Kim awoke the next morning smiling wide thinking of the day before. She had never been so scared in her whole life but hearing her children called Adam daddy fixed all that pain. She hadn't been that happy in a very long time. She watched him sleeping peacefully seeing the smile that never left his face. She wanted him awake. She knew they needed to talk about yesterday. They had talked briefly but let their bodies do more of the talking. Kim started kissing his chest letting her fingers roam over his body. She could hear him moaning softly enjoying the attention on his body. The lower her fingers got the more he started to wake. He realized quickly what was going on so he grabbed her body flipping them over. She squealed laughing in surprise. "Good morning darling." He saw her eyes were lit with fire. "Good morning daddy!" She smiled bright knowing they both loved it. He smiled wide lower his mouth to hers.
Kissing her lovingly, deeply. He moved her leg around his hip opening her wide as he slid inside her. "God baby!" Kim moaning breaking the kiss. "I know. I feel it too!" He slowly worked her into an oblivion. Making sure she felt all the love her felt for her and their children. This family they created together. The family she allowed him to be a part of. He loved this life and he loved this woman under him. The woman digging her nails into his shoulders. The woman who is moaning his name over and over. He felt her buck slightly, he knew she needed just a slight push. Moving his fingers to her favorite spot rubbing till she came biting his arm to muffle the sound as she spasmed around him. Adam hissed in pain as he came, it was hard and left him seeing stars but he wouldn't have it any other way. As he rested his head on her chest he felt her hand resting on the back of his head. They stayed like that till their breathing evened out.
"How are you feeling?" She asked watching him resting comfortably on her. "Good. Whole. Like I'm where I'm supposed to be. The place I've waited my whole life to be. How are you feeling after yesterday?" He watched her thinking. "Um I think I'm okay. Still processing a bit but happy how things played out last night." Kim shrugged a bit. "Well last night was a bit of a surprise. I mean I noticed your elbows but never saw the full twist before. I guess I was surprised by the hyper mobility. You never mentioned it before." He watched her as he spoke. "I don't see it as an issue anymore. Since it doesn't happen anymore. I'm thrilled it doesn't happen." She saw him nod. "What about the mention of ADHD? Do you think that's something we need to look into?" He wasn't sure if that was something she was interested in. "I don't know. I'm sure I have it. But I done feel like it hinders my life. And really I think I can only deal with one thing at a time right now. And therapy has been hard. Dealing with all the realizations that are coming up." She sighed as he shifted out of her but wanting to be closer to talk better about it.
He sat up a bit against the head board. "What realizations are coming up?" He knew this would happen at some point but he wasn't sure when she would open up about it. "Well the over lying theme of my life with my family is being left unheard and invalidated. That some of my earliest memories are of being unheard and neglected. Yes I had a roof over my head, yes I had clothes on my back and food on the table but emotionally I was neglected. And there were times that medically I was neglected too. Because I wasn't heard, they didn't believe me. That's been hard but also the memories resurfacing about being hit as a child." She heard him gasp. "Oh I know I was a bad kid. I acted out a lot but I think back wondering if it was because I was unheard. I used the poles from my Barbie dream house to hit my sister in the legs once. So my mom did it back in return. My sister didn't have welts but I did. The same with the pole to the blinds. The wooden spoons were the worst. She broke them over our asses all the time. She bought this paddle that was used to measure pasta. It was made of ash. She was proud because it was made of the same wood as baseball bats so it wouldn't break when she spanked us. It's crazy feeling these things again." He was shocked but more surprised she wasn't crying. It was like she was numb.
