After a crazy busy week it was finally the day of the parade. Kim's nerves were full on but she was still excited. This was the first time she would be riding in uniform but also in a parade for millions to see. After getting ready for the day Kim headed downstairs to start breakfast for her family. Cooking breakfast was one of her favorite things to cook. So this was something she wouldn't take for granted. As she was mixing the pancake batter she heard a knock on the door. Curiously she walked to the door opening it shyly. "Hey. What are you doing here? Did we have plans I forgot about?" Kim asked opening the door wider seeing Adam on the other side. "Well no but we haven't seen each other much this week with work. And all the riding you have done this week so I thought we could have breakfast together before the parade." Adam answered as he followed her to the kitchen.
"I know and I'm sorry but riding isn't going anywhere. I love it but I will make a better effort to not let days for us go so far apart going forward." Kim replied as she continued to make pancakes for all of them. "That's all I ask. I know with the kids things are always going to be different, maybe harder but we can't build a future without time together. I actually enjoy sneaking over at 8:30 while the kids are asleep. It's like being a teenager again. You know? Trying not to get caught by your parents making out with your girlfriend." Adam laughed watching the smile spread on her face. "Yeah I know what you mean. And I agree with you completely. I will try harder, I promise. I admit it's been harder than I thought it would be letting someone in again. I am trying though and I will try harder. I promise you. Especially because I like what we have when we are together." Kim admitted as she kept working.
"That's all I'm asking for Kim. I love what we have going on. And I can't wait for more when you are ready. I know you haven't formally introduced me to the kids but when you are ready I want that to happen. I know that's big for you but I'm down for it when you are ready. It's probably one of the biggest steps for you to take at some point and I hope you allow me to support you all." Adam watched her move around her kitchen. He knew she was processing what he said. He knew she needed time to process. He knew this was a lot for them both. "I know you are right on a lot of it. But you also need to understand that in the back of my mind I'm always waiting for the other shoe to drop. I've been in fight mode for so long. Since I got pregnant really. It's hard to stop that. It's hard to let someone in and to let someone support you. But I'm trying and will continue to try. That I can promise. As far as the kids how about I introduce you today but just as Adam. They won't understand labels anyway. Do we have a label? I feel like we never discussed that." Kim was rambling now and Adam thought it was adorable.
"Kim calm down. It's okay. I'm good with them knowing my name and that we spend time together. Boyfriend/girlfriend won't mean anything to them. But I want them to know if they need something I can get that for them as well as you. I want them to learn to trust me too so we can build this together. I don't think I'm ready for baths and diaper changes but if they need a drink or a snack I can get that for them. I want them to know they can depend on me to." Adam watched her try to relax some. "Just for the record, I've called you my girl a few times already." Adam smirked at her knowing that would make her happy. "So boyfriend I like that how that sounds. I also agree with the kids knowing they can ask you for things. I think that's a good first step with them. I want them to have a good male influence because they haven't had one. Like they knew he was their dad but I don't think they ever thought to ask him for anything. And when they only ever asked me he would get pissed about it. It was just nuts." Kim explained as she cooked.
The spent the next few minutes in silence, enjoying each other's company before hearing noises coming from the kids bedroom. "I will be right back. Sounds like the babies are up and moving." Kim pointed to the sounds as she left the room. Adam just nodded and waited for them to enter the room. Kim entered their room seeing both trying to get out of the cribs. "What are you two doing? Are you two ready to head downstairs for some breakfast?" Kim asked them. The kids nodded sleepily. "Okay diaper changes first and then we head downstairs." Kim started to get the kids cleaned up before heading back downstairs. Adam had taken over cooking breakfast for the whole family knowing Kim needed to eat and so did the kids.
Adam watched from the kitchen as the small family made its way downstairs. Kim's son snuggled against her and her daughter walking next to them. She was certainly more independent and stubborn. "Good morning Mia and Milo! Are you guys hungry?" Adam asked as he flipped the last few pancakes. "Yes please!" Mia yelled as Milo buried his face in Kim's shoulder. "Thank you for finishing those. I appreciate it." Kim smiled watching him move around the kitchen. "I also made some sausage. You all need protein." Adam winked at her. "Thank you very much. Let's cut up the kids food and then we can make our own plates." Kim suggested as she cut up some pancakes and sausage for the kids. Putting syrup on it before setting it with the kids.
