It was finally Friday, wedding day and the couple couldn't have been more excited. They had an earlier morning appointment at the chapel. Kim had pointed it out on their walk the first day so he could see how perfect it really was. It set a bit back from the boardwalk with a view of the water but it was also built into a very large beautiful tree. That seemed like it was even more perfect for the couple. Kim had woken up looking at her soon to be husband. She couldn't believe this was actually happening. It felt like a dream. She pinched herself just to make sure. Adam noticed her pinching herself slightly amused. "Making sure it's real?" He asked watching her "Yeah it's crazy. But I'm so excited." Kim smiled leaning in to kiss him sweetly. "God I can't wait. Should we start getting the kids ready and then ourselves?" He knew they had a lot to do in a short period of time. "Yeah I think it's time. Especially since the kids have no idea what's coming today." The couple laughed getting up dressing quickly before heading out to wake the kids.
They noticed Eric was awake and outside already. They let him be and headed for the kids room. They walked in sitting on the kids beds waking them gently. "Morning kiddos!" Kim whispered. She felt Allie starting to stretch while Riley curled up more. "Oh I know bud but we all need to get moving. Mommy and I have a surprise for today." They watched both kids spring up wanting to know what the surprise was. "What is it?" Allie asked curious and hopeful. "Well mommy and daddy Adam are getting married today!" Kim hoped they were on board. "Really? How?" Allie was surprised for sure. "Well the church in town has a lovely chapel where we are going to get married with just you and Riley watching. Then after Chris is born we will have a bigger wedding with everyone there." Adam explained.
"Really!" Both kids jumped up hugging their parents. Neither noticed Eric was watching them. "Yes! We have outfits for both of you to wear. And don't worry sweetheart you will still have time with daddy today. Daddy will still always be in your life nothing is changing just mommy and daddy Adam will be married. And Riley nothing is changing for you. Okay?" Kim explained as she sat with the kids. Riley nodded smiling wide. "Okay then breakfast time and then showers. We have to get moving quickly today." Both kids ran to the dining room to get breakfast. Adam just laughed following behind them to get the food started. Kim just smiled loving what a wonderful father Adam was. Kim followed them just smiling. She noticed Eric was with the kids already and Adam was cooking. Kim started the coffee and cutting up fruit for them all.
The kids talking a mile a minute. While they may not understand what marriage was they were excited their parents were happy. Adam served breakfast to everyone including Eric. They all sat together eating talking about the day ahead after the wedding. Allie was excited for time alone with Eric. He was taking her to see the wild horses again. That was their thing so Kim knew she would be crashed out when they got home. Eric didn't make her take naps so she went hard till she crashed hard. "Alright ladies shower first. We know it takes longer for you both to get ready so let's start." Adam laughed as Kim tried to give him a scary look. "Nice try but not scary at all." He patted her butt sending her towards the shower as he cleaned up the kitchen. Riley was playing on the floor with the toys while Eric went back outside taking a work call. He luckily didn't burn like Kim so he could sit out there for a decent amount of time without issue. Adam didn't burn either easily but he respected her need and want to be shaded and protected. They also weren't too sure how the kids would handle it so they erred on the side of caution.
Allie finished her shower before Kim so Adam jumped in the kids bathroom with Riley to get them all moving faster. When Kim excited the bathroom she had a tank top on and some shorts moving towards the kids room. "Allie sweetheart. Here is your dress for the wedding today." Kim watched her eyes light up. It was almost a princess dress and Kim knew she would love it. "It's beautiful! I can't wait to wear it." She was so excited about her dress. Kim also placed Riley's outfit on his bed before she returned to her room to get ready. Adam dried Riley off and then himself placing him down to get him dressed in his dress shirt and pants. Adam had a shirt and shorts on already but he wanted the kids dressed before he took his turn. He even rolled Ry's sleeves up like Adam always did.
"Allie hunny go get your hair dried please before you put your dress on." Adam watched her run to Kim to get her hair done. It was craziness all around them but they loved it. Kim finished Allie's hair sending her pack to get dressed in her dress and shoes. Kim stood in the mirror pulling her hair back into a full ponytail. Curling the hair in the ponytail, adding some jewelry before she stepped out to get her dress on. She saw Adam was already dressed with his sleeves rolled up keeping it casual looking. "You look stunning my darling! You are glowing." He kissed her softly letting her get her dress on. It was simple, casual but white and showed off her growing bump. With the adults dressed they headed out to see both kids ready to go. "Alright we are ready to go and the marriage license is in the car still so we are set to go." Adam was more than ready. He had the rings in his pocket ready as well. "Allie say bye to daddy. We will see him again shortly." Kim encouraged.
