Holy shit it actually worked...I've been trying to upload this chapter since Saturday. So finally here it is! The last chapter! Thanks to everyone who has reviewed this fic, much love to you all. I hope you like how I ended this fic. Longest chapter by far for this fic, so sit back and enjoy!
SET FIVE YEARS LATER
(Angel's POV)
It's been eight years now since I've been watching over my family. It's been hard sometimes to see them going through some rough patches and not being able to be there to comfort them. Or to see them going through wonderful, joyous occasions and not be able to share in their happiness. But part of me knows that each of them know that I'm there with them, celebrating or consoling them in each of their lives.
The past five years have brought some of the greatest moments in each of their lives though. Mark finally found the love of his life, Eden. She is great for him. They had some trouble because of Eden's past, but they made it through, getting married about four years ago. Eden was actually pregnant with their oldest son, Jacob Thomas when they were married; they didn't tell anyone this, but I think everyone figured it out. Then only a year later they welcomed Dylan Mark into the family. These two boys are two of the most rambunctious kids I've ever seen, but absolutely adorable. Mark continues making films; finally getting some recognition for them. Eden is still making her way up the ladder in corporate America; she's made it up to Vice President of her company. They live in the Upper East Side now, nice little place; their completely in love.
Roger and Mimi finally got married as well. They've been married about three years now. They too have moved out of Alphabet City. They also have a place in the Upper East Side; not too far from Mark and Eden. Both of them have had a few close calls lately with their health, but they have each other which I think makes them stronger. Roger has finally broken into the music world; seems very happy with his career. Mimi quit the CatScratch finally. She opened a dance studio which seems to keep her in high spirits, seeing all of those little kids chasing their dreams.
Oh my sweet Collins. I was so worried about him when I first left him. He seemed so depressed and lonely. But he had the rest of them; I'm so glad they were there for him. But then finally about four years ago Collins met someone and then a year later was moving in with him and his son. He seems like he is truly in love. I know he still loves me though, he talks to me every now and then; and even though he can't physically hear me talking back to him, I know he hears me in his heart.
Then there is Joanne and Maureen; those two have really come through a lot to be together. They got married shortly after their engagement; it was beautiful. I don't think I've ever seen two people look more beautiful and more in love than those two did that day. The last five years for them though have seemed to be the best years of their relationship. I hardly ever see them fighting anymore and when they do it's just little spats over what toys to buy the kids for their birthday or Christmas. Then usually they are quickly making up, having crazy sex; let me just say damn those two go at it a lot. Joanne is still working at the law firm; making her way up now so she doesn't seem to have to work as crazy hours as she once did. Maureen stays home with the kids; though she still finds time for an occasional protest or two. They've adopted three kids now; actually introducing the newest member to the rest of the family tonight at the Life. They have a place over in Midtown East in Gramercy. They moved there shortly after the trials were over. Thankfully Steve got what was coming to him. He was sentenced for a total of twenty years in prison; since he didn't technically rape Joanne that was the harshest sentencing they could ask for. But there is no chance for parole, so thankfully he is out of their lives. I always knew these two would make it. They love each other too much; the passion they share for one another is unbelievable.
(Joanne's POV)
I walked into our apartment, cherishing the silence. It never seemed to be quiet for too long around our place anymore, so when it was quiet for those few moments, I always made a point to stop and enjoy it.
I had just made it back from the grocery store and was putting away the Captain Crunch, fruit rollups, and baby formula when I nearly fell flat on my ass, tripping over Adam's rollerblades that he had left in the middle of the kitchen floor.
"Adam I thought I told you to put these up," I scolded the little four year old as I entered his bedroom.
"Sorry Momma," he apologized walking over to me taking them from my hands. He was so adorable it was hard to get mad at him. He was Maureen and mine's oldest son. We adopted him when he was about five months old. He had straight dark hair that he liked to keep long, well just below his ears. Maureen was very adamant about letting the kids be individuals; so Adam's hair length is something I never argued about, it's kind of cute on him anyway. He was a skinny little guy and tall for his age; I just loved him so much.
