#but the sofa (more of a loveseat the dolls are a little big for it) is a jewellery box!! and the shopping cart

[meowizard]

rate my setup

[cindybanksteam]

Decorating Tricks for Hiding Kids’ Messes While Selling Your Home

Keeping the house together during the selling process is a challenge. Making sure everything is just right for showings and open houses can be exhausting and overwhelming. Throw kids into the mix, and things can get downright chaotic. Fortunately, a few small decor choices can help conceal kid clutter—changing your “for sale” sign to “sold.”

Hide in Plain Sight

With overflowing toy boxes and tea-party set-ups overtaking the living room, it may be unrealistic to banish all kid stuff to other rooms. Instead, make use of your furniture’s built-in compartments and drawers. Have a storage ottoman next to the sofa? Fill it with everything from action figures and dolls to coloring books, art supplies, stuffed animals and more. Divide the credenza in the family room so that your little ones can store toys behind its closed doors. Accent the open shelves with ceramic vases, family photos, decorative carafes and other appealing decor items.

If your built-in storage is already in use, opt for two or three woven baskets with lids instead. Place them wherever you want, whether it’s next to the loveseat or on the bottom shelf of a console table. Buyers will be too busy appreciating your home’s cleanliness and open floor space to think about what’s inside.

Hide Within Reach

Families in smaller living spaces might consider another strategy—underbed and attic storage. While the underside of your child’s bed may already be home to all sorts of tchotchkes, encourage kids to neaten it up with rolling plastic or rattan storage bins. Discreetly stow away everything from dress-up clothes to seasonal clothing in multiple containers. Slide them out of sight, then help your little one make the bed with an oversized quilt that conceals what’s hidden below. The best part? These containers can still be used after moving into the new bedroom or playroom.

For toys that are too big to fit in this space, such as kids’ teepees and play tents, consider collapsing them and stowing behind a dresser. If the dresser has legs that makes it easy to spot what’s behind it, opt for a chest instead.

Rotate Toys in Longer-Term Storage

Consider storing bins of toys longer-term and swapping them out every few weeks. In addition to the attic and basement, the back corner of a deep closet is a great place to stack storage tubs filled with everything from building blocks and board games to miniature cars and pull toys. Strategically hide them behind long coats so a quick peek inside the closet doesn’t give anything away. Better yet, switch out the storage tubs for suitcases. Rotate the toys in storage every few weeks--kids will have renewed interest when they come out of hiding.

Minimize and Add Some Style

Rather than attempting to conceal every toy, consider downsizing. Prior to the first showing, help your little one sort through toys, determining what still gets played with and what doesn’t. Sort into “keep,” “donate,” and “throw away.” This streamlines the cleanup process and makes it easier to stow away what remains. Bonus? You’ll have less to move when the time comes. For every item your children give up, consider rewarding them with small change or a trip to a favorite restaurant or ice cream shop.

For kids’ areas like bedrooms and playrooms, embrace the playful nature and just add a little style. Choose bookcases and desks with useful cubbies and shelves, and dress up the space with vibrant and unique artwork. Inspire imagination in potential buyers (and keep the space useful while your home is on the market) by choosing a few colorful supplies and knick-knacks to display.

Strategically rearrange home decor to hide kids’ messes while your house is being shown, and potential buyers will see a clean space that they’ll want to make their own.

[jokemoved2electricbugaloo]

@banschivs​​ :   ❛   chest .

☻  LOUD & DEAFENING SILENCE   / /   ACCEPTING !! ☻

   The bite of her gelid cheek almost makes him jump. Joker’s donning his off-hours uniform: bare-chested, bare-footed, and in black joggers that hardly cling to his hips. The ball of his right foot props on the fire pit’s rail. He has big feet for a man of his stature. Joker flicks and curls his silhouetted toes so a curve and crackle might warm them faster. Thanks to Nix, goosebumps coat his skin. She’s drawn closer. Blonde hair bunches under the arm he’s coiled around her, both shielding and bolting her down should she get second thoughts and try to sneak back inside. Only the kitchen lights glow from behind the window-wall, muting everyone save for Evelyn’s angelic features. She sleeps on a cushioned loveseat on the opposite side of the pit. Gavin waits for her by the glass sliding door, pupils wider than dimes and his back set in a perfect arch.

