#clayton and kaia

[bitchinbarzal]

Clay getting chirped about Kaia and he takes a penalty and the player says something to Kaia while she and Elodie are waiting on clay

Kaia had Weston snug in the baby carrier on her chest, bundled in a fuzzy beanie and fast asleep. Elodie sat beside her in a glitter-covered “KELLER 9” hoodie, clutching a handmade sign that read:

“MY DADDY SKATES FAST & LOVES MY MOMMY!!”

Kaia was mid-laugh at something Elodie had said when the crowd suddenly gasped, and the whistle blew loud and sharp.

She looked up just in time to see Clayton drop his gloves and grab the front of another player’s jersey, dragging him toward the boards.

He wasn’t chirping. He wasn’t smirking.

He was furious.

Clayton heard the words just once. That’s all it took.

“Is that your girl up there? Cute. Bet she’s real friendly when you’re on the road.”

“Wouldn’t be hard to give her a real hockey player to come home to.”

And then everything blurred.

He didn’t even think. Didn’t care about the penalty. About the fine. About the glare from his coach.

Because no one talked about Kaia like that.

No one.

After the game, Kaia made her way down toward the tunnel with Weston tucked against her chest and Elodie’s hand firmly in hers.

They waited just near the open gate, Elodie still buzzing from the game. Weston was finally starting to stir in the carrier, his soft baby coos breaking through the noise of skates and laughter.

That’s when he walked past.

The guy Clayton fought.

Helmet off. Smug grin. Sweat-slicked hair.

He looked Kaia up and down with zero shame and said, loud enough to be heard:

“Didn’t know Keller’s girl came with a fan club. You look better up close, sweetheart.”

Kaia stiffened, instinctively tucking Weston closer.

But before she could respond.

“Don’t fucking talk to her.”

Clayton’s voice cut through the air like ice.

He stormed down the tunnel, gear half-off, jaw locked, rage barely contained.

“Say that again,” he growled, shoulders squared. “Say one more word to my wife.”

The player scoffed, clearly trying to brush it off. “Chill, man. Just a compliment.”

“You say anything like that again,” Clayton hissed, “and I swear you’ll regret it. That’s the mother of my kids. The love of my life. You don’t speak her name. You don’t even fucking look at her.”

There was a long pause.

And then from behind Kaia’s hip, Elodie stepped forward.

Tiny, fierce, hands balled into fists.

“You better watch your mouth, Mister!” she shouted, pointing her glittery sign at him like a weapon.

“That’s my mommy, and you’re just a stinky ice rat!”

The hallway fell silent.

Clayton’s eyes widened. Kaia froze.

The guy blinked. “What the hell is an ice rat?”

“Someone who’s mean AND bad at skating!” Elodie snapped, crossing her arms with all the sass of a girl raised on love and zero tolerance for disrespect.

“And my daddy could beat you again, even without his gloves!”

The guy mumbled something under his breath and walked off quickly—possibly from fear. Possibly from secondhand embarrassment.

Clayton knelt beside Elodie, still stunned. “Bug… that was savage.”

Kaia tried—tried—not to laugh, though her eyes were glassy with emotion. She leaned into Clayton as he wrapped one arm around her waist and the other around their daughter.

“No one talks about my girls,” he murmured, kissing the top of Kaia’s head.

“And no one messes with me,” Elodie added. “Especially not ice rats.”

And with that, the Keller family walked out of the arena—one hand in another, baby tucked safely between them, and their tiny enforcer leading the way.

[rolemodelz]

im in luv with all of your muse names do you have any suggestions

mae, adaline, cove, devi, nini, ryann, raegan, irma, tyler, wren, gianna, avery, zara, kaia, katia, janelle, sutton, dulce, bodhi, lara, whitney, rhodes, josie, jasmine, leti, toni, mara, lola, giu, vivi — benji, blake, colson, drue, evan, stiles, zander, paxton, gianni, kiaan, torrento, warren, seth, ryker, elliot, landon, ct, hayes, emir, clayton, austen, niles, king, ridge, rhys, penn, orlando :)

[wikitopx]

Here are the top 500 baby name meaning!