He pulled her onto his lap. He held her tight feeling unbelievably shocked by her childhood. While his parents shipped him back and forth and they fought all the time. He was never beaten by either of his parents. "Did your dad abuse you too?" He was scared of the answer but he really wanted to know. "Yeah but it was a belt. He would crack the belt before he found us. But I also remember a time where he was really mad at me for putting a hole in my sister door. He punched a hole in my wall and told me that I should be happy it was the wall and not me." She started to cry letting out the long held memories that she tried to block for so long. "Oh darling. I have no words for this. Nothing to make it better. But as bad of as a child as you were, you didn't deserve to be beaten. To be abused. I'm sure they grew up that way and think it's normal but it definitely is not normal. And not acceptable at all. I'm so thankful they aren't around our children. It would scare me too much. And the fact you still love your parents is crazy to me. You truly are a beautiful mother and human being." He never loosened his grip on her body.
"God I love you Kim." He kissed her and held her tight. He couldn't imagine all she carried every day. It's beyond imaginable having lived through that and having turned out so well. It was unreal to him but he would continue to stand by her as she continued to battle through this too. "What did they neglect medically?" God he was so scared of the answer. "Um a lot of my allergies they didn't believe. They thought I was just making excuses for not wanting to eat something. God even the doctors didn't believe me. The one doctor was convinced I was wrong. They sent me to therapy. Convinced I was making it up. But I wasn't. Lucky me." Kim sighed knowing this was a lot to hear. "Anything else?" He tried to keep it together but it was hard. "Not now. But I will keep you posted." She felt him nod. "I can now see why you are so in tune with your self, your body and why you are such a great mother. You truly are amazing." He just kept holding her. Sitting with the feelings and information that he learned that morning. He truly was in shock.
"Thank you for listening and supporting me. For not seeing me any different. For not running. I love you so much." Kim cried again needing to let it all out. "You never have to thank me, you know that. But I do appreciate it. And I will never see you as different. I was a bad kid too. In different ways of course but that's part of childhood. Testing boundaries, pushing the limits. But I wasn't beaten. I was grounded, had to do chores, lost privileges. That's the difference." He felt her pull away a bit. "Oh I had chores. I had to mow the lawn even though I was allergic to pollen and had asthma. Which is funny because my mom now uses that as an excuse not to do anything." She paused thinking. "Their basement floods every year. So my sister and I went to clean it out. My mom was pushing us to get our child hood stuff from her basement anyway. So I tried to get a dumpster but my dad wouldn't allow it because he said it would cost too much. So we did car loads to the public dump to clean it out. Which took forever but my mom sat in the chair the whole time watching us go up and down the stairs. She said she's allergic to mold and has asthma so she couldn't help. Well so am I but I'm doing it. It was such crap. And it still needs so much work it's not funny. My dad refuses to get rid of so much stuff. It's absolutely insane. And I think I'm still the executor of their will so fun times for me ahead." Kim rolled her eyes.
"Okay we need to lighten the mood. When you said you danced through college. I didn't expect what I saw. Why didn't you tell me?" He tickled her a bit. "I'm kind of embarrassed by it now. I guess it's easier not to let people see it." She shrugged a bit. "Well you shouldn't be. The ballet was beautiful. I've never seen it before but I'm interested in seeing more if you will let me. And the dance team was awesome! It was fun, upbeat, strong, energetic. I loved watching it. So damn crazy! We need to watch the videos with the kids. They will love it." He hoped she would do it but he was thinking she wouldn't. "Maybe. I just don't want people to think I'm not a strong cop because I was into dancing. I don't know. It was something he didn't like either. He thought I looked trashy on the court. And he thought ballet was boring and pointless." Kim shrugged a bit. "Well once again he's totally wrong. You never looked trashy. You looked hot! And ballet may be boring to him but I think you looked beautiful and I know the team did too. So screw him." Just another reason to hate Paul. One day he hoped to deck him.