"Hey Momma," he gently spoke from his floor where he was coloring; "do you want to color with me?" He looked up at me with his big brown eyes, smiling ear to ear.
"Honey Momma would love to, but she has to go wake up Mattie and Mommy ok," I told him as I bent down kissing him on the top of his head. "Maybe later tonight though ok."
He bent his head back, once again smiling, "ok," he excitedly replied.
I walked out into the living room to check on Maureen. She had fallen asleep while she was rocking Mattie; who we adopted when she was two weeks old. When I walked in, Mattie was curled up in Maureen's arms, both of them looked so peaceful, so beautiful.
"Wake up baby," I softly whispered as I bent over kissing Maureen on the lips. She stirred ever so slightly as she opened her eyes. I just stood there and stared at how perfect they looked together.
"What?" she asked me.
"Nothing, just admiring my beautiful wife and daughter." She reached out her hand pulling on my shirt, leading me back down to her lips. As we pulled away I reached down to take Mattie out of her arms. Mattie was absolutely gorgeous even at two years old. She had caramel colored skin, the tightest dark ringlets, and when her eyes were open her bright green eyes would light up the room. She was my angel. Mattie definitely had Maureen's personality, but she was Momma's angel.
Maureen stood up wrapping her arms around my waist from behind me, laying her head on my shoulder, staring down at Mattie in my arms. "I feel very lucky," she whispered to me, "I have the greatest kids and the best wife anyone could ask for." I leaned over and quickly gave her a peck.
"I'm going to go lay her down, I'll be right back." I whispered to her; she slapped my ass as I walked out of the room.
I walked Mattie to her bedroom, gently laying her down in her princess bed. The headboard was shaped like a crown and she had mirrors and any thing that glitters hanging up everywhere; she was definitely Maureen's daughter.
As I walked back down the hall I saw Maureen standing gazing down into the baby bed. We had just adopted our third child, a little girl, a few days ago. We were actually going to be introducing her to the family later tonight when we all meet up at the Life. I walked into the room, wrapping my arms around Maureen as we stood there gazing down at our beautiful daughter. She had pale skin and hardly any hair to speak of, but then again she was only five days old.
After we stood there and just stared at her, not speaking to one another we walked back into the living room and collapsed on the couch. Having three kids was no picnic, but I wouldn't trade it for anything.
Maureen lay down on the couch, resting her head in my lap. "Where's Adam?" a worried tone entering into her voice.
"He's fine; he's in his room coloring," I calmly told her; playing with her hair.
"Joanne are you happy?"
"Of course I'm happy, why would you ask me a thing like that?"
"I don't know," she sat up, snuggling up against me, "I just wonder if this is what you saw happening with your life."
"Maureen, look at me," I reached my hand to her face making her eyes turn to meet mine, "I've never been happier in my entire life. I have three wonderful children and the sexiest wife I could imagine." I saw a slight smirk appear on her face. "I love you baby."
"I love you too," she said as she straddled me on the couch. She slowly leaned towards me, our lips connecting into a soft, warm embrace. Having three kids you didn't get to steal too many moments like this. She stood up, taking a hold of my hands, "let's go to the bedroom," she quietly said.
As we turned to head down the hallway, here came Adam bouncing into the living room. "Mommy," he screamed as he ran and jumped into Maureen's arms. "Are we going to go see Uncle Roger tonight?" the little boy asked.
"Later we are. We are going to go show him your new little sister," Maureen told him as he leaped out of her arms. He started dancing around the room in excitement that he got to go see Roger. Adam and Roger have always had this connection with one another; there was something special between the two of them. While we stood there watching him dance around in excitement, I pulled Maureen over towards me, engulfing her into my arms.
"I'm going to see Uncle Roger, I'm going to see Uncle Roger," Adam kept singing as he continued spinning himself around the living room. Maureen and I stood there giggling at him; holding each other close. He finally stopped, looking over at us with that huge smile of his. "Would you just kiss her already," he exclaimed running over towards us.