Joker’s slid so far down the sofa, Lilac sleeps soundly across his other pectoral. She snores, as preemies do, but it’s become ambient. Like a little air conditioning unit. Makes smoking more of a challenge, though. Somehow he keeps the stick nested between his lips, sucking what poison he can and holding warmth like a chiminea for both his wife and infant daughter. Lilac, too, has been blotted by shadow…but not Evelyn. Every breath of flame caresses her fair, rounded face. Eyes like a porcelain doll remain shut as she rolls onto her back, facing the starless sky and the windows belonging to their upstairs neighbors. Only they have access to the yard, which has also been eaten by night save for a few patches splashed by bile-tinted floodlights alongside floor three. Joker’s left leg bounces even though his vice is safe in his mouth. Nix and Lilac’s weight doesn’t register with him. Two fingers pluck the filter out so he can press his lips above Nix’s eyebrow, where ‘fuck’ runs in script lettering up the right side of her brow bone.

After another prolonged kiss, he upturns the heel of his hand so it can graze her bicep up and down. Warming one barren as a winter field beneath the skin…yet she burns all the same. A cold flame. One that taunts him even when a hearth hisses afore him. “Are you okay…” Joker finally asks, attempting to hook her face in his periphery; “Being so close to it, I mean.” The fire. He rubs her forearm so heavy-handedly, her skin flushes. “You know I’ve got you,” three kisses mosey along her crown, “Right? I won’t…let anything happen to you. Any...of you.” Did Grant promise Irene Degraves the same? The notion knots his stomach. Joker’s nose dives into her scalp for a nudge. “Fire can’t stop me.” Nothing could.

[confusednarcissistwrites]

Hotsy Totsy PT. 2 (T.C.)

Soooo obviously the posting schedule isn’t all I had planned 😅 I’m just going to start posting as I have them ready for you so I don’t put undue pressure on myself and procrastinate my life away lol

Enjoy!!

Stepping out of the wild club and into the cool of the summer night gave Timothée a dizzying sense of deja vu, sending an ache through his chest. Your name reverberated through his mind like a shout in a cave. His trembling hands reached up and ran through his hair as he fought to gain his bearings.

“Tim? What’s going on?” Nick’s brow was drawn together in concern as he followed his friend out into the alleyway. Timothée had always been a hard person to keep up with as he was very connected to his emotions. It often was stressful, but being so close to someone so eccentric was refreshing to Nick; he’d dealt with far too many fake people in his life.

Timothée’s hands fell, meeting his friend’s eyes. “That’s her, man. That’s the girl. That’s-

“Y/N,” they said in sync.

Suddenly, it clicked. Nick felt stupid for not putting the pieces together sooner. He’d known that you had attended college to study musical theater on your parents wealth and your gifted vocal talents, but he didn’t realize that it was the same college Timothée had attended there in New York; he hadn’t even known of the young actor at the time. There had only ever been murmurings of this girl Timothée had met before he’d been drafted, all of which were prompted by heavy alcohol consumption. He’d known her name was Y/N, but he didn’t ever think that it could be his Y/N. He’d only really known you when you were both small children through family events. A little surprised smile crept onto Nick’s face. “Well, this is perfect then! I can get you in to see her-”

“Are you insane? I can’t see her” Timmy interrupted as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. He shook his head and anxiety filled his stomach, his arms locked tightly around his torso; there was just no way, not yet at least. He wasn’t prepared for that at all.

“Well, why not? Weren’t you two close?”

Timothée scoffed, turning away from Nick. “I just- I can’t even begin to explain this to you now. I’m going home.”