"I guess it was something I grew to believe too. But you are right I should be proud of what I did and how I looked. I was fully covered. It was only my belly showing and there is nothing wrong with that. Bathing suits show more skin. I guess I just need to be reminded of that from you." She kissed him briefly. "You are right about all that. Nothing you did was wrong. It was a healthy activity. Both of them. I really loved seeing those videos. And we will watch more for sure." He lifted her head so he could see her eyes. "Know one thing for sure. Nothing you have told me today or any day changes how I see you. Learning some is heart breaking. Some is thrilling. But I will always love you, just remember that. And one day I want you to dance for me." He winked at her knowing it was fun to rile her up. "We shall see. Now the kids will be up soon and we have work. So let's get moving." She was done talking. She needed a break from the heavy conversation. "That's fine just know I'm here when you want to talk." He watched her nod. "Well I did reply to mother's email. Thanking her for looking into therapy. Letting her know about the theme of my life. Only giving the earliest and last and final straw moments as examples. Then letting her know that while I'm willing to do group sessions it won't be any time soon. That she needs to work on her first and then we can try. I also made sure that I reiterated that I do love my family but I love me more. So we shall see." Kim shrugged but Adam just pulled her back into a tight hug.
"I'm so very proud of you. That was very brave. And sounds like you explained it well to her. So hopefully she now has a clue where to start." He released her but only so they could hit the shower together. Neither mentioned that the kids were still sound asleep not wanting to jinx it. The couple washed each other loving the tender moments together. Especially after such a heart breaking morning. Adam was sure more heart break was to come but he was happy she was learning to deal with it and learning to express those memories that she tried to bury. When Adam finished showering he got out but not before kissing Kim first. He stayed in the bathroom brushing his teeth and trimming his beard as he waited for her. He saw her shaving her legs with her hair wrapped in a towel. She was a very easy distraction so he needed to focus. As she stepped out he gave her space to dry off and then brush her teeth. He watched her starting to dry her hair in nothing but her thong but he enjoyed watching her. "Are you enjoying the show?" She asked knowing what he was doing. "Absolutely! Best show on the planet!" He kissed her cheek trying not to distract her or get burnt by the dryer. "Well go before we are late!" She pushed him out of the room so they could actually get ready and not just mess around. It was a hard job but it had to be done.
"Don't forget I have a seminar today. Are you signed up for it?" Kim asked unsure who signed up. "Of course I did! The whole team did. What's the education lesson today?" He wasn't sure as he just signed up for it. "So it's a deep dive into rape cases. Proper ways to question a victim without accusing or blaming. Also understanding rules around consent, statutory rape, statute of limitations and so on. Hopefully people will get a lot out of it." Kim explained as she got ready for the day. "Sounds great. I'm sure everyone will learn a lot from it. Then tomorrow we leave for our first family vacation." He watched her giddy with excitement. "I'm excited to see how you like the ocean. And what we all do together. It should be amazing!" Kim shimmied a bit a she finished up in the bathroom. "It will be great. I'm stupid excited." He kissed her getting dressed for the day. "It will be great but traveling with two kids is a bit crazy just know that." She shrugged but was still smiling. "It's fine. It will be easier with two adults. I'm not worried about it." He wasn't concerned but he could understand her worries behind it. "Let's just focus on today. Getting through today's seminar and then whatever case we get." He leaned in for a kiss before heading out to wake the kids.
As Kim dressed she heard laughing down the hall. "Well good morning! Looks like you two are having fun with Gunner already." He could see they were still waking up but had started to play so he was fine with that. "Daddy!" Both kids ran towards him for hugs. He sat down to get hugs from both but it seemed like their dog also wanted hugs. So Adam laid back with the kids in his arms and the dog on his chest. It was crazy but he loved it. "Hey Kim!" Adam yelled out laughing. He heard her walking their way. "Omg that's adorable and hilarious! I'm taking a photo then heading back to get ready. You guys need to as well." Kim tickled their bellies before leaving. The giggling was out of control but the kids moved to the bathroom to start the day. Adam got up following the kids to help them out with washing their hands. They really needed the extra bathroom and they would get it soon. After vacation they close on the new house so they would have more bathrooms for the kids to use.