[toc]

1. Top 500 baby name meaning

Rank Male name Female name 1 Liam Emma 2 Noah Olivia 3 William Ava 4 James Isabella 5 Oliver Sophia 6 Benjamin Charlotte 7 Elijah Mia 8 Lucas Amelia 9 Mason Harper 10 Logan Evelyn 11 Alexander Abigail 12 Ethan Emily 13 Jacob Elizabeth 14 Michael Mila 15 Daniel Ella 16 Henry Avery 17 Jackson Sofia 18 Sebastian Camila 19 Aiden Aria 20 Matthew Scarlett 21 Samuel Victoria 22 David Madison 23 Joseph Luna 24 Carter Grace 25 Owen Chloe 26 Wyatt Penelope 27 John Layla 28 Jack Riley 29 Luke Zoey 30 Jayden Nora 31 Dylan Lily 32 Grayson Eleanor 33 Levi Hannah 34 Isaac Lillian 35 Gabriel Addison 36 Julian Aubrey 37 Mateo Ellie 38 Anthony Stella 39 Jaxon Natalie 40 Lincoln Zoe 41 Joshua Leah 42 Christopher Hazel 43 Andrew Violet 44 Theodore Aurora 45 Caleb Savannah 46 Ryan Audrey 47 Asher Brooklyn 48 Nathan Bella 49 Thomas Claire 50 Leo Skylar 51 Isaiah Lucy 52 Charles Paisley 53 Josiah Everly 54 Hudson Anna 55 Christian Caroline 56 Hunter Nova 57 Connor Genesis 58 Eli Emilia 59 Ezra Kennedy 60 Aaron Samantha 61 Landon Maya 62 Adrian Willow 63 Jonathan Kinsley 64 Nolan Naomi 65 Jeremiah Aaliyah 66 Easton Elena 67 Elias Sarah 68 Colton Ariana 69 Cameron Allison 70 Carson Gabriella 71 Robert Alice 72 Angel Madelyn 73 Maverick Cora 74 Nicholas Ruby 75 Dominic Eva 76 Jaxson Serenity 77 Greyson Autumn 78 Adam Adeline 79 Ian Hailey 80 Austin Gianna 81 Santiago Valentina 82 Jordan Isla 83 Cooper Eliana 84 Brayden Quinn 85 Roman Nevaeh 86 Evan Ivy 87 Ezekiel Sadie 88 Xavier Piper 89 Jose Lydia 90 Jace Alexa 91 Jameson Josephine 92 Leonardo Emery 93 Bryson Julia 94 Axel Delilah 95 Everett Arianna 96 Parker Vivian 97 Kayden Kaylee 98 Miles Sophie 99 Sawyer Brielle 100 Jason Madeline 101 Declan Peyton 102 Weston Rylee 103 Micah Clara 104 Ayden Hadley 105 Wesley Melanie 106 Luca Mackenzie 107 Vincent Reagan 108 Damian Adalynn 109 Zachary Liliana 110 Silas Aubree 111 Gavin Jade 112 Chase Katherine 113 Kai Isabelle 114 Emmett Natalia 115 Harrison Raelynn 116 Nathaniel Maria 117 Kingston Athena 118 Cole Ximena 119 Tyler Arya 120 Bennett Leilani 121 Bentley Taylor 122 Ryker Faith 123 Tristan Rose 124 Brandon Kylie 125 Kevin Alexandra 126 Luis Mary 127 George Margaret 128 Ashton Lyla 129 Rowan Ashley 130 Braxton Amaya 131 Ryder Eliza 132 Gael Brianna 133 Ivan Bailey 134 Diego Andrea 135 Maxwell Khloe 136 Max Jasmine 137 Carlos Melody 138 Kaiden Iris 139 Juan Isabel 140 Maddox Norah 141 Justin Annabelle 142 Waylon Valeria 143 Calvin Emerson 144 Giovanni Adalyn 145 Jonah Ryleigh 146 Abel Eden 147 Jayce Emersyn 148 Jesus Anastasia 149 Amir Kayla 150 King Alyssa 151 Beau Juliana 152 Camden Charlie 153 Alex Esther 154 Jasper Ariel 155 Malachi Cecilia 156 Brody Valerie 157 Jude Alina 158 Blake Molly 159 Emmanuel Reese 160 Eric Aliyah 161 Brooks Lilly 162 Elliot Parker 163 Antonio Finley 164 Abraham Morgan 165 Timothy Sydney 166 Finn Jordyn 167 Rhett Eloise 168 Elliott Trinity 169 Edward Daisy 