I bent down sweeping the little boy off his feet. "You want me to kiss her huh," I started asking him as I was tickling him; his little body squirming in my arms. "Kiss her like this," I reached over kissing his face all over, "or like this," I continued kissing Adam all over his face; with him just laughing, trying to break free.
"Mommy help," he could barely get the words out. So Maureen felt it necessary to come to her son's rescue, now tickling me. Before I knew what was going on they both had me on the ground tickling me to where I could barely even breathe. Finally Adam's little body collapsed on my stomach. "Ha-ha, Mommy got you," he laughed.
I rose up, sitting beside Maureen on the floor, Adam on my lap. "Just wait until next time," I poked him in the stomach causing him to squirm a little more. "Well buddy you probably should go take a nap before you go see Uncle Roger."
"Do I have to?" he cried.
"Yes sir," Maureen said as she stood up pulling Adam off of me, "come on." Maureen carried him back to his bedroom, laying him down for a nap. I stretched out on the floor closing my eyes, complete silence, all three children asleep.
"You taking a nap too?" Maureen asked as she entered back into the room; laying down partially on top of me. "Want me to sing you to sleep?" Maureen's baby talk was coming out.
"Come here," I giggled, wrapping my arms around her pulling her completely on top of me, locking my lips to hers. I could feel her hands slide underneath my shirt, stroking my stomach and chest. My hands slid below her pants, rubbing her ass, pulling her closer to me. "Umm baby," I hesitantly whispered.
"Yes," she panted; her lips now on my neck.
Reluctantly I continued, "We probably shouldn't be doing this in the middle of the living room floor. Adam or Mattie could walk in."
Maureen disappointingly agreed, "I know," she got up off of me, straightening up her clothes. "I love these kids, but they can sure put a damper on the love life."
"Tell me about it," I agreed sitting up beside her. A sneaky grin came across my face as I got an idea, "I do need to take a shower."
"Let's go," Maureen was quickly on her feet, dragging me by the hand into the bathroom.
Maureen and I were quickly undressing each other, stumbling into the shower; our hands all over each other. Even though we found it hard sometimes to share these intimate moments with one another with now three kids in the apartment, some how we always managed. Actually our sex life has possibly been even better than before we had the kids; it's just now we have to be aware of where we are at, sex is typically restricted to the bathroom or our bedroom now. Her hands felt so smooth running all over my body; my heart was racing in anticipation of where they would go next. My hands traced her figure, reaching parts of her that I knew I could bring her pure satisfaction. She had me pressed against the wall, her mouth pressed tightly to my own, her tongue intruding into my mouth. We both continued to satisfy one another until we both seemed to collapse into each other's arms.
"Wow baby," Maureen panted, "when did you learn to do that with your tongue?" she looked up at me with satisfaction and amazement in her eyes.
I just laughed, "so you liked it?"
She pulled me in closer to her, the warm water still running over our bodies, "very much so." Her lips were now kissing and sucking on my neck; looks like we are starting round two. "Damn it," she proclaimed as she buried her face into my chest as the baby began crying.
"I'll get her," I reassuringly told her as I quickly got out of the shower redressing and running into the nursery.
Maureen eventually made her way out of the bathroom and walked into the living room where I was feeding the baby. She didn't look too pleased that we had to stop earlier, but as soon as she saw that beautiful little girl in my arms, her eyes lit up, leaning over kissing her on the forehead.
"What time do we have to be at the Life?" she asked me as she crashed on the couch.
"Mimi called earlier, said about six."
"Wow," she exclaimed looking at her watch realizing it was already four thirty, "so we should probably be getting the kids ready soon huh?"
"Probably," I just stared at her seeing how she still had not moved from the couch.
"I'll go wake up Mattie, she's been asleep for awhile and get her ready," she mumbled as she stood up walking pass me, ever so gently kissing both the baby and me.
About an hour later Mattie came into the living room where I was wrestling with Adam to get his shoes on. "Do you like my dress Momma?" her sweet little voice asked as she twirled around.