"Alright kids head back to pick out your outfits please." Adam stayed back to clean up around the sink. Both kids splashed a lot while washing their hands so he liked to wipe it up before leaving the bathroom. Both kids had found their outfits when he returned. He got them changed quickly before sending them down the stairs for breakfast. Gunner was let outside while he started breakfast. Both kids playing on the floor. Kim joined her family seeing the kids playing but also Gunner wanting back in. She opened the door seeing him running back in knowing he gets to eat after his morning potty time. Gunner waited patiently for Kim to feed him and give him fresh water. He was such a good dog. "Okay buddy breakfast time." Kim patted his head letting him eat his breakfast.
"Kiddos breakfast is ready!" Adam called to them as Kim grabbed drinks for the kids. The couple worked together to get the kids situated and fed. The kids talked all through breakfast both saying daddy all morning. It seemed like they couldn't get enough of that. It was emotional but everything to the family. After breakfast Kim made lunches for them all while Adam got the kids washed up and teeth brushed. The kids were excited to get to daycare to start playing again. The whole family walked out together dropping the kids off at daycare. Then dropping Adam and Gunner at the district as Kim drove to the seminar location. As soon as he entered he saw Platt's eyes light up. "Hey my buddy! You are with me today okay?" Platt watched him bark lightly. "Okay come here." Adam handed over his leash which he didn't stay on but they used it when they took him outside.
He entered the bullpen ready for the morning briefing till they needed to head back out. "Morning!" He called out dropping his bag plus Kim's. "Hey how's Milo this morning?" Jay asked knowing how last night had been. "He's fine. Excited to get back to school today to play again. We figured out he tripped while running that caused his fall. It almost happened in the yard a few weeks back but I caught him first. So we talked about being more careful and be more aware of our surroundings." He shook his head knowing it happened but it could have been prevented. "Well I'm happy to hear it was an accident and nothing worse. He seemed fine last night but Kim looked wound up for sure." Kevin shivered knowing she could have exploded big time last night. "Oh she was for sure. But she's good. We talked a lot this morning about what's been going on in therapy. That was heartbreaking, gut wrenching. But she's amazing. I honestly can't believe how amazing she is considering the hell hole she grew up in. I hope I never have to see them again. I won't be able to be nice. And if I ever meet Paul I will deck his ass." Adam closed his eyes taking deep breaths.
"We get it. Just know we all support you and her always. And we will help kick his ass." Kevin smiled patting his shoulder. The team laughed knowing it would happen if they ever crossed paths. "Okay so we have a second seminar today. So let's head out and be ready to learn." Voight stated as they all headed out to the venue. Kim was already set up and made sure her presentation was working properly. That would embarrassing for sure. But everything seemed to be working right. She stepped off stage waiting for the venue to fill up once again. She got several texts letting her know the team was there waiting for her. She decided to head out to seats to say hi to everyone. "Hey!" She waved to everyone. "Hey! Good morning! Are you excited?" Voight asked. "You know I am. I love educating people. I love making it better for all the victims out there." She smiled feeling Adams hand on her back. "Well we definitely appreciate the knowledge that you spread. As a rookie I appreciate being able to learn this now and not 10 years from now like so many others. I feel like this is setting me up for success." Torres was thrilled he got first hand knowledge and education from a pro. "That is exactly what drives me! So thank you! I think it's time." She waved bye and headed back stage again.
She walked out on the stage when introduced. "Good morning!" Kim waved as she entered the stage to a round of applause. "Wow so many people here! That's wonderful!" She laughed. "Let me start by asking how many people are here because they wanted to sign up for this class." She looked around the room. "Wow! Amazing! I'm so pleased! So today we are doing a deep dive into how we interview rape victims. The tone, the empathy, the compassion, the comfort we use. We never accuse when we interview so let's get started. Again I will allow questions at the end of the session but no personal questions will be answered. All questioned need to pertain to SVU." Kim clicked to change the slide on the screen as she started the presentation. She did notice people taking notes as she moved. She was loving this so much. She got to the half way point allowing everyone a 15 minute break. She jumped off the stage noticing several female officers close to the stage. "Good morning Officers! Did you have questions?" Kim asked kindly. "We just wanted to know if we could have your card in case we ever have question." The young ladies asked. "Oh of course. And make sure you sign up for the Women's Empowerment Group that meets monthly. That will help you all get ahead easier." Kim handed them her cards as they thanked her and headed off.