Nick felt that tug at him a bit. Timothée told him everything, sometimes to a degree that was uncomfortable. However, he continued to refuse to speak about you and what had caused all this tension between you. He stood and watched his best friend’s lanky form disappear around the corner, his hands shoved deep into his pockets.

***

The next day, you woke up in your husband’s arms from dreams that made you wish you could sleep all day. Flashes of bouncing brunette curls and honey-pot eyes made you ache to your very soul. However, that was pushed to the back of your mind as James’ blue eyes blinked open, feeling you shift in his arms. “Hello, dollface,” he smiled, his voice rough with sleep and his stick-straight, black hair sticking his way and that, making you laugh softly.

“Good morning, Jamesy,” you smiled. Giggles escaped you as he began pressing tickling kisses along your neck before slipping out of bed and heading into the en suite bathroom in all his naked glory. He was handsome, charming, and a businessman, but now, it suddenly felt like something was missing. Perhaps there always had been. You stood, cursing yourself silently and pushing the corrosive thoughts away once again. You followed after him, slipping into your silky kimono before allowing your hands to snake around his middle while watching him carefully shave his face in the mirror.

“What’s gotten into you this morning?” he chuckled, feeling you press kisses along his shoulder.

“I just… miss you, sugar” you murmured, pressing your nearly naked body against his. This made it obvious to you when he tensed up, rejecting your touches.

“Sorry, toots, don’t have time to play. I’ve got to meet up with a new girl today.”

You cringed at his words, retracting from him to rest your back against the wall, your robe drawn tight and your arms crossed over your chest.

Seeing your face in the mirror, he quickly rephrased. “A new act, darling, a new act.” You just sighed and left the bathroom, a scowl on your face. He didn’t make it any easier for you to pretend you weren’t still thinking about the night before.

***

Nick hung up the phone and stood, slipping on his jacket.

“Where are you headed? Don’t tell me you’re still out chasing that bearcat, are you?” Timothée questioned, a tired but teasing look on his face. He sat cross legged on the floor with his shirt sleeves cuffed up to his elbows and his hair disheveled as he read over a new script. A hundred fine, luxury options for seating in his home, and yet he chose the rug next to the fireplace every time. Nick had never seen him look quite so aged.

Nick laughed, shaking his head. “Mildred? I’m afraid she’s engaged to marry next weekend,” he said in a bittersweet tone.

“Ah,” Tim replied awkwardly. “Don’t worry about it, Nick. You’ll find her soon.”

However, his girl problems were far from the first thing on Nick’s mind. He had just received a call informing him that he was invited to join his cousin for lunch. Before Timothée could ask more questions, he gave him a curt nod and left the room, travelling down the long flight of stairs to the front door. Thoughts swirled in his mind as he hailed their driver. He figured you had seen him with Timothée the night before, and that was what had prompted your call. Perhaps he’d have better luck getting information out of you than he had with Timothée. He hopped into the backseat, relaying the address you’d given him to the driver, trying to put the pieces together.

Meanwhile, you were preparing for his arrival. You wore a simple shift dress with a long string of pearls and wave in your hair as you laid out on the loveseat.

“Why are you having him all the sudden? Hasn’t he lived in the city for awhile now?” Jordan asked, sitting down on the coffee table in front of you.

“Well... because I’m setting you two up, of course!” you replied with a teasing grin, feigning innocence. You weren’t sure if even you knew your true intentions behind having your cousin come to visit, if you were honest with yourself.

On cue, the doorbell sounded.

Nick was greeted by the butler who kindly welcomed him and escorted him into the parlor where you were chatting idly with Jordan. You sat up, peeking at him over the back of the sofa. “Cousin Nicky! Oh, you are so much taller than I remembered you! My goodness, just look at you! You are a real charmer now,” you beamed, making him blush and look at his shoes a bit.