"You look beautiful angel face," I told her; a huge smile coming over her face. "Where's your coat, we're going to be late."
"Mommy is getting it," she said as she continued twirling herself around watching her dress blow up around her.
Shortly after Maureen came walking in, baby carriage in one hand and a pile of coats in the other. "You ready?" she asked walking over handing Mattie and Adam their coats.
"Yeah, let me just get the diaper bag," I told her walking into the kitchen making sure we had all the necessities packed up. "Let's go," I exclaimed as I walked over to her wrapping my arm around her, stealing a kiss before leaving.
We walked out into the hallway, Mattie and Adam running to the elevator to see who could push the button. Maureen took hold of my hand as we laughed seeing the two of them so happy. "I love you pookie," she sweetly told me.
"I love you too baby."
(Mimi's POV)
"Hey honey," I hear Roger yell from the living room as I walked into our apartment. "How was your day?" he asked as I joined him on the couch.
"Fine," I was exhausted though. A few years ago I opened my own dance studio, with financial help from Joanne and Maureen. I loved working with all the little girls and boys; it was actually a huge success. There were about six other instructors and around a hundred students in various classes. "So how was your day?" I politely asked.
"Pretty good; my manager called, Spike Lee wants me to write a song for his new movie he's directing."
"Oh baby that's great," I excitedly screamed, wrapping my arms around his neck kissing him. Roger had finally wrote his one great song; which turned him into a household name. He has a few songs out on various soundtracks and even a billboard top record; you can't go anywhere without hearing 'One Night in Heaven' his current hit single. Little girls in my dance classes absolutely love when Roger makes surprise visits to the studio. "So are you going to do it?"
"I think so," he calmly stated, "he told me that I have pretty much complete control of the song. He's sending me a script of the movie so I can figure something out and see what he thinks of my ideas."
"Honey that's great," I'm so proud of him. I pushed him down onto the couch, lying on top of him, nibbling at his ear. We still had a little while before we had to leave for the Life to meet the newest member of the family; so we might as well make the best of our time.
(Collins' POV)
"Hey Collins," I heard Jonathan screaming as he walked through the front door, "you here?" Jonathan was my boyfriends' son from his previous marriage. I had moved in with him and his dad about three years ago. Jonathan was seven and a child prodigy on the piano. He was a great kid; I loved him like he was my own.
"In here Jonathan," I answered him from the kitchen.
"Oh hey," he said as he threw his book bag down on the kitchen table, grabbing himself a coke from the refrigerator. "Where's dad?"
"Just called said he was finishing up grading some papers in the office and he'd be home shortly." Justin, that's my boyfriend, was a professor of Psychology at NYU. We met when I took my job back there about four years ago. He had been married and was recently divorced when we first met; his wife had been cheating on him, but he said that he blamed himself somewhat because he wasn't giving her that intimate part of himself as he was struggling with his sexuality. "So you ready to meet your newest little cousin?"
"I guess, but why did Aunt Maureen and Aunt Joanne have to adopt another girl?"
I just laughed. Jonathan was in the 'I hate girls stage' no matter how old they were. "I'm not sure, but we have to be going soon," I told him, laughter still in my voice, "so you better go get your shower."
"Alright," he said and ran off.
"Jonathan in the shower," I heard Justin ask from behind me when he walked into the living room where I was watching television.
"Yeah," I told him as I stood up kissing him hello.
"So have you heard from anyone, we still meeting up at the Life?" he asked sitting his briefcase down; sitting down beside me on the couch.
"As far as I know yea," I told him draping my arm around his shoulders. "I'm excited to meet her," it was hard to contain my excitement. Joanne and Maureen were such great moms; I loved seeing them so happy, they deserve it.
"I can tell," he said looking over at the huge smile that was across my face. "I can't believe they have three kids," he continued, focusing his attention back on the television.
"Yeah, but somehow it works for them. I've never seen either of them happier." I pulled Justin closer against me thinking about how happy I was to have him and Jonathan.