"Doing great darling!" Adam approached after the officers left. "Thanks. I feel like this one is harder for the older generation of cops to get but it's super important." Kim knew Al and Voight had heard her. "We get that. And you are right. There are a lot who don't get it. So this is important. We agree." Al gave her a look that put her at ease. "I'm used to old white cops that still don't think woman should be cops. It's crazy for sure. So education helps with trying to change that. Doesn't always work but I don't stop trying." Kim shrugged a bit. "Ready to finish up?" Adam asked looking at the clock. "Yup!" Kim laughed as she headed for the stage again watching the room fill up again. "Okay welcome back. Hope you all enjoyed your break. Let's get started again!" Kim clicked into her presentation again. She worked through the slides that included videos of proper interviews of actual victims. The hour and a half went quick. "So before I open the floor for questions I just want to make one final statement. It is never the victims fault. I don't care what they did, what they said, what they wore. It was never their fault. Victims get enough blame from the defense attorneys they don't need it from you too. Now who has questions for me?" Kim paused looking around the room seeing several hands raised.
She pointed towards one. "You said that alcohol takes away the ability to consent. Does that mean we are all rapists since I'm sure we have all had sex where alcohol was involved." A young male officer asked. "Good question and the answer is no. I more meant when someone is wasted on drugs or alcohol. There is a big difference between drunk, wasted or tipsy. Drunk or wasted I wouldn't go there. That creates grey areas that you really don't want to get involved in. But it's also different if it's your wife, husband, boyfriend, girlfriend. Where you know the intentions and how they operate. Does that maybe clarify a bit?" She asked hoping that helped. The officer nodded and she moved on. "Can rape victims have healthy relationships after a rape in your experience?" A female officer asked. "Oh absolutely. I won't say they all make it to that place but it's 100% possible. With proper therapy, support groups, understanding and time it can definitely happen. Those who see themselves as survivors have the best chance." Kim was thrilled with the questions.
"Should we offer a female officer to the victims?" An older male officer asked. "Not necessarily. However if you don't feel comfortable having the conversation with the victim then yes get a female officer. Also just make sure to keep a proper distance and proper comfort that we spoke about. No touching them, even on the shoulder. That could be triggering and cause harm to you." Kim moved to the next question. "With the SAE kit should we have female doctors and nurses?" Another officer asked. "That's a great question. While it's not a must a do prefer to have a female do the exam especially with children. But it's not a deal breaker." Kim explained. "Okay we have time for one more question before we run out of time. So make it a good one!" She laughed looking around. "What's the largest number of victims have you seen to one serial rapist?" A male officer asked. "Oh crazy question. Well I have seen one gang with over a hundred rapes to their name. But one individual rapist I think was close to 20 victims. Either way one victim is one victim too many." Kim concluded.
"Okay so our time here has come to an end. I want to thank you all for coming out today. And I invite you all back for my next seminar in a few weeks. Till then take care and stay safe out there!" Kim waved as she moved off stage. She was excited about how this seminar had gone. It was easy, good questions were asked and it was great at rebuilding her confidence. She took off the microphone and grabbed her bag heading to the front of the building to leave. She saw Adam waiting for her but she also saw a bunch of officers still standing around talking about the seminar. She was listening to their comments but she didn't let it bother her. Some people will never see the point and the need for education. "Hey Ruzek!" Kim stated as she got closer. "Hey Burgess!" He laughed. "I guess you are trying to keep it professional at seminars?" He smirked not sure where that came from. "Probably should be I guess. Should we head out?" She asked wanting to get back to the district. "Sure let's go Detective!" He winked placing his hand on her back as they exited the building.
