A/N - I am currently in the year 2025 for this story
Melissa's POV
Saturday, November 1st
Today Wren and I are having a family day with Bella in London. Wren hasn't had a Saturday off in a long time but since he already worked 5 12 hour shifts this week he was able to take off this weekend. I loved the rare days when he was off on the weekend. We would have planned a weekend vacation somewhere a few hours away from London but the weekend off was a last-minute thing that Wren didn't find out about until yesterday.
We stopped to eat lunch at a small family-owned cafe in the middle of downtown London. Bella hasn't eaten here before but Wren and I have. Wren and I split a turkey wrap plus a salad. Bella ate chicken tenders and a side of fruit off the kid's menu.
Wren: Is your food good Bella?
Bella: Yes
Melissa: I'm not sure what to do for the rest of the day but we can check some of the business in the shopping area to see what Christmas decorations they have.
Wren: We do need some new decorations this year but we also have to do something that will entertain Bella.
Bella: Can we pick out a new doggie?
Melissa: No it's too soon Bella.
We had only lost Mocha a few days ago in a tragic accident. She had gotten out of the backyard and accidentally hit by the car when Wren and I were on our way out to lunch while Bella was at school.
Wren: If she wants to see dogs there is no harm in that.
Melissa: I can't get another dog and have to deal with loss all over again.
Wren: I think it will help both you and Bella if we get another dog.
Melissa: I see your point but not today.
Bella: Why not today?
Wren: Your mom is going to start working while you are at school and I am also working so we don't have a lot of time to care for a new dog.
Bella: I miss Mocha and I want a dog now.
Melissa: Someday Bella we will get another dog but not today.
After lunch, we went shopping and ended up buying new Christmas decorations for almost every room in the house. After shopping, we went home so Bella could take a nap. We are going back into the city for dinner and ice skating plus the winter fireworks show starts tonight.
Wren: Bella really wants another dog, Melissa.
Melissa: I know but I just can't handle another dog.
Wren: Do you mean right this minute and in the near future or long term?
Melissa: I don't think we should get another dog like ever.
Wren: I understand with the miscarries and everything you went through that you don't want another kid but why not a dog?
Melissa: Eventually we would lose the dog to old age or if by the small chance that another tragic accident would happen.
Wren: Bella loves dogs and if we don't get her another dog she might not get over losing Mocha.
Melissa: Bella will be just fine without another dog. All of Bella's friends have dogs so every sleepover Bella will have a dog at someone else house.
Wren: If you change your mind about the dog just tell me and we can adopt a dog.
Melissa: Fine but more importantly when is the next time you are traveling for work.
Wren: As of right now not until January but something could change before then.
Melissa: Just promise not to go on any work trips during Bellas Christmas and new years break from school or she will be even more upset.
Wren: I promise Melissa.
We waited until it was almost time to leave again before waking Bella up from her nap. We went out to an Italian restaurant for dinner. Wren and I split an order of lasagna. Bella ate the kid's portion of Spaghetti.
The ice skating rink was just down the street from the restaurant so after dinner, we walked over. We had only taken Bella Ice skating once before a few years ago. Spencer and I used to go a lot back in Rosewood growing up. Wren and I took turns holding Bella's hand while skating because neither of us is ready to let her skate on her own yet. The fireworks could be seen off in the distance so it was a nice addition to skating.
Bella was tired from being up late and slept most of the car ride home. Wren carried her from the car into the house but she woke up before we got her tucked into her bed.
Melissa: Do you want to put pajamas on or are you too tired.
Bella: Pajamas and I have to brush my teeth before bed like you and daddy taught me how to do.
Bella was a really smart kid and she loves to make us happy by doing what we tell her to do.
Wren: I can get Bella ready for bed while you call your sister since its still early in Rosewood.
Melissa: Thanks Wren, I love you
Wren answered with a quick kiss instead of saying I love you back.
Bella: Ew kissing
Wren: It's Ew to you now because you are way too young but one day when you are older you will think differently.
Spencer and I talked at least 2 times a week. Sometimes more or less depending on how busy we are.
Spencer: Isn't it almost midnight in London?
Melissa: Yes but I'm still up so I thought I would call you since I missed your call in the middle of the week.
Spencer: Toby and I are getting ready to go out for the night but I can talk for a few minutes.
Melissa: Wow so are the kids with mom and dad?
Spencer: Yep they are having a weekend sleepover there since we had a friends Halloween party at our house last night.
Melissa: So sounds like you and Toby are having a kid-free weekend.
Spencer: Toby is but I spent part of today at mom and dad's house while Toby was at work.
Melissa: You missed the kids that much Spence or did you have to check to make sure that everything was going well.
Spencer: Dad was working and mom wanted to run some errands so I covered for her so the kids didn't have to go.
Melissa: So technically Spencer you were babysitting your own kids.
Spencer: Yes but Toby was at work so I really didn't care.
Melissa: OK Spence whatever you say
Spencer: Toby's ready to leave on the date so goodnight Mel
Melissa: Have a great date night Spencer
Spencer: Thanks, love you, Melissa.
Melissa: Love you, Spence.
Thoughts on this chapter?
The next chapter is going to be set in December. Not sure what couple or characters yet so be sure to comment with ideas/suggestions.
Thank you for reading. Reviewing would be great as well.
If you have any questions about this story just ask in the reviews or in a private message.
Sorry for not updating much anymore but reviews would really inspire me to write and post more often.