Once they were all sat down to eat Kim decided it was time to introduce Adam to the kids. "So babies this is my friend Adam. I know you have seen him before but since we are spending so much time together I thought you should know him better okay? We work together and helps keep me safe everyday. He also makes me smile. I hope he will make you smile too." Kim tried to explain in a way they would understand. "It's really nice meeting you guys officially. I really look forward to getting to know you both better. Your mom tells me lots of stuff about you both. You both sound like amazing kids." Adam spoke softly and kindly to them. Looking them in the eyes trying to build trust. Both kids nodded and kept eating. Adam hadn't expected more or less from them. He was just thankful they listened to him.
As they finished eating they noticed Kim's bestie coming downstairs but staying out of their way. Wanting to let them enjoy breakfast and get to know each other. Adam waited till the kids finished before asking if they wanted more. He wanted to show them he was here to support them too. After he gave them more to eat he sat with his own plate again. Kim smiled the entire time watching them eat as a family. This is what a family looked like. This was what she had wanted when she got married. She hated that her marriage ended but it was truly for the best. She knew that but it still hurt. It made her sad to this day. Almost one year later.
"So I was thinking that today after the parade we could have a picnic in the park. Just the 4 of us. What do you you two think?" Kim asked the kids. "Okay. Can we pick lunch?" Milo asked. Kim laughed and Adam looked stunned. "Yes my little foodie! You and Mia can pick out where we get lunch from." Kim smiled knowing food would motivate her son for sure. "Well let's get you guys bathed and ready for the day then." Kim smiled getting the kids out of the chairs. "How about I clean up the dishes while you bathe the kids?" Adam suggested. "Sounds great! Thank you so very much!" Kim kissed him quickly before retreating upstairs. Adam moved around the kitchen cleaning up. Noticing that April was eating the leftover breakfast that they had made.
While he was cleaning up he heard the giggles coming from upstairs and it really made him smile thinking of the kids and how important it was for him to earn their trust. He also knew Kim would never move forward without it. So this was a big goal for him. Unbeknownst to him April was watching him. "You know it will happen. Just need to let it happen naturally. The family has been through hell. I know you know that. Time will help and just keep being you. It will eventually happen." April spoke startling Adam. "Thanks. I truly want to be there for them all. Her story makes me so angry for her and for the kids. No one should live like that and through that. Broken families are no joke so I want to protect them anyway I can." Adam shrugged looking over at the stairs hearing the kids running around and Kim chasing them.
"Stop running around naked! Let's get you dressed!" Kim scolded the kids who just giggled. "I think we should tag team this. Let's go help!" April suggested knowing three adults versus two kids would be easier. "Yup! Let's go!" Adam headed up first and April trailed behind. As they reached the top of the stairs they saw both kids running around naked and Kim looking frustrated. Mia was closest to Adam who scooped her right away. She wasn't paying attention to anyone other than Kim so she was easy to catch. She giggled uncontrollably. "Hand her over before she pees on you." Kim got her daughter and took her to the crib to get her dressed without her running away again.
Adam and April tried to get Milo and he was quick but they got him. April picked him up putting him above her head. He was laughing so hard. "Okay bud! Your turn to get dressed." April brought him into the room seeing Mia was almost done. "You ready to head downstairs little Miss Mia?" Kim asked handing her over to Adam. "Come on let's go play downstairs before mom and I have to leave for the parade." Adam carried her down the stairs placing her in the living room grabbing some toys for her to play with. They played blocks while they waited for Kim and Milo to return.
Once they were back downstairs Kim needed to get ready in her uniform before heading out. Kim headed to her bedroom trying back her hair properly so it didn't touch the shoulders. After her hair was perfect she dressed in her uniform. It was the first time in this uniform and it felt stiff and uncomfortable. But she didn't have an option. After she completed the look she headed back towards her kids seeing them happily playing with Adam, April was close by but gave them space. "Looks like I'm missing the party." Kim stated as the group turned to see her dressed in her blues. "Well don't you look adorable! I don't envy you having to wear your blues today." Adam joked. He hated wearing his uniform. "Yeah it's kind of stiff but it's the job today." Kim shrugged. "Alright babies I have to go get ready for the parade. Auntie April will bring to the parade in a little bit to watch mommy ride okay?" Kim got down on the floor to hug the kids. "Mommy loves you both so much!" Kim kissed their cheeks before standing again. "Love you mommy!" The kids said back.