“Oh, stop it, Y/N,” he grinned. You hopped up, hurrying over to him and enveloping him in a tight hug. Something about seeing him eased anxiety pinching in your chest. Nick grinned and hugged you back, relishing how familiar you were to him even after so long.

“Look at me? Look at you! You’re a star, darling,” he flattered, giving you a little spin and making you giggle. Nick felt the warm glow radiating off of you that always lured everyone in, making you so irresistible. However, unlike the others, he could also still see that little girl who had performed loud and proud to all their captive family members at every Sunday brunch. You’d always been a crowd pleaser, often to a fault.

Jordan cleared her throat a bit, reminding you of her presence. “Oh, yes! Nicky, this is my best gal, Jordan,” you said, gesturing to her. She approached Nick, allowing him to take her hand and press a gentle kiss against the back of it. Jordan was tall with an athletic build and an overwhelming aura of confidence. He had short, black hair that framed her sharp facial features, but warm eyes full of mischief. Nick was instantly intrigued and also incredibly intimidated.

“It’s nice to meet you,” she smiled, trying to play nice though it was hardly in her nature.

“The pleasure is mine,” Nick replied coolly, giving her his charming smile.

The afternoon was spent over tea and sandwiches and scones, the three sharing many laughs and stories, becoming acquainted with one another. The girls spoke of show biz while Nick expressed his newfound interest in writing.

However, you were all interrupted by the arrival of the man of the house. You stiffened a bit at first but quickly slipped back into yourself. “Darling, you’re home!” you cooed, hopping up and wrapping yourself around his arm.

James grinned, giving you a little spin, completely opposite of his attitude that morning. “Hello, doll,” he hummed, pulling you to meet his lips.

Nick tried to hide his shock and sipped his tea. He felt silly for thinking she lived in this big house alone, but he really hadn’t even considered a husband being in the picture. He took the man in as he stood to shake his hand; he was average height with a stocky gait and, though he was dressed as a businessman, he was clearly disheveled and smelled of alcohol. Jordan let out a little sigh at his presence before getting up and fixing a cocktail.

Nick struggled not to grimace as James took his hand, giving it a hardy shake. “You must be Nicky, my girl’s cousin. Nice to meet you. James Elliot is the name” he greeted.

“It’s just Nick, actually, but it’s nice to meet you too. I’m afraid I really should be going-“

“Oh don’t be ridiculous! You must stay for dinner,” you interjected, hoping he could sense your underlying tone.

Nick forced a little smile. “Alright, Y/N. I would hate to be a burden.”

The group gathered around the table making idle chat over a chicken dinner. You giggled over James’ every word and spoke as if everything was a shade of rose, nauseating Nick and Jordan who kept matching sideways glances at each other. It was as if you were playing a scripted role. About three quarters of the way through dinner, however, the phone rang from the parlor, silencing you in the middle of your story. Nick sensed tension settle over the table and watched curiously as James hopped up to answer it. He quirked a brow at Jordan, but she simply shrugged and sipped on her wine. You were quiet for the first time that evening, looking down at your food with sickness settling in your stomach. Nick could see that James was smiling into the phone before he hung up and returned to his place at the head of the table.

“Who was calling, James? It seems a bit late,” Jordan questioned.

“Oh, just business,” he replied nonchalantly.

The phone began to ring again.

You audibly sighed, giving James a look. Every night, it was the same game; only this was even more humiliating with your cousin there. You never asked because you didn’t want to know. Maybe because you already did. He placed a warning hand on your shoulder and squeezed as he brushed by to go answer the phone for the second time, making your hands shake.

As James left again, you stood, deciding you’d had enough. You stepped out onto the patio attached to the dining room and fought to breathe. The anxiety attacks had come for about as long as you could remember, but they’d recently evolved into near episodes. Your knuckles were white around the railing as you stared across the bay through tear-fogged eyes, trying to get a grip. You barely registered the sound of Nick stepping out onto the balcony with you.