We both must have fallen asleep because Jonathan was soon shaking us both screaming, "Dad, Collins wake up we got to go." I opened my eyes realizing how long we must have slept. We hurried and got ready and rushed out the door to meet the precious addition to the family.
(Eden's POV)
"Jacob get off of your brother!" I screamed as I walked into their bedroom to find Jacob on top of Dylan hitting him. "Jacob I said get off," I screamed louder this time, pulling the four year off of his brother. "Jacob go sit down in the living room, I'll be in there to deal with you in a minute," I scolded. I then turned to my three year old who was lying in the floor, whimpering obviously trying to hold back his tears. "Are you ok Dylan?" I sweetly asked him as I helped him to his feet.
"Yes," he mumbled, wiping some tears that had fallen down his cheeks. His bright blue eyes stared into mine; his lip quivering. Dylan looked exactly like Mark did at this age; bright blond hair with his bright blue eyes already hidden behind his glasses. He was absolutely adorable; just like his dad.
"What happened?"
"Jacob called me a shithead, so I pushed him," my eyes widened at what I heard him just say, "what's a shithead mommy?" his voice sounding so innocent.
"Something you shouldn't ever say again. It's not a nice word." I sternly told him.
"What's going on with Jacob?" I heard Mark asking from the doorway.
I turned around facing him, covering Dylan's ears, "he first called Dylan a shithead and then started hitting him."
"I'll go talk to him," Mark firmly told me as he was quickly making his way back to Jacob.
"Is Jacob going to get in trouble Mommy," Dylan asked me, a little thrill in his voice at the idea that his brother may be in trouble.
"You don't need to worry about that," I told him as I stood to leave his room, "put your toys away," I continued as I was walking out of his room, "we have to leave soon."
I walked back into the living room just in time to see Mark scolding Jacob sending him to sit at the kitchen table, their time out chair. Jacob walked by me, looking like he too could cry now.
"Those boys drive me crazy sometimes Eden," Mark muttered as he sat down on the couch.
"I completely agree," I added as I sat down on his lap, "but I love them anyhow." I reached down kissing Mark's soft lips. "So did you get the contracts signed and everything?" I asked as I pulled my lips away.
"Yea, everything looks good, we finish casting next week." Mark had been approached about directing a full length feature film starring Matthew McConaughey. I wasn't sure about all the details of the movie, just that Matthew McConaughey was in it. Mark had done some critically acclaimed Indie films; receiving some awards from various festivals like the Sundance Festival. He was soon becoming well known in the directing world; I was so happy for him and so proud of him.
"Don't forget we have to be at the Life at six," I reminded him.
"Oh I totally forgot," he said, covering his face with his hand.
"Mark, how could you forget?" I surprisingly asked. "Maureen called here almost everyday last week talking about her." Maureen was a very proud mommy; it was very cute to see her with them. Her face literally glows when she sees them. I wonder if her kids ever drive her crazy like mine do me.
"I know. I'll go get ready." He seemed absolutely exhausted. But I don't think anything could keep him from going tonight. As much as he seemed to be dreading it right now, I know he couldn't be more excited to meet this little girl.
"Dylan come on let's get a bath so we can go see Aunt Maureen and Aunt Joanne's new baby," I told him as I walked in scooping him up off the floor.
I took Dylan to get his bath and then let him go pick out what he wanted to wear. Mark and I always let the kids pick out what they wanted to wear at first, but then would intervene if necessary on their choice of clothing. Mark had gotten ready and then helped to get Jacob ready as well. So the three men sat and watched some television while I went and got ready myself. When I came back in ready to leave, Jacob and Dylan were curled up on Mark's lap, all three of them asleep. It was absolutely the cutest thing I have ever seen. Of course I pulled out the camera taking a picture before waking them up.
I then woke them up, Mark grabbing his camera before we headed off to the Life.
(Maureen's POV)
"You ready," I took a deep breath squeezing Joanne's hand tighter as she swung the door open to the Life.