170 August Kimberly 171 Xander Lauren 172 Alan Genevieve 173 Dean Sara 174 Lorenzo Arabella 175 Bryce Harmony 176 Karter Elise 177 Victor Remi 178 Milo Teagan 179 Miguel Alexis 180 Hayden London 181 Graham Sloane 182 Grant Laila 183 Zion Lucia 184 Tucker Diana 185 Jesse Juliette 186 Zayden Sienna 187 Joel Elliana 188 Richard Londyn 189 Patrick Ayla 190 Emiliano Callie 191 Avery Gracie 192 Nicolas Josie 193 Brantley Amara 194 Dawson Jocelyn 195 Myles Daniela 196 Matteo Everleigh 197 River Mya 198 Steven Rachel 199 Thiago Summer 200 Zane Alana 201 Matias Brooke 202 Judah Alaina 203 Messiah Mckenzie 204 Jeremy Catherine 205 Preston Amy 206 Oscar Presley 207 Kaleb Journee 208 Alejandro Rosalie 209 Marcus Ember 210 Mark Brynlee 211 Peter Rowan 212 Maximus Joanna 213 Barrett Paige 214 Jax Rebecca 215 Andres Ana 216 Holden Sawyer 217 Legend Mariah 218 Charlie Nicole 219 Knox Brooklynn 220 Kaden Payton 221 Paxton Marley 222 Kyrie Fiona 223 Kyle Georgia 224 Griffin Lila 225 Josue Harley 226 Kenneth Adelyn 227 Beckett Alivia 228 Enzo Noelle 229 Adriel Gemma 230 Arthur Vanessa 231 Felix Journey 232 Bryan Makayla 233 Lukas Angelina 234 Paul Adaline 235 Brian Catalina 236 Colt Alayna 237 Caden Julianna 238 Leon Leila 239 Archer Lola 240 Omar Adriana 241 Israel June 242 Aidan Juliet 243 Theo Jayla 244 Javier River 245 Remington Tessa 246 Jaden Lia 247 Bradley Dakota 248 Emilio Delaney 249 Colin Selena 250 Riley Blakely 251 Cayden Ada 252 Phoenix Camille 253 Clayton Zara 254 Simon Malia 255 Ace Hope 256 Nash Samara 257 Derek Vera 258 Rafael Mckenna 259 Zander Briella 260 Brady Izabella 261 Jorge Hayden 262 Jake Raegan 263 Louis Michelle 264 Damien Angela 265 Karson Ruth 266 Walker Freya 267 Maximiliano Kamila 268 Amari Vivienne 269 Sean Aspen 270 Chance Olive 271 Walter Kendall 272 Martin Elaina 273 Finley Thea 274 Andre Kali 275 Tobias Destiny 276 Cash Amiyah 277 Corbin Evangeline 278 Arlo Cali 279 Iker Blake 280 Erick Elsie 281 Emerson Juniper 282 Gunner Alexandria 283 Cody Myla 284 Stephen Ariella 285 Francisco Kate 286 Killian Mariana 287 Dallas Lilah 288 Reid Charlee 289 Manuel Daleyza 290 Lane Nyla 291 Atlas Jane 292 Rylan Maggie 293 Jensen Zuri 294 Ronan Aniyah 295 Beckham Lucille 296 Daxton Leia 297 Anderson Melissa 298 Kameron Adelaide 299 Raymond Amina 300 Orion Giselle 301 Cristian Lena 302 Tanner Camilla 303 Kyler Miriam 304 Jett Millie 305 Cohen Brynn 306 Ricardo Gabrielle 307 Spencer Sage 308 Gideon Annie 309 Ali Logan 310 Fernando Lilliana 311 Jaiden Haven 312 Titus Jessica 313 Travis Kaia 314 Bodhi Magnolia 315 Eduardo Amira 316 Dante Adelynn 317 Ellis Makenzie 318 Prince Stephanie 319 Kane Nina 320 Luka Phoebe 321 Kash Arielle 322 Hendrix Evie 323 Desmond Lyric 324 Donovan Alessandra 325 Mario Gabriela 326 Atticus Paislee 327 Cruz Raelyn 328 Garrett Madilyn 329 Hector Paris 330 Angelo Makenna 331 Jeffrey Kinley 332 Edwin Gracelyn 333 Cesar Talia 334 Zayn Maeve 335 Devin Rylie 336 Conor Kiara 