“Y/N, are you alright? What’s wrong, darling?” He couldn’t help but feel protective over you despite all the time you’d spent away from each other.

You swallowed the knot in your throat, trying to focus enough to speak. “I think everything is pretty terrible, Nicky.”

He took your hand in his, his back against the railing as he faced you with pleading eyes. “Why do you say that?”

“I have everything. I found everything I wanted in life, but it’s never enough.” You continued to stare blankly out at the water. “I fight every day to stay ignorant, to be a beautiful fool. That’s the best thing a girl can be in this world.”

Nick watched you sadly, pressing a kiss to your knuckles. Never could he have imagined the girl he’d seen on the stage the night before coming home to be the wilted flower before him. He gently tugged on your hand, pulling you into a hug. You relented, feeling some of the tension release from your chest as you exhaled against his shoulder. Nick was just as safe as you’d remembered.

***

After a few awkward, tension-filled goodbyes, Nick and Jordan were escorted out to their drivers.

“It was nice to meet you,” Nick said, trying to be polite despite the obvious discomfort the evening had brought.

“He’s sneaking around with girls from the club,” she said bluntly, stopping Nick in his tracks.

He stared at her dumbly, trying to understand.

“I thought everyone knew,” she sighed, kicking at the gravel. “You know he owns the speakeasy, don't you? He’s sneaking around on Y/N, but she won't confront him because she’s afraid he won’t let her keep performing. He’s given her everything she has here.”

Suddenly, everything you had said on the balcony made sense. Nick ran his hand over his face, still speechless. “I-I just.. wow, um-“

“Yeah.” Jordan was your only confidant through everything that had been going on, and though she carried the weight like a champ, she did ache for you. The only reason she didn’t take things into her own hands was for your sake. “Well, Nick. I’ll see you around,” she said finally, giving him a sad smile before climbing into her cab. Nick did the same, feeling about a thousand pounds heavier than when he had arrived. It wasn’t until then that he remembered his mourning roommate back home. How was he going to relay all of this to him? Letting out a sigh, he laid his head back against the headrest, watching all the people and twinkling buildings pass by outside his window. Perhaps it could all just wait until tomorrow.

When he finally made it back to the mansion, Nick dragged himself up the stoop and inside. As he made his way up the staircase on his way to his room, he spotted Timothée in the same place he’d left him. He was gazing into the fire now with his script abandoned beside him.

“Aye, Tim. What are you still doing up?” Nick asked, leaning around the doorframe. Tim jolted and groaned, rubbing his eyes, clearly startled by his roommate’s return. Nick made his way upstairs toward his room, ready to be out of his suit and not yet ready to tell Timothée where he really had been and what he had learned while he was there.

Timmy held his head in his hands, his elbows propped against his knees. He’d spent the whole night concocting ideas of how he could see you without actually having to see you. All this along with feeling sorry for himself, of course. He’d imagined seeing you again for the past five years and yet, now that it was actually right before him, he had no idea what to do. He stood up with a heavy sigh, anger building internally with himself. Sipping down what was left of his whiskey, he resolved what he had to do.

Long legs carried him swiftly to Nick’s bedroom door where he knocked softly before opening it.

Nick raised a brow, in the process of getting changed. “What is it?” he questioned, seeing the slightly wild look in Timothée’s tired eyes.

“I need you to do me a really big favor.”

TAGLIST: @londonmademedoit @cathyoliveros10

[wondersofdreaming]

Barbie and Action Man

Characters: Chris Evans x female reader

Word count: 1.637

Warnings: Nothing but fluff.

Author’s note: Written for @thefanficfaerie’s ‘Heather’s life in song’ challenge. I live in Denmark, so there will be Danish text in this story, AND this is (sort of) a continuation of ‘Te in perpetuum et unum diem amabo’ - can be read as a standalone as well.

Danish - English:

Moster - Aunt (meaning mother’s sister)

Faster - Aunt (meaning father’s sister)

Dukker - Dolls

I do not own any of the characters in this short story besides the reader and her family, who are figments of my imagination.