"Look who's here!" Mimi screamed in delight from the table.
"Uncle Roger," Adam was running over to Roger, who swept the little boy up in his arms, squeezing him tightly.
"Hey little man," Roger said as he put Adam back on his feet.
"Come meet Brookie, Uncle Roger," Adam said as he took hold of his hand dragging him over to me.
"Everyone," I proudly spoke, "meet Brooklyn Kesa Johnson-Jefferson," I couldn't help but smile as I lifted her out of her carrier showing her off to all of my friends. Joanne stood proudly beside me looking down at our daughter; her arm wrapped tightly around my waist.
"She's gorgeous," Eden cried. I looked over at Joanne who was beaming with pride.
"Oh my gosh, you guys," Mimi squealed. "Can I hold her?"
"Of course," I gently handed over my precious little daughter to Mimi who gently started rocking her. Roger stood beside her, Adam again in his arms, staring at Brooklyn. Roger and Mimi's faces both were lit up.
Everyone was trying to crowd around Mimi to get a better look at her. Jacob and Dylan were being held up to see her; each of them gently kissing her forehead saying hello to her. Joanne and I stepped back to let everyone get a better look at our daughter; our arms wrapped around one another. I leaned towards her pulling her into a deep kiss; shortly thereafter being distracted by Mattie pulling at my pants.
"Mommy I want to see Brookie," I laughed at how she was getting jealous that everyone was paying attention to her baby sister.
"Go ahead, tell Aunt Eden you want to see her," Eden was now holding Brooklyn, telling Mark she wanted a little girl; Mark looked scared. "I'm sure Uncle Mark will pick you up to see her."
Collins then walked over to Joanne and me, hugging us both. "Congratulations you two," he beamed, "she's a very lucky little girl." Joanne and I both smiled, squeezing each other closer.
"Guys come on and sit down," Roger was yelling over at us.
Everyone made their way over to the table. Our table had grown quite bigger now. There was Mark, Eden, and their two boys, Collins, Justin, and Jonathan, Mimi and Roger, Joanne and me and our three kids, and of course Angel's seat. Brooklyn was continually being passed around the table; everyone wanting a chance to hold her. Every time she was passed to another person, she'd start to squeal and I'd immediately be checking on who had her and what was happening. Joanne would giggle ever so softly and rub my leg telling me that everything was ok.
"So when is number four coming?" Collins laughed as he passed Brooklyn to Justin.
"This is the last one," Joanne quickly replied. Apparently I didn't look as sure as Joanne.
"Are you sure about that Joanne? Maureen doesn't seem to think so," Collins commented back.
"What?" she surprisingly questioned, turning to face me.
"We never talked about if this was the last one pookie?" I pouted.
"Oh geez," she covered her face with her hands; scared that I may want a fourth child. I don't think that I do; I just love to see her sweat sometimes.
"I think its Mark and Eden's turn again next?" Roger chuckled.
"I think your right," Mimi jumped in, trying to take the focus off of Joanne.
Eden looked over at Mark, rubbing his back, "I think so too. Mark we need a little girl."
Mark now looked as scared as Joanne if not more. "I think two is enough." Eden pouted a little more to him, Mark was turning red, and the rest of us except Joanne were just laughing at them. "Joanne, I think we need a drink," he quickly stated knowing Joanne was on his side on this one.
"Good idea," she immediately agreed and followed Mark to the bar.
"You two have them a nervous wreck," Collins commented to Eden and me as they walked away.
Eden and I just laughed. Joanne did look a little freaked out that I had mentioned a fourth kid; Mark looked terrified at the idea of a third. Surely she knew that I was only half kidding; three was fine with me, I just didn't want to completely throw the idea of a fourth out the window. We just got Brooklyn; we didn't need another one anytime soon anyhow.
Shortly Mark and Joanne returned with drinks for everyone; both of them looking a little more relaxed than when they left.
"Where's my baby?" the proud momma asked as she sat back down beside me.