337 Warren Evelynn 338 Odin Brinley 339 Jayceon Jacqueline 340 Romeo Laura 341 Julius Gracelynn 342 Jaylen Lexi 343 Hayes Ariah 344 Kayson Fatima 345 Muhammad Jennifer 346 Jaxton Kehlani 347 Joaquin Alani 348 Caiden Ariyah 349 Dakota Luciana 350 Major Allie 351 Keegan Heidi 352 Sergio Maci 353 Marshall Phoenix 354 Johnny Felicity 355 Kade Joy 356 Edgar Kenzie 357 Leonel Veronica 358 Ismael Margot 359 Marco Addilyn 360 Tyson Lana 361 Wade Cassidy 362 Collin Remington 363 Troy Saylor 364 Nasir Ryan 365 Conner Keira 366 Adonis Harlow 367 Jared Miranda 368 Rory Angel 369 Andy Amanda 370 Jase Daniella 371 Lennox Royalty 372 Shane Gwendolyn 373 Malik Ophelia 374 Ari Heaven 375 Reed Jordan 376 Seth Madeleine 377 Clark Esmeralda 378 Erik Kira 379 Lawson Miracle 380 Trevor Elle 381 Gage Amari 382 Nico Danielle 383 Malakai Daphne 384 Quinn Willa 385 Cade Haley 386 Johnathan Gia 387 Sullivan Kaitlyn 388 Solomon Oakley 389 Cyrus Kailani 390 Fabian Winter 391 Pedro Alicia 392 Frank Serena 393 Shawn Nadia 394 Malcolm Aviana 395 Khalil Demi 396 Nehemiah Jada 397 Dalton Braelynn 398 Mathias Dylan 399 Jay Ainsley 400 Ibrahim Alison 401 Peyton Camryn 402 Winston Avianna 403 Kason Bianca 404 Zayne Skyler 405 Noel Scarlet 406 Princeton Maddison 407 Matthias Nylah 408 Gregory Sarai 409 Sterling Regina 410 Dominick Dahlia 411 Elian Nayeli 412 Grady Raven 413 Russell Helen 414 Finnegan Adrianna 415 Ruben Averie 416 Gianni Skye 417 Porter Kelsey 418 Kendrick Tatum 419 Leland Kensley 420 Pablo Maliyah 421 Allen Erin 422 Hugo Viviana 423 Raiden Jenna 424 Kolton Anaya 425 Remy Carolina 426 Ezequiel Shelby 427 Damon Sabrina 428 Emanuel Mikayla 429 Zaiden Annalise 430 Otto Octavia 431 Bowen Lennon 432 Marcos Blair 433 Abram Carmen 434 Kasen Yaretzi 435 Franklin Kennedi 436 Royce Mabel 437 Jonas Zariah 438 Sage Kyla 439 Philip Christina 440 Esteban Selah 441 Drake Celeste 442 Kashton Eve 443 Roberto Mckinley 444 Harvey Milani 445 Alexis Frances 446 Kian Jimena 447 Jamison Kylee 448 Maximilian Leighton 449 Adan Katie 450 Milan Aitana 451 Phillip Kayleigh 452 Albert Sierra 453 Dax Kathryn 454 Mohamed Rosemary 455 Ronin Jolene 456 Kamden Alondra 457 Hank Elisa 458 Memphis Helena 459 Oakley Charleigh 460 Augustus Hallie 461 Drew Lainey 462 Moises Avah 463 Armani Jazlyn 464 Rhys Kamryn 465 Benson Mira 466 Jayson Cheyenne 467 Kyson Francesca 468 Braylen Antonella 469 Corey Wren 470 Gunnar Chelsea 471 Omari Amber 472 Alonzo Emory 473 Landen Lorelei 474 Armando Nia 475 Derrick Abby 476 Dexter April 477 Enrique Emelia 478 Bruce Carter 479 Nikolai Aylin 480 Francis Cataleya 481 Rocco Bethany 482 Kairo Marlee 483 Royal Carly 484 Zachariah Kaylani 485 Arjun Emely 486 Deacon Liana 487 Skyler Madelynn 488 Eden Cadence 489 Alijah Matilda 490 Rowen Sylvia 491 Pierce Myra 492 Uriel Fernanda 493 Ronald Oaklyn 494 Luciano Elianna 495 Tate Hattie 496 Frederick Dayana 497 Kieran Kendra 498 Lawrence Maisie 499 Moses Malaysia 500 Rodrigo Kara