"Okay guys I'm headed out too but I will see you at the parade okay. All of the people mommy works with will be there. And we will have such a great time." Adam bent down and offered a fist bump to each kid. Once it was returned he headed out behind Kim. "So I will see you after the parade. But before I go can I get a kiss? I have a thing for seeing my girl in her blues. It's sexy!" Adam smirked as he leaned in to kiss her. It was heated and passionate but it was exactly what they needed in that moment. "I hate to leave but I have to go. See you after." Kim winked as she got behind her wheel and started to drive off. Adam watched her go before leaving himself. He headed home for a bit before meeting up with the team at the parade site.
Kim had arrived at the designated area to join the mounted police for the parade. She found her horse right away. He was happy to see her and nuzzled her as she got close to him. "Hi Blackjack! Are you ready for today?" Kim asked him like he spoke. "I know buddy ! Me too!" Kim stayed close by waiting for further instruction. "Detective Burgess? I'm Sargent Mills. So Blackjack here is a very large horse. Do you need help mounting him?" He eyes Kim and looked back and forth between her and the horse. "Nope I'm good. I've been riding him all week. We are good to go." Kim shrugged off the feeling he was being a sexist jerk. "Um okay well get on the horse. We are starting soon." He watched as Kim hoisted herself up onto the horse. Noticing she more than capable.
"Hey guys! Kim's bestie April and the kids are headed this way." Adam pointed over towards the group walking towards them. Adam has made sure there was plenty of space for them to be up close to watch their mom ride by. "Hey Adam! Thanks for getting this space up close for the kids." April nodded to the rest. "Good to see you again. So these people behind me are co workers of your mom. So this is Erin, Jay, Kevin, Antonio, Alvin and Voight." Adam pointed to each one. "Guys this is April and then Kim's children Mia and Milo." Adam introduces hoping to make the kids comfortable with all the new people. The kids waved shyly. "Really? You two are acting shy? I know you are not shy at all!" Adam joked with them trying to get them to loosen up some. Both kids tried to play tough but laughed when Adam gave them a questioning look.
"Well how would you kids like to sit on our shoulders during the parade so you can see better?" Kevin offered. Kim was his partner and he wanted her kids to feel comfortable with him as well. "Um okay. It safe?" Milo asked. "Yes little man! We will never let you fall. We got you both!" Kevin shares a fist bump with Milo while Mia was also bouncing to get loose. She wanted out and up, the sooner the better in her mind. The rest of the group marveling at the tiny people before them. They both had such different personalities and looked very different. It was hard to tell that they were in fact twins. But they enjoyed the excitement the kids brought to the event that quiet frankly they wouldn't have gone to otherwise.
As the parade started the kids were sitting on the shoulders of Adam and Kevin. The rest of the team was standing in front of them on the road. The curb giving some extra height to see better. Tons of floats went by before the horses started to walk past. The kids were bouncing trying to find their mom. Once they spotted her they were calling out to her. Waving like crazy. She waved slightly as they weren't supposed to move from the reins for safety reasons. After she passed by the kids grew bored so they were placed back in their stroller till it was time to hit the park. Adam watched as each team member spoke with the kids trying to get to know them better. Kim had done a good job shielding her kids from her job and the people in it. Adam really thought that should change but he kept his mouth shut. He wasn't the parent and he hadn't had to protect them from their father. But he wanted to protect them going forward.
After the parade finished the group headed over to where the riders would be after finishing the parade. They saw Kim talking to a man also in uniform but one they didn't know. As they got closer they heard the conversation. "Officer Burgess. I have to admit I didn't think you could handle Blackjack here." Sergeant Mills patted the horse. "First it's Detective and second like I told you before I rode him all week to prepare. It's a great horse, very loving. Now if you will excuse me I want to say hi to my family." Kim patted the horse before walking towards her kids. "What was that about?" Adam asked. "Just an old school sexist cop who think women can't be anything. It's fine." Kim waves it off. She didn't want him ruining her day with her kids. "Hi babies! Did you guys have fun?" Kim asked noticing the team still looking towards Sergeant Mills. "Yes! We were so high mommy!" Mia yelled startling the group. "You were? How?" Kim asked clearly playing along. "Adam and Kevin shoulders!" Mia was very wound up at this point.