"So what did you think?" She asked as they got into the car. "Honestly it was great. Lots of useful information. And I think the videos helped show how soft you have to be but also how to word things where it's not accusing the victim. I think it was very informative. I proud of you." He squeezed her hand. "Well I'm happy to hear that. I really want to educate as many people as possible but it's hard sometimes. I heard those officers as I was leaving. Calling it a waste of time and pointless." She sighed but held strong. "Hey they were probably part of the group that were forced to come and they are probably the same ones who call it the sex police. So just block them out. Focus on all the good you good. And focus on our family trip." He knew she was down about it but this would happen. "Luckily when the harder courses come they won't have to take them. I think they will be less attended and that's fine." Kim shrugged a bit.
"It might be less attended but the ones who attend are the ones serious about taking the classes. And that's better for everyone." He knew she would be happy about that. "Exactly! That's what I want for these classes is for people to come who truly want to learn. Who truly want to be better cops. I think that's important. I know everyone should be trained but I'm almost afraid those who don't want to be there will ruin the experience for those who really want to be there. I think there is hope though to change some minds. Maybe with time." She smiled but shrugged. "There is always hope darling!" He helped her out of the car as the had arrived at the district. "One hug and kiss before we head in!" Kim pulled him in for a kiss before hugging him tight. "Alright my darling let's get this day over with." He led her inside hoping the rest of the day went smoothly. "I think our boy is upstairs again." Kim pointed to the front desk seeing him gone. "He's with Linds. We both know that." They laughed knowing he loved Erin and loved protecting her baby. It was pretty funny anytime someone got close how he watched them closely just in case.
As they entered the bullpen they found Gunner waiting for them at the top of the stairs. "Hey buddy! Did you have a good day?" Kim asked patting his head. He just barked lightly. "Well that's good. Did you potty yet?" Kim asked like he could answer. "Yeah we took him out. And he did both. And yes we cleaned up the poop already." Kevin explained as he watched Kim settle into her desk. "Thank you! I'm sure he appreciated it greatly." Kim just smiled as she started to work. The whole team was working to clean up loose ends from their previous cases. It was necessary to put the perps away for good. And it felt good to clean off their desks of extra paperwork. It was just around 4 when Voight let the team leave for the day. Everyone happy to leave early for the day. "Ready to head home to pack for our trip?" Kim asked not sure if Adam had other plans. "Sounds good. We can also get the kids early so we don't have to use the sitter today." He really wanted to spend time with his kids especially now that they gave him the title.
"Sounds like a great plan! They will love it!" The couple headed out to the car. They drove directly to the daycare to get the kids. They headed inside together knowing the kids would be stoked to see them both. As soon as the kids say both parents they yelled running towards them jumping into their arms. "Hey babies! Are you excited to go home early today?" Kim asked watching both kids nodded eagerly. "Okay let's get home kiddos. We have to pack for our trip tomorrow." Both kids cheering as Adam held them tight. Kim took the backpacks and led the way out to the car. Once the kids were settled in with the dog they all headed home. It was a short and easy ride for the small family. They were just happy being together. As soon as they got home the kids were ready to get inside the sooner the better. They had energy to burn for sure so it was absolutely necessary to run them around while Kim cooked dinner. It wasn't a fancy dinner but the kids were thrilled that Kim was making stuffed pepper casserole. It was easy, full of protein and the whole family loved it.
Kim watched her family running around outside and she did notice her son was being more careful. He must have learned a lesson but he was still having fun and not letting the cast hold him back. Dinner only took about 30 minutes to make so the kids were back inside shortly after they went outside but they were happy to eat. Kim set their bowls out with spoons so it was easier for them to eat. Adam got the drinks for the kids and fed the dog before joining his family at the table. The whole family was enjoying the dinner Kim made for them. "What are you guys excited for about vacation?" Adam asked. "Beach!" Milo yelled. "Mini golf!" Mia yelled. "Well I'm excited to see the ocean for the first time. And I'm even more thrilled to see it for the first time with my family." Adam explained knowing Kim would melt a bit. "Well I'm excited to see your face when you see the ocean for the first time." Kim winked smiling wide. "Thank god for separate bedrooms!" He whispered to her. He laughed feeling her shiver.