2. Meaning of name "Liam" and "Emma"

Liam:

Liam's name is the name of a boy of Irish origin meaning "resolute protection".

Liam originated as the nickname of Uilliam, the Irish variant of William. William is an English name from German origin brought to Ireland when the British fled England after the conquest of Norman.

The Irish began to use English names, including William, which led to the development of Uilliam and its short form, Liam.

Liam is the top US boy's name for 2018, joining the elite group of names to top the list. Liam started out as a short form of William but has long stood on his own and for several years has become one of the most popular baby names for boys.

Now it is the fastest-growing Irish name in the United States, first entering the Top 10 in 2012 and before climbing to No. 1, holding No. 2 for four consecutive years.

Emma:

Initially, a short form of the German name beginning with the ermen element meaning "whole" or "universal". It was introduced to England by Emma of Normandy, who was the wife of King Ethelred II (and by him the mother of Edward the Confession) and later King Canute.

After the Norman conquest, this name became popular in England. It was revived in the 18th century, perhaps in part because of a poem by Henry Prior Henry and Emma (1709). In the United States, it ranked third in 1880 (after Mary and Anna were omnipresent).

It declined steadily over the next century, beginning another rise in the 1980s and eventually becoming the most popular name for girls in 2008.

At this time it also experienced similar levels of popularity elsewhere, including the United Kingdom (where it began rising a decade earlier), Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Scandinavia, and the Netherlands.

More ideals for you: Top 500 Arabic Names

From : https://wikitopx.com/name-meanings/top-500-baby-name-meaning-711994.html

[allthingsdarkanddirty]

✮✮✮ HOT NEW LOOK ✮✮✮ 

Welcome to the Swype House—home of the internet’s hottest influencers, and the drama that comes with them. 

Influenced, a sexy and addictive enemies-to-lovers new-adult romance from USA Today bestselling author Kelsey Clayton has a stunning hot new look! 

Grab your copy today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited! 

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3wcKV4n 

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/InfluencedKC 

The rules are simple: 

Smile for the cameras. 

Fake it for the views. 

Try not to kill each other. 

It felt like an easy yes when I was invited to change my bio from, “Kaia Blakely, college student,” to “Kaia Blakely, newest influencer at the Swype House.” 

Then I met Declan Royce. His profile highlights his looks and his humor, but it ought to read, “Owner of an ego so large, it was given its own zip code.” 

Suddenly, not killing each other feels like an impossible task. 

So yes, it was death threats we were whispering in the background of that viral video, not sweet nothings. So no, there’s zero reason to keep the #Kailan hashtag trending. 

Except that it’s our job. So it looks like we’re adding another rule to the list: 

Deliver the performance of a lifetime so no one discovers the truth. 

Influenced is a full-length, stand-alone novel. Perfect for readers who enjoy enemies-to-lovers, fake relationship, and forced proximity romance. 

[soccerstl]

Clayton Greyhounds Girls Soccer Earn Team Sportsmanship Award

Congratulations to the Clayton Greyhounds Girls Soccer for Earning A Team Sportsmanship Award @CHSgreyhounds

Clayton Greyhounds, Senior Night May 9, 2019 by Lee Laskowski, Asst AD

United Soccer Coaches announced its Spring High School Team Ethics and Sportsmanship Awards with three teams receiving the Platinum Award for completing the entire 2019 season without receiving either a yellow or red card.

In all, 40 spring season teams received either the Platinum, Gold, Silver or Bronze version of the Team…

[ladycuchiefrito]

First of all I finally got a new pic. The last one was taken when I was a 19 year old college student during a snowstorm in 125th street. The real 125th on Adam Clayton Blvd. I believe. Vintage 125th Street. New York City in the 1990s. An era lost. It had under 21 under it and I only got it to cash my paychecks. And get a bank account. I was a kid. Not much older than Kaia. A life time ago. Now I am 43 years old. And that’s my makeup less pic. I had anxiety AF this morning. I see that girl I was is there. That even tho I feel a 100 years old, I could be 33. The age of Jesus. I love getting older. It’s a blessing. It’s a privilege. And I don’t look my age even my biggest hater can’t say I do, my mind is wise AF. My spirit is wise AF. My inner child is still immature AF. That I realize that makes me wise AF. Walking into my next chapter. https://www.instagram.com/p/BojlXggBzlJffKPZu_9N0Es3X8DDjYkMwjs4Pk0/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=t6pxmrvwes3t

[guelphbreakingnews]

HILLSIDE 2017 LINE-UP ANNOUNCED!