"Yeah sorry! They may have had some sugar. We definitely need to head to the park and let them run it off." Adam felt bad but it made them happy. "Oh okay. Yeah let's go to the park. Do you all want to join? Some food and running around with these two?" Kim offered to the team knowing they only came to the parade to support her. "I'm gonna pass. Not really my thing. But thank you." Voight declined, no one was surprised. Al was out too but the rest all headed towards the park with the kids. April has left earlier wanting to enjoy her day off which no one could blame her for. The group headed to a near by park to have their picnic and to burn off some energy. The kids had decided they wanted pizza for lunch so the boys got several pizzas and some sides to make sure everyone got something they wanted to eat.
When the pizza arrived the kids ran very quickly to get their food. They were clearly starving from running around all ready. Kim cut the pizza into bite size pieces so the kids didn't choke. She also gave them some salad so it was a little healthier. As the kids ate the adults exchanged small talk. But they still were interested in what happened earlier. "Kim what happened with that Sergeant earlier? Seemed more to the story?" Antonio asked truly concerned for what he saw. "Oh he was just being an A-hole. He assumed I couldn't ride the horse because I'm a women. And wasn't sure I could get on the horse by myself. I also heard a snide comment under his breath about how I would be sore in the morning. It was dumb and unnecessary. I'm used to it though so I'm not worried about him." Kim shrugged off the concern. "I don't get it. Why would you be sore?" Kevin asked her.
"Oh um since he's such a large horse your legs are spread pretty wide. And it takes a lot of leg strength and core strength to control him. If I wasn't an experienced rider I would be hurting but I'm not. And I rode all week on that same horse. He's insane!" Kim laughed a little noticing the lightbulbs going off in people's minds. "Well you held your own that's for sure. Maybe we can all go riding sometime." Jay offered. "I would love that! The kids haven't been riding in months." Kim's eyes lite up. "You ride with the kids?" Erin asked. "Yeah. I put one on my chest and one on my back. I even rode pregnant. I put a pillow under the bump to protect it better but yeah my kids are growing up around horses." Kim smiled watching them look shocked.
"I understand. I grew up around horses too. I love them. Completely understand." Jay nodded as he thought about it. "My mom had us on the family farm my grandparents owned riding horses by age 5." Jay explained further. "Yeah I'm definitely waiting till they are older to get them on a horse by themselves. Till they are more stable but I want them to be outdoors and enjoying nature. No iPad, no tv. I want them to have a real childhood." Kim explained knowing it wasn't normal but it was what she wanted. "I agree with that. My kids don't want that anymore. I wish they would go outside instead of the video games." Antonio admitted shaking his head. "Yeah that's what I'm trying to avoid." Kim commented watching the kids finish up their food.
"Kids are you done? If you want more that's okay?" Kim asked watching the kids contemplate the question. "I want more pizza please?" Milo asked. "Okay bud. Mia anything else?" Kim started to cut the pizza while Mia thought about it. "Salad and breadstick please." Mia was always more sensible. "Okay well let's get that." Kim smiled watching her kids eat their lunch. The older boys up and running around already. Kim and Erin watched the boys acting like fools which was a nice change from the usual life they lived. "So Erin, hows it going with Jay?" Kim asked wiggling her eyebrows as she spoke. "Ha! Um it's good. We are trying to keep it quiet but we are happy. What about you and Adam?" Erin asked in return. "Um it's slow. But for me it's important since I have the kids and the baggage. I've opened up a lot but still have a lot of work to do. Yes my marriage has been over for almost a year but the damage before that mentally has been going on for years. Letting it go is hard. I also still need to sell the house so all ties are cut. I got my half of the assets and the child support and alimony but the house is that last straw." Kim explained shaking her head.
"Hey we all got your back. Whenever you are ready to move forward we got you. We got all of you." Erin replied knowing Kim needed to hear it. "Thank you! And same goes for you." Kim smile before looking towards the kids were sitting waiting patiently. "Come on let's go play with the guys!" Kim picked up one kids and let her other one run ahead of them. The boys stopped running seeing the kids moving towards them. "Let's play tag! Adams it!" Kim yelled and everyone started to chase Adam. The kids being carried so they could be faster. Tons of giggles from the kids left all the adults in stitches. Laughing harder than they had in years. It been a truly great afternoon.