Allie ran outside twirling in her dress. "Oh my goodness sweetheart you look beautiful! A real princess. Now go with mom and daddy Adam and I will see you shortly so we can see the horses again." He hugged her tight then watched them all go. It had been awkward for him all morning but he tried not to let it get in the way. The small growing family headed over to the church walking into the main building to let them know they were there. They then moved to the treehouse chapel where they would tie the knot. As they moved around the small chapel the couple knew even more that this was perfect for them. They took tons of photos of the kids and themselves before the ceremony started. Even taking photos of the chapel and the view from inside. The reverend arrived with two staff members to sign as witnesses to the wedding.
He spoke but the couple barely heard him. Adam was the first to state his vows. "My darling Kim. 14 years ago we met at this very beach. Unfortunately we lost 13 years together but I wouldn't trade it because it made us who we are today. We made our beautiful children. And life made us ready to find each other when we were both ready to love again. Fate brought us back to this beach to find our love again. Here we found love, created a family, created a life and now make our family whole. I love your heart, your soul, the kindness you show to those around. To our family but also to those you treat like family. You have not only given me this wonderful life but also helped me become a better father, a better partner, a better man. I will never truly feel like I deserve you but will spend the rest of my life trying to make you as happy as you make me. My love, my life, my wife always." Adam was crying tears of joy but so was Kim.
"Adam my love. You have literally given me my life back. A life once filled with nightmares is now full of love, happiness and laughter. It was a life I never thought was possible. But one night together my life changed for the better and all because of you. You not only gave me my life back but you gave me dreams, a future and our nugget. But most importantly I want to thank you for never giving up on me even in the throes of a full blown nightmare. It would have been easy to leave but you never left my side. You helped me, encouraged me and allowed 13 years old me to be free. To no longer be trapped scared inside. I will never be able to thank you for all you have done for me and our children. You are a beautiful man inside and out. I also feel that I don't deserve you but am truly thankful to have you in our lives. My love, my life, my husband always." Kim cried as they held hands. They wiped each other tears before they exchanged rings. They exchanged I dos before kissing each other.
The couple hugged before hugging their kids in their first official family hug. The witnesses took photos of the family together and separately. The license was signed and the family was headed home to the condo. "Hold on. One last photo under that tree over the boardwalk." Kim pulled them to a tree with white flowers hanging over them. "My dream! Remember that first night you thought I was having a nightmare. I told you it was us dancing with flowers around us." She cried as they lifted their children dancing under the trees surrounded by flowers. "It's even more beautiful than I imagined." She smiled with tears streaming down her cheeks. The kids started to get antsy so they headed home for real this time. Making one more stop on Christopher Drive showing the kids the homes they stayed at that year. While they were t sure the kids really cared the couple needed to see it. Their story had come full circle in this moment. By the time they arrived home the kids were ready to be in play clothes and ready for the beach.
They were surprised as they walked in to see Eric had gotten Kim's favorite cake, flowers and sparkling cider to celebrate the couples nuptials. "This is lovely Eric! Thank you so much!" Kim cried as she hugged him. "Darling your favorite cake that we shared everyday that week." He hugged her wiping her tears. "Thank you man! This is really lovely." Adam offered a hand shake. Their relationship would always be strained but this was a surprising gesture for sure. The entire family enjoyed the cake and the cider before they got ready for the rest of their day. Just as Eric and Allie were about to leave he stopped both Kim and Adam. "I know we aren't perfect but I'm truly happy for you both. You are meant to be together and even I can see that. So tonight I'm taking care of both kids while you two have a lovely dinner at one of your favorite restaurants. I already gave them my card and you have reservations at 6pm." The couple shocked. "Which restaurant?" Kim wondered completely surprised and taken aback. "Don't worry I didn't cheap out. It's the Salt Box which you love. So till then I have a daddy daughter date." He exited after that with Allie in tow.