"Oh Mimi saw one of her dance instructors and wanted to go show Brooklyn off to her," I smiled rubbing Joanne's back.
"Momma where did you go?" Mattie was jumping up on Joanne's lap wrapping her arms around her neck.
"I went with Uncle Mark to get something to drink," she told the little girl squeezing her into a hug. "Where's your brother?"
"He's playing pinball with Jonathan, Jacob, and Dylan." She responded pointing across the restaurant over to the pinball machine where the four boys were.
"So did you decide who's having the next kid?" Roger laughed knowing bringing up this topic again would cause not only Joanne to become uneasy, but Mark as well which Roger found hilarious.
"Shut up Roger," Mark and Joanne both sternly spouted.
We all sat around talking for quite a while; mainly about everyone's jobs and the kids. Brooklyn had finally made it back in my arms. I just sat their and stared at her; I couldn't believe that she was mine. Mattie was still curled up in Joanne's lap; asleep by this point. All the boys were still playing the video machines; we could hear them screaming from across the restaurant.
"Well hey guys," Joanne spoke up, "we should probably get these two back home," she continued referring to the two sleeping kids in our arms.
"Yeah," Eden agreed, "it's almost Dylan and Jacob's bedtime too."
Mark went over to collect the boys, literally dragging Jacob away. Adam quickly latched onto Roger, not wanting him to leave. So Roger agreed to take Adam next weekend; so maybe we can get someone to take Mattie and Brooklyn then Joanne and I could have the weekend to ourselves. We all hugged and said our goodbyes; everyone again telling Joanne and me how beautiful Brooklyn was. Then we all left to go back into our hectic lives, agreeing to again meet next week for dinner.
(Maureen's POV)
We walked into the apartment; completely exhausted. Brooklyn was sleeping in her carrier; Mattie was asleep in Joanne's arms; and Adam was holding tight to Joanne's hand barely able to walk he was so tired. I went and put Brooklyn down in her crib watching my precious baby girl sleep for a while. Joanne took Mattie and Adam both to their beds, tucking them in and reading Adam his favorite bedtime story.
I walked out into the living room to find Joanne lying on the couch. She hadn't even taken her shoes off; she looked like she just collapsed and hadn't moved. I quietly walked over to her, kneeling beside the couch. "Wake up pookie," I whispered into her ear.
"I'm awake," she groggily responded, her eyes remaining shut tight.
"Good," I chirped, lifting her legs up so I could sit down. I took her shoes off and started massaging her feet for her. "Feel better?" I asked once I had rubbed her feet for a while.
"Much, thank you baby," she mumbled. "Come here," she moved up on her side, making room for me to lie down beside her. I cuddled up beside her; her wrapping her arm around my waist holding me tightly against her. "Today was nice," she commented.
"Yea it was," I yawned; becoming more comfortable the closer I snuggled into Joanne. After a while I jokingly asked, "so do you think we'll be the next ones to add another member to the family?"
"What?" Joanne shot up from behind me. "You can't be serious Maureen, we just adopted Brooklyn not even a week ago," she was talking fast, a habit of hers when she got nervous.
I turned over looking up at her, laughing at how frantic she had quickly become. "Pookie calm down, I'm just kidding." I could quickly see the relief in her eyes. "I'm just fine with three, I love our kids," I paused, "let's just not completely close to the door to a fourth kid," I questionably mentioned.
"We can leave the door cracked," she compromised. She started shaking her head at me as I couldn't contain the smirk on my face, "I don't know what I'm going to do with you."
"You could kiss me," I seductively told her.
"I guess I could if I wanted to," she nonchalantly responded.
"What do you mean if you wanted to?" I shockingly asked.
"Wonder if I don't want to kiss you," she shrugged.
"Well I want you too," I pouted; flashing her my puppy dog eyes, knowing well that she couldn't resist them.
"Well you'll live," she remarked as she got off of the couch heading back to the bedroom. I just sat there in complete shock; if this was just some joke she was doing very well with keeping it up. But I knew it had to be; since when did my pookie not want to kiss me.