The Aerialists The Barr Brothers Begonia Big Brave Billy Bragg (also with Joe Henry) The Blurry Pickers Boogat Las Cafeteras Century Egg Chastity Charlotte Cornfield Cœur de pirate Ora Cogan Common Deer Communism Dead Flowers Carly Dow Duchess Says The Franklin Electric Future Peers Matt Haeck Sarah Harmer HIGHPARK Jaunt The Jerry Cans Kacy & Clayton Kaia Kater Kasador Kevin Breit & the Upper York Mandolin Quartet Lisa LeBlanc Lost Cousins The Lowest of the Low The Luyas Mbongwana Star Mt. Joy Murder, Murder Irish Mythen NEFE New Canadian Global Music Orchestra Lindi Ortega Parsonsfield Klô Pelgag William Prince Alejandra Ribera Jenny Ritter Xavier Rudd DJ Shub Rae Spoon Lucas Stagg Leonard Sumner The Turbans Lindy Vopnfjord Weaves Whoop-Szo Lula Wiles Charlotte Day Wilson

For ticket information, click here. 

[bitchinbarzal]

Pregnancy Scare | Just Fine AU

Kaia wakes up to pain.

It starts as a dull ache, barely enough to pull her from sleep. But then it sharpens, twisting in her lower abdomen, making her suck in a breath.

She presses a hand to her belly instinctively, trying to breathe through it, trying to convince herself it’s normal.

But something is wrong.

Her stomach churns, her heart pounding against her ribs.

She glances at the clock

3:12am

Clayton is asleep beside her, his arm draped over her waist, his body warm and steady. She could wake him up—should wake him up—but she doesn’t want to panic him if it’s nothing.

So she waits.

Waits for the pain to pass.

But it doesn’t.

It worsens.

She feels something.

Something wet.

Kaia freezes.

Her throat goes tight, her stomach drops, and when she carefully shifts, she knows before she even looks.

Blood.

Not a lot, but enough.

Enough to terrify her.

Her breathing picks up, her chest tight, her fingers trembling as she presses her palm harder against her stomach.

She doesn’t even realize she’s shaking until she finally nudges Clayton, her voice small and scared.

“Clay?”

He doesn’t stir at first, still lost in sleep.

Kaia nudges him harder. “Clayton.”

His eyes snap open instantly, instincts kicking in. “Huh? What’s wrong?”

Kaia swallows hard, her throat thick. “I—I think something’s wrong with the baby.”

That wakes him up fully.

Clayton sits up so fast the bed shifts, his hand already reaching for her. “What? What do you mean? What’s happening?”

Kaia presses a hand to her stomach, eyes burning. “I—I have cramps. And I think I’m bleeding.”

The second the words leave her lips, Clayton is moving.

He throws the covers back, already grabbing his hoodie from the chair, his phone from the nightstand. “Okay. We’re going to the hospital. Right now.”

Kaia nods, trying to stay calm, trying to breathe, but her hands are still shaking as she pulls on a pair of leggings and a sweatshirt.

Clayton notices.

The second she stands, he cups her face, his warm, calloused thumbs brushing against her cheeks.

“You’re okay,” he murmurs, voice gentle but firm. “The baby’s okay. But we’re gonna go make sure, alright?”

Kaia nods again, but her throat closes up, and before she can stop herself, a tear slips down her cheek.

Clayton melts, pulling her into his chest, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. “We got this, Kai.”

She grips his hoodie tight, pressing her face into his shoulder. “I’m so scared.”

Clayton swallows hard. “I know, baby.”

Then, Another Voice

“Mommy?”

Kaia pulls back, her heart stumbling as she turns toward the doorway.

Elodie is standing there, still in her pajamas, her little face scrunched in worry.

Kaia immediately wipes her eyes, forcing a smile. “Hey, sweetheart.”

Elodie frowns, looking between them. “Where are you going?”

Kaia opens her mouth, but Clayton beats her to it, crouching down in front of Elodie.

“Mommy’s not feeling great, bug,” he says gently. “So we’re gonna go to the doctor and make sure everything’s okay.”

Elodie’s lips wobble. “But the baby’s