Song chosen: ‘Barbie Girl’ by Aqua.

MASTERLIST

Feedback is appreciated.

The trip to Denmark had taken nearly eight hours on a plane, from New York to Copenhagen. Your legs were in need of being stretched. Your sweet loving boy… no, fiancé was walking next to you. You were both tired, it was getting close to midnight.

Your parents greeted you with open arms and big smiles, led you to the car and drove towards your childhood home. Chris was standing in the middle of your old bedroom, which was filled with posters of boybands, pictures of yourself, your friends, and your old dog, Smoky. Your queen-sized bed was filled with pillows in all sizes and shapes. Even your old teddy bear was squished between the pillows. Chris picked it up and gave you a look that asked for the story.

“My grandmother gave that to me when I was five. I always had it with me wherever I went, and it brought comfort during the tough times. Especially after she died.” You told him, a sad look on your face, remembering the wonderful times you had with her.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to make you sad. I think it’s cute.” Chris said and hugged you from behind. He nuzzled his nose to the crook between your shoulder and neck. His beard tickling you, making you giggle.

“It’s alright. She would have loved you. Might even have pinched America’s ass a few times, just to make sure it was real.”

“Then I would have started wearing steel underwear, just to protect myself.”

You laughed, a sound that Chris loved to hear, it made his heart soar.

You both went to the bathroom across the room and brushed your teeth. Chris removed the comfortable clothes he had worn during the flight and went to sit under the covers of the bed. He was watching you sitting at your vanity, removing your makeup and jewellery. You watched him watching you through the mirror.

“Seeing something you like, Mr Evans?” You teased.

“Yes, you.” He chuckled. You raised an eyebrow, turned around to give him a questionable look. Sometimes you were wondering how in the world you had ended up dating him. How had he fallen in love with you?

“Ready to come to bed?” He asked, bringing you back to your bedroom. You nod and changed into one of his T-shirts and pyjamas bottoms. His gaze never wavering from you, as you went to lie down next to him. He pulled you into his waiting arms, hugging you tightly, his steady heartbeat slowly lulling you to a deep sleep.

The next morning you woke up to high pitched screams. You ran downstairs only to be met by Chris lying on the floor, being attacked by your two nephews and three nieces. Your older sister, Mia, and brother, Alex, were hugging your parents.

“Moster/Faster!” The children yelled and went on to cling to you. You welcomed the hugs and cuddles, before long they would be teenagers and not wanting hugs anymore.

After having hugged your brother and sister hello, you went back upstairs to change into something more appropriate, a pair of jeans and a pretty blue blouse. Your mother had outdone herself at the breakfast table. It was filled to the brim with all kinds of delicious items. From waffles to pancakes to fresh fruit to oatmeal to scrambled eggs and bacon. Your younger brother, Charlie, came in through the door, his camera bag dangling from his shoulder, went through the greetings quickly and sat down on his spot, before you all dug into the food.

The children quickly got full and wanted to play. You lead them to the attic, trying to find the box of toys your mother had hidden away. The big wooden chest was sitting in the darkest corner of the loft. It was typical of your mother for putting things in the weirdest and scariest of places.

With the help from Chris, you managed to get the chest downstairs into the living room. Chris sat down on the sofa, your nieces scrambling to sit next to him, the youngest was placed on his knee, as your nephews helped you open the chest. Their eyes widened when they looked at the content.

“Dukker?” The eldest said with disappointment. The girls pulled a few of the dolls out. It was mostly Barbies from your childhood, but at the bottom sat the Action Man figures your brothers had collected over the years. The smile on your nephews’ faces came back full force, as they found all the extra gadgets for the figures. You went to sit next to Chris, while the children played. Soon the floor was filled with camouflaged clothes, miniature plastic guns and bazookas, and various vehicles.

“I didn’t know you played with Barbies as a kid.” Chris chuckled, as he pulled you closer to him, he kissed your temple.