I walked back to our bedroom to find Joanne messing with the CD player. Soon I heard 'Have I Told You Lately?' softly playing from the stereo. Joanne turned to face me, reaching her arms out to me. Slowly I shut the bedroom door behind me and walked over to her, wrapping my arms tightly around her as we started to dance.
"Do you want to kiss me now?" I pouted once again.
"I will always want to kiss you," she sweetly told me as she leaned her lips closer to mine. "Baby I love you so much," she whispered, her lips so close to mine now they were brushing up against mine as she spoke.
"Just kiss me," I told her.
She pushed her lips up against mine; tightly holding my body up against her own. We continued to kiss for the rest of the song. It was so filled with passion, love, and trust for one another. As the song ended I laid Joanne down on the bed, climbing on top of her. I just laid there on top of her for a moment, staring into her deep brown eyes seeing all the love she has for me. I know what we share with one another is something amazing; something we are lucky to have found and something I truly cherish. She's my best friend, my lover, the mother of my children, my wife, and my soul mate. I leaned back down to her, connecting our lips once again. We began to make love, sharing our souls with one another, expressing our love to each other.
Afterwards we snuggled together under the covers; both clothed again knowing that any moment a child could start crying needing one of us. One thing I have learned since Joanne and I had kids was that you never go to sleep naked. You don't need to be worrying about dressing while your child is screaming that they need you or have one of the kids walk into the room and then you worry about keeping fully covered.
"Hey Joanne"
"Yea," she mumbled, her head resting on my chest.
"I was thinking. Do you think you can take some time off soon and we could get away for a few days?"
"Maybe, why?" her expression filled with curiosity.
"Just thought it would be nice," I smiled realizing that Joanne liked my idea.
"Ok baby, I'll try," she told me leaning back up to me, passionately kissing me once again.
"Mommy, Momma," I could hear from the other side of our bedroom door, "are you awake?"
Joanne sat up in bed, "Adam you can come in."
The little boy pushed the door open standing just inside our bedroom.
"What's wrong?" I worriedly asked him.
"I had a nightmare," his little voice shaking as he spoke. "Can I sleep with you?"
I looked over at Joanne, who returned my smile. "Of course you can honey," she told him as he ran back to his room to get his stuffed cow Angel; he slept with it every night.
"We have the cutest kids," I said raising up kissing Joanne once again.
Adam came back a few moments later, Angel in hand, crawling up from the bottom of the bed, squeezing in between Joanne and me. I just stared at him, mesmerized by him just sleeping. Joanne laid her arm across Adam so that her hand was resting on me. And our feet were soon wrapped around one another's as well.
"I love you," she softly told me.
"I love you too," I said as I leaned over to her giving her a good night kiss.
She laid her head back down on her pillow and she too was soon asleep. I stayed awake for a while longer, just watching the two of them sleeping. I couldn't take my eyes off of them; they both looked so peaceful, so happy lying there asleep. It made me happy to know that I was the cause for some of their happiness and that they were the cause of mine. I slowly drifted off to sleep, dreaming of my three wonderful children, the greatest friends a girl could ask for, but mainly dreaming of the love of my life my amazing wife.
I'm living in paradise and it's perfect.
So what did you all think? Please review this chapter and the whole fic in general. Let me know what you liked and what you didn't; what I was better at writing vs what needs some work...I'd appreciate all the feedback you could give me. I have another idea for a fic, but I'm not sure if I'm going to start it now seeing how I'm moving soon and wouldn't want to leave all of you hanging while I settled in to my new place. However, I was considering writing some oneshots...anyone have any ideas/suggestions/challenges let me know because I have no clue. Also, I know some of you enjoyed trying to pick out some connections in my fic...well every characters name I used in this fic (with the exception of Katie...Maureen's friend in the flashback) is connected to RENT or one of the RENT actors. Some names will require more than one connection to be made (like Eden and Brooklyn) just to give you a hint. As always hope you enjoyed it and THANKS FOR READING!