Kim decided to call it a day when the kids started slow down, rubbing their eyes. "Guys I think it's time to take the kids home." Kim had Milo in her arms already. His head was on her shoulder, eyes were closed. Mia was dragging behind. "I think you are right. It's been a fun day that's for sure." Antonio picked up Mia letting her rest on him. "Yeah it's been a blast. We need to do this again soon." Jay commented rubbing the kids back. "I think that's a definite. Okay babies let's head home." Kim moved towards the car hugging everyone goodbye. Kevin giving the kids fist bumps before heading out. Erin gave the kids kisses on the cheeks before saying good bye. Antonio helped get the kids in the car while Adam handled the garbage from lunch.
"I miss kids at this age. You need a night off, call me." Antonio gave both kids one more glance before heading off. "Hey you heading home?" Kim asked wondering what Adams plan were. "I don't know. I would like to spend it with you but I get it might be too much for today. So you let me know." Adam answered her sounding hopeful. "Well I would like to spend time with you too. So follow us home." Kim smiled at him. "Okay I will meet you at your home. See you there." Adam leaned in to kiss her before he watched her enter her car to drive off.
Adam arrived shortly after Kim. He noticed both kids sound asleep. "Let me help you. It can't be easy carrying both kids when they are sound asleep." Adam picked up one of the kids and helped Kim carry both kids but also the diaper bags. "Thank you. April normally helps but she needs a day off. Time for herself too. I totally understand." Kim whispered not wanting to wake the kids. They both heard Kim's phone ringing but ignored it. If it were work Adams phone would ring after hers. As they got inside they made their way to the kids room, placing them in the crib. They watched as the kids reached for each other and held hands as they slept. Kim smiled widely before kissing them and leaving the room.
"I'm gonna change really quick. Meet you downstairs?" Kim asked right as Adam slammed his lips against hers. They slowly backed into the bedroom not breaking the kiss. Hands roaming each other's body's. Kim felt her legs hit the bed causing her to snap out of the kiss. "What! I can't do this. Not yet! Not with my kids home! I'm sorry!" Kim buried her face in his chest gasping for air. "Hey no no no. It's okay. I completely understand. I let myself get carried away. For the record I wasn't lying earlier when I said you in this uniform does something to me." Adam kissed her forehead trying to steady his breathing. "I'm um gonna change now. Take away the temptation." Kim smirked walking into the bathroom. Adam stood there trying hard to calm his body back down. The fire between them in that moment was unreal, nothing he had ever felt before.
He headed down the stairs to the kitchen. He needed a drink. The cold water helping to cool him a bit. He moved to the couch to await her arrival. In the bathroom Kim splashed cold water on her face trying to cool the flames. She couldn't believe they got carried away like that. It had felt amazing but it wasn't the right time. She knew she needed more time. As she changed she tried not to let her mind run wild. The what if's plagued her. She headed down the stairs in leggings and an oversized shirt. "Hey." Kim smiled as she sat on the couch with some distance between them. "Hey. You look comfy. Please don't sit so far away. I promise to behave." Adam winked at her trying to break the tension. "Okay but you better behave!" Kim laughed moving closer to him. Once she was closer he wrapped his arm around her. "So much better." Adam whispered. He heard Kim hum in agreement.
"I can feel you spinning. Want to talk about it?" Adam asked as he pulled her closer to him. "The what if's are running rampant in my head. I don't regret anything just thinking about what could have happened. What I wanted to happen. What I'm scared to let happen. I don't want to rush into it just because it's been so long. Then that leads to a whole new list of crazy thoughts. And those thoughts are embarrassing." Kim answered as she looked up to she what he was thinking. "Well I think I know what those embarrassing things are. And I'm not worried about that. Because we have a fire between us and that will never be wrong or bad. And it may be painful at first but we take it slow. Get your body used to it again. It's been 3 years that's too be expected. It doesn't scare me. It doesn't make me want to run. None of that matters because I like you so very much." Adam spoke from the heart knowing the fear behind her words. "I like you very much too!" Kim turned in his arms to kiss him.
They spent the rest of the day with the kids playing in the backyard. Kim sat back and watched Adam running around with the kids. This is what a family felt like. This is what she had been missing. What her kids had been missing. The sound of laughter, joyful laughter had been missing from their lives. And it was ever present today. This was the goal. This was worth fighting for. She was determined to make it happen. Not only for her kids but for herself. She was worth. She was starting to see that as the fog lifted more. An excitement she hadn't felt in year was coming alive again. She truly couldn't wait for the future.