"Okay my kiddos let's head upstairs to start picking out your outfits for while we are gone." Adam led the kids upstairs leaving Kim hot and bothered. He loved toying with her. The kids joyfully ran up the stairs excited for the time away. They loved the beach so this was exciting for them. And it was new to them all. Kim had never been but it was on her list of places to go so this was perfect timing. Kim was cleaning the kitchen bothered but loving the happiness coming upstairs. She heard lots of laughing as she cleaned up dinner. She never imagined it could be like this but here it was. She joined her family shortly after starting the dishwasher. She found her whole family, dog included in the kids room playing. "Well looks like we are having fun. Did we at least pick out our clothes?" Kim asked looking at them. "Yes the clothes are on our bed already. Not sure the suitcase situation so I figured I would leave them till we had our clothes to pack as well." He watched her nod. "Sounds good hopefully we only have to check the car seats and we can gate check the stroller. We can each have one suitcase and one personal bag so it should be enough for all of us." Kim shrugged a bit unsure how much they needed to pack just yet.
"Kids we need to do baths tonight so how about we go do that?" Kim suggested knowing they would compile normally. "Let's go kids! Bath time!" Adam pointed towards the bathroom and the kids headed out with no argument. Kim just smiled loving how they listened so easily. They covered Milo's cast and helped the kids into the tub. Washing both kids getting them ready for the travel ahead. The couple was working half days before leaving after lunch time. They were excited for their time away as a full family. The only other time they traveled was just Kim and Adam and it was a shit show with her family issues. So they couldn't wait for this. Both kids were rushed into their room to get them dressed before Milo started to streak again. No one needed that. The kids played straight till bed time when they crashed out on their floor. They were placed in their beds and they were out cold. Both kids received kisses on the head and I love you before the couple left the room.
"I guess we should pack now huh?" Kim asked though she hated packing. "Yes we have to get that done sooner rather than later. So let's go!" He moved her along knowing packing was not something she enjoyed. "I just want to be there already." She whined but Adam just laughed. "I know and soon enough will be by the ocean together." His eyes staring into hers. "Soon enough." She sighed moving to grab the clothes she needed. Adam grabbed a few things to pack but he really hoped they were in bathing suits most of the time. He just wanted to relax by the water and do nothing else. "You need a few more pieces of clothing. I know we plan on being at the water all the time but just in case." She saw him laugh. "Yes darling! I can't wait to see what bathing suit you pick out. You don't wear one when we take the kids to the beach. It's normally gym shorts and a shirt." He knew her too well. "Well I'm not totally comfortable wearing one. Can I show you a photo?" She asked looking in her phone. "Yeah you can always show me photos." He sat waiting for her to find what she was looking for.
"This was right before Paul and I got married." It was the first photo he had seen of her ex husband. "Seriously! This body and a one piece?" He was shocked but he kept staring at the man who broke the love of his life. She took the phone back moving to find another photo. "This was before we met." She handed him the phone again. "Now that's what I'm talking about! You look hot! And your hair is so adorable! I didn't think I would like it chin length but it's so cute." He saw her fidget a bit. He pulled her into his lap. "Did he tell you this looked trashy?" He felt her nod. "My hair he said it made me look gay. I feel like I changed myself to make him happy and that just caused more issues. I'm not really sure what to do. Especially since we leave tomorrow." She sighed leaning her head on his shoulder. "Well I'm sure they have tons of places to buy suits there so that's what we will do. And you can pick whatever you want! If you want a two piece go ahead. I don't care as long as you are with me you can do what you want, where what want, cut your hair. I don't care. Just be you." He hugged her tight knowing this was just a small bump in the road for them.
He let her go finish packing. He couldn't wait to see what they found together. He couldn't wait to leave. He felt like this trip would bring them closer as a family. For now the couple packed their bags and settled in for the night excited for the adventure ahead.