“Don’t most girls? Mia and I loved to imagine how our lives were going to be through the Barbies. She wanted three kids, a loving husband, and big house. She got all tree and more. She also has an amazing career as an interior designer.”

“What did your Barbies want?”

“Well, they wanted a comfortable home, a dog, a wonderful husband, and the library from Beauty and the Beast.”

“And have they achieved what they wanted?”

You looked into Chris’ sky-blue eyes, they looked brighter with the midday sun shining into them. His brows furrowed, showing concern, he wanted you to be happy, wanted you to have everything you dreamed of.

“My Barbies? Not at all.” Chris’ face fell, so you continued, “But me, on the other hand, I moved into a comfortable home with a man, who is going to be my wonderful husband, and bonus, he has a dog that I adore. The library, well I don’t think our house back home will be able to fit all the books from Beauty and the Beast, even if we filled the house to the brim. I love the library you’ve made for me, it still has lots and lots of space for more books.”

“I’ll build you a bigger house with the world’s biggest library.” He whispered into your hair.

“I don’t need a big library. I just want to be with you.” You whispered back.

“What are you two whispering about?” Your sister asked, as she sat on Chris’ other side, your brothers plumbed down on the loveseat to the left, while your parents sat on the floor, playing with their grandchildren.

“Just talking about how we used to act out what we wanted in the future through our Barbies.” You told Mia.

“Oh, right. Do you remember that song we used to listen to while playing with those Barbies? Just because it fitted so well.” Mia asked. She pulled out her phone, went on Spotify to find the song. ‘Barbie Girl’ by the Danish-Norwegian band, Aqua, blasted through the little speaker on the phone.

“Yeah, now that I think about it, it’s the worst song ever to play with Barbies to as young girls.”

“Why’s that?” Chris asked, making your siblings and yourself snicker. You found the lyrics to the song and made Chris read it. He made a face.

“‘Hanky panky’? Really?” He asked.

“Yeah, it’s an anti-feminist song. That Barbie is just placed on Earth for Ken’s sexual pleasure. As a child, I just loved the colourful music video and the catchy tune of the song.” You told him.

The afternoon passed faster than you liked, soon enough your brother and sister had to go home with your nieces and nephews. They left with the promise of coming by another day before you had to fly back to the states. Your nieces had clung to Chris like glue. He held all three girls in his arms while sitting on the sofa. Their parents had taken the girls as they had started to fall asleep, while he stroked their backs in a comforting way. Your ovaries were about to explode by looking at him taking care of your nieces, and the way he encouraged your nephews to be gentlemen was making your heart burst with pride and love.

As you walked along the beach that evening, your thoughts were far away, which made Chris worry. His brows furrowed, his jaw set, eyes were focused on your face that was overlooking the ocean. The sky slowly turning darker. The ocean breeze playing with your hair. As the sun dipped in the horizon, you decided it was now or never. Even though you wanted to wait for the perfect moment.

You pulled out a Barbie-like doll, you had hidden in your pocket. She was dressed in a green dress with white polka dots. You handed it to Chris, who just looked perplexed at you.

“Sweetheart, are you sick?” He asked nervously, looking at the doll in his hand, wondering what you wanted to tell him.

“No, but that doll and I have something in common.”

“Yeah? I need a little help here, darling. Give me a hint.”

You chuckled and lifted the doll’ dress, the belly could be pushed down, then it popped open and revealed what was inside. A small plastic baby.

“We’re both carrying a baby inside our bellies.” You whispered softly.

Chris dropped the doll on the sand. Chris’ face was showing utter shock. As he composed himself, he threw his arms around you and swung both of you around in the sand.

“A baby?” He asked quietly. You nod against his shoulder. “A baby!” He said louder, putting you back down, cupping your face, he breathed: “Our baby.”

He leaned down to give you a gentle kiss. His wish from when he proposed coming true.

He wished for you to want to marry him and start a family.