Forever And Ever

Nine Years Later

"Daddy, come on," Anastasia shouts.

I giggle to myself as I watch Grayson chase our twins around the living room.

Mr. Whiskers lays on the couch sleeping, all the noises not affecting him.

"I'm hungry, mommy," Atley shouts, throwing himself into my arms.

"Me too," Anastasia giggles.

"Me three, Mommy," Grayson smirks at me.

"Daddy is making grilled cheese," I tap Atley's nose.

"Um, no, he's—"

"Yay," Anastasia squeals, jumping into his arms.

He blinks at me and I grin.

"I'm on break today," I kiss him.

"Eww," the twins shriek.

Grayson kisses me again before walking to the kitchen.

They follow him to the kitchen and I can't stop the smile from spreading on my face as I watch them.

My phone rings and I dig it out of my pocket.

"Hey, Leia," I say as I answer.

"Auntie Lele, Auntie Lele," Anastasia comes running to the couch and takes the phone.

I don't know how Leia ended up being her favorite.

"Hey, Tasia," Leia says. "How's it going?"

"Good," she grins.

I walk into the kitchen and leave Anastasia on the couch with my phone so she can talk to Leia.

I hop onto the counter to watch Grayson and Atley.

"Daddy?" Atley says.

"Yeah?" He ruffles his hair.

"How did you know that you were in love with Mommy?" He looks up at Grayson.

"What?" He blinks, confused.

"How did you know you were in love?" Atley repeats.

That's a random question.

Grayson turns to look at me, his eyebrow arching.

I just shrug.

"I've been in love with Mommy since I met her," he says, his eyes never leaving mine.

"Yeah, I know, but how did you know?" Atley wrinkles his nose.

A smile tugs at my lips and Grayson shakes his head.

"Why are you asking me these questions, Atley?" Grayson sighs, running his hands through his hair.

"Because I think I'm in love," he says seriously, his eyes wide.

Grayson raises his eyebrows at me and I tilt my head.

"In love?" I smile.

"Yep," he nods.

"With who?" I murmur.

"Her name is Melody," he informs us.

"You're too young for love, Atley," Grayson shakes his head.

"No, I'm not," he narrows his eyes. "I'm almost the same age you were when you fell in love with Mommy."

"You're only five," Grayson grumbles.

"I'm almost six," Atley points out. "And you were seven."

My husband stares at Atley and he sticks out his little chin.