfortable. Kim pulled him closer needing him inside her and fast. He knew what she wanted and needed. So he gave her exactly what she needed. It was slightly rough but they were both blissed out as they came together. It had been a beautiful release for sure. Kim was sound asleep before her breathing returned to normal but Adam was pleased she was asleep again. Resting her body and her mind. He rested his hand on her belly as he fell asleep beside her. He loved his family and loved every moment of this life.