"Well that was certainly interesting. And exciting. I can't wait to share it with you." She kissed Adam and headed to their room. She had been packing food for the beach trying to use everything she could before they left Sunday morning. Adam carried the cooler down to their tent and dropped it and the beach bag. He headed back seeing Riley watching him from deck. "Hey bud you know you need me or mommy with you on the deck." Adam scooped him carrying him back in. "Sorry I will put the safety on next time. I literally turned my back for a minute." Kim sighed but it happened and he hadn't wandered off the deck. "It's all good. I'm thrilled that's the worst thing he did. Now let's layer on the sunscreen and get on the beach." They all took turns getting sun screen on before heading to the tent. It was still hot but a nice breeze that helped a lot.
"How should we tell everyone about getting married today?" Adam asked watching his son playing. "Maybe a video of the kids saying we got married? It would be cute." Kim shrugged as she moved a bit to get more comfortable. "I think that would be adorable." He admitted. "I hope no one gets pissed off. Like your mom." He looked over knowing she was thinking the same thing. "Oh well if she does. This is was our perfect day and I don't care what she thinks. I only care that you were willing to go along with this crazy plan to get married in a water side treehouse chapel." She laughed a little knowing it would sound bazaar to others. "You know given our lives and our entire relationship it doesn't sound crazy at all. It's actually the most normal thing for us." He truly believed there was no better place to get married than here. The placed that tied them together forever even while apart. "I know our friends will understand for sure and I think that's more important than what my mom thinks. Erin and Jay supported me always without question. And Kevin literally became the brother I never had. We bonded right away. He was, is the best partner to have watching our backs." Kim moved to sit with Riley who was starting to crash.
"You want to snuggle buddy?" Kim felt him nodding. "Okay let me get seated again and then daddy and pick you up." Kim got comfortable before Adam lifted Riley placing him on top of Kim with his legs straddling her bump. He was out with in seconds. Adam took pictures to send to everyone making sure to hide her ring finger. Neither were surprised with the amount of texts they got. The photo was perfect and the love between them shining through. They both got photos of Allie on the beach. One with horses close by on the beach walking past them and one with a very large piece of drift wood she wanted to keep. Neither Kim nor Adam were keen on such a large piece but agreed to keep a smaller section if she could find one. It had been a good time for her apparently. The final picture was of her crashed out next to the jeep in the shade with a blanket to keep her from getting too cool.
The couple waited till Riley woke before serving lunch. They all needed to eat and cake was not enough so sandwiches were served with lots of fruit and veggies. After they ate they decided to take a walk on the beach. Kim wanted to look for sea glass but it was getting harder for her to pick up the pieces. She showed Riley what to look for and it became a game for him. He cheered every time he found one even if it was super small. Neither was sure how far they walked but Kim was starting to get tired so they headed back to the tent where she could rest and get shade again. She fell asleep as soon as she reclined the chair. Adam knew she needed the rest so he and Riley headed to the ocean for a bit to play in the water. He was even surprised when a few other mothers approached him about being such a wonderful father and also being so hands on. While he thanked them he did admit he was a single parent for a while and certainly strengthened the bond.
He then mentioned his pregnant wife and needed to return to help her. The walk had been hard on her body since sand isn't the easiest to walk on. She was still napping a bit when he got back but saw signs she was waking up some. "Nap longer if you need to. It's all good." He whispered hoping she would nap a bit more. Her nap didn't last much longer but they stayed at the beach till around 4 when they headed back to freshen up before dinner. The couple was excited for a child free night especially in their favorite place. Allie and Eric were back already as the tide was getting rougher and he didn't want to drive in the tide. "Hey guys! So I figured I would take the kids to the Cantina tonight. Do you mind switching cars instead of moving car seats?" Eric asked unsure how they would feel about it. "That's fine with me. Easier for all of us." It was only then Kim noticed the very large piece drift wood.
"Oh sweetheart couldn't you find a smaller one? We can't take this on the plane." Kim tried to stay calm but knew Allie would freak if she couldn't keep it. "Can it go over the fireplace we never use?" She asked pointed to the mantle that was mostly empty. "You know o think that's a good compromise Allie Cat! Good job!" Adam gave her a high five before placing it on the mantle. She of course had to move it so it was in the exact right spot. They all chuckled at her. She pure drama and sass and they all dreaded the teenage years. "Well now that it's perfect how about we take showers to wash off from the beach and then we can head out to dinner." Kim knew they needed to move it along. Dinner was the closest so they needed time to drive. By 5 the family was headed out, albeit in different directions but headed out. The couple was overly excited it felt like a dream to them. Adam let Kim drive since she knew exactly where to go.
"So not to start a fight but when are you planning on not driving anymore?" He had wondered if it was even comfortable anymore. "I honestly don't know. I'm carrying so differently this time so I'm not sure when I won't be able to get the wheel anymore. I'm 5 months give or take and I already look 6 months or more. I know every pregnancy is different and I know the second one shows earlier and I know he is large already. So lord knows. I know I want to work till I go into labor if I can. So I get the full 6 weeks with Chris before I head back to work." She wasn't sure how he would feel about that. "I'm good with that. But I also want you safe. And the stairs are going to be an issue in the near future. Maybe we find a spot for you that's more comfortable for you. Like I know you would hate the Ivory Tower but they have an elevator so that would be easier on you back and safer when you can't see your feet." He knew this was a touchy subject for any women. "I will admit I don't love the idea but I will think about it. For now let's just enjoy this time." Kim grabbed his hand and continued the drive to the restaurant.
Adam was surprised to see it was far off the main road and amazed by how small it was but loved the screened in porch right on a river. "I like this! It's really cute." He looked around seeing a couple of tables right next to the river. That was not for them. They needed inside or the screened in porch to prevent bug bites. Kim already had a few and needed bug bite cream. Unfortunately Adam forgot she was allergic to Benadryl so he had to back out again to get something else that she wouldn't react poorly too. Luckily there was a small locally owned pharmacy in town that was close by. He had helped her everyday to put cream on the bites to help stop her from stretching at them. Kim gave them the reservation name and the couple was promptly seated. Kim already knew she was getting the shrimp and grits without the sausage since she was allergic. Adam looked over the menu also choosing afresh fish option since this restaurant used locally caught seafood. They exchanged small talk as they waited for their meal.
"I can't believe we really did it." Kim mused wistfully. "I know it's insane. But I couldn't be happier about it." Adam leaned in to kiss her softly. "There is something I want to ask you." He waited till he had her full attention. "I want you to adopt Riley. I want it official. He's your son. And I know I can't officially adopt Allie but I still want to make at least Riley more official." He watched her eyes filling with tears. "I want that more than anything! And I want to talk with Eric about changing Allie's paperwork. He will always be her father but god forbid something happens to me, I want her with you and Riley still. I think that's important for her." She saw him crying tears of joy. "I want that too and I honestly think he would understand wanting to keep the kids together." He smiled wide as he squeezed her hand. Kim was also smiling wide.
Their meals arrived shortly after the conversation ended. "Oh god this is delicious! You want a bite?" Kim offered as she danced in her seat a bit. "Absolutely!" Adam moaned tasting her dinner. He wasn't sure he had had grits before so while it was new he was happen to try something new. "I love grits. Especially with cheese. So damn good!" Kim smiled happily. "I love you like this! Happy and carefree!" He smiled eating his dinner. He hadn't offered her a bite of his only because it had mushrooms and neither needed her sick from them. "I just love it here. You know that. And being here with you makes it even better." She smiled a bit. "We still doing that Indian place tomorrow night right?" He asked knowing it was the plan all week. "Yeah. Eric likes that place too so I think it's a good choice for all of us. And then we can mini golf or something." Kim shrugged not sure if the kids would want to again. "I think the kids would like that." He knew they would be down for that for sure.
"So after this you want to take a drive for a small history lesson?" Kim bit her lip knowing she had him. "Oh absolutely! Sounds like a fun time." His eyes lit up knowing she had good plans for the night. "One requires a bit on walking on the sand but I promise it's so worth it." She smiled wide knowing he was intrigued for sure. "Well let's finish up here and head out. I could use a walk after all that food." He was stuffed for sure but knew Kim was worse. Kim signed the checked using Eric's name as they headed back to the car. As they headed back out to the main road Kim was smiling knowing this was bound to be crazy for him to learn. So stopped at a shopping center that was two levels. "So this is the location of the Casino that used to be here. It was a very busy location till the 60's when it was unfortunately torn down." She heard him gasp. "Really? No way! I want to see pictures!" So Kim moved them to a mural that was dedicated to the casino.
"This is crazy cool. I love this!" He hugged her tight from behind holding her belly. "You ready for that walk now?" Kim smiled heading them over to Jockeys Ridge which he had been to before when they saw fireworks together the first time. "Okay so we are walking towards that sandcastle. Just be careful." Kim smiled as they stepped over some concrete chunks. Some with green fake grass on them. They even stepped over some electrical wires. "Kim what is all this?" He looked around amazed but confused. "I will explain when we get to the castle." It was a tough walk for Kim but it was so worth it seeing his eyes full of excitement. "Okay we are here." He looked over it. "Touch it even though you aren't supposed to. It's crazy cool." Kim watched him feeling the rod iron covered in concrete made to look like brick. He saw all the openings where it was falling apart. "It was created in 1975. Here." Kim handed him her phone.
"Really? A miniature golf course? This is so cool." He kept looking around. So those were some of the fairways? And this was part of it. How did this happen?" He watched her sit down to rest her feet some. "So since it's a peninsula, water on both sides allows for crazy winds to blow through. The sands shifted. Over time it completely took over. Some years none of this is visible. Most years you can see only the very top of the castle. But I love coming here to see how much is visible each year." She saw him looking over the castle again. "Do you have more photos?" He asked as Kim pulled out her phone. She googled more photos for him to see. "So the random octopus picture in the house makes sense now." He saw her smiling wistfully. "It's beautiful Kim. This life you made here. The knowledge you have for the area that we love so much is not only impressive but exciting. I love learning these things from you." He threw his arm around her holding her. "Alright let's hit one more stop." Kim laughed as she stood up and started to walk down the hill.
He followed ready to help her stay stable as they walked down to the bottom and crossed the road. The got back in the car and headed to the next undisclosed location. It wasn't far but it was just easier to drive. Kim stopped the car stepping out onto the sand again. "This was/is the location of the Nags Head Hotel. People arrived here by boat, it was very prestigious. They were all dressed in their fanciest clothes as they headed off the boats and down the docks to stay here. The hotel fell into the same issues as the golf course. Shifting sands took it over as well. It was built in the 1840's and still in use till the 1870's." He smiled walking the area looking for any signs. "Next time we are here alone I promise to take you looking for Buffalo City. A former logging town turned boot leggers!" She laughed knowing he would love that. "We ate definitely doing that! I can't wait! I need to start researching it." He was happy she was trying to teach him more about the area and all the unique history surrounding it.
"Ready to head home to our babies?" Kim asked ready to get off her feet for good. "Oh absolutely!" He helped her in the car knowing she was starting to hurt. He took over driving them back to the condo knowing there was a chance she would fall asleep before they got there. They were half way home when he noticed she was asleep. He smiled softly placing his hand on her belly. He woke her up gently. "Darling we are home again." He rubbed her arms seeing her waking. "Ready to move inside baby." Kim started to get out of the car. Adam followed behind her with his hand on her back just in case. They both entered to see two very tired children. "Hey babies. Did you have a fun night?" Kim asked seeing them nod bit half asleep. "Okay kids let's get you both into bed. Before you are out cold." Adam picked up Riley and Eric picked up Allie carrying them to their beds. After each kids was tucked in they got good night kisses from each adult on their cheeks and an I love you before the adults left the room again.
"Thank you for giving us all a wonderful night. They obviously had a very good time not making it to 8. We both really appreciate it." Kim sat down on the couch popping her feet up. "It's the least I can do for all you both do for Allie. And quite frankly for me by keeping me in her life even when I fuck up. I can't thank either of you enough for that. I really am thankful for all you two have done to create this blended family. And that you keep including me in everything. That means the world to me." Eric had been impressed with how well they worked to out. "Well we both never want our kids to grow up like we did. It was hell growing up in broken homes. That's why we try so hard." Kim closed her eyes resting her head on the arm of the couch. "Darling bed time. You've had a big day." He picked her carrying her to there room. "Um before you both turn in. I won't keep them apart. The kids stay together always." Eric stated knowing that had to be on their minds. "Thank you! It would kill me to lose our daughter." Adam was stunned but thrilled.
The couple entered their room together. Adam placing her on the bed gently. "After that I think I found a second wind." Kim smirked. "Well then let's do this then!" He took his time striping her down. Covering every inch of skin in kisses before making love to his wife for the first time. While it had always been mind blowing tonight seemed even more epic. More special, more connected, more earth shattering. The couple fell asleep wrapped in each other arms with their hands on her belly bump. It was the perfect ending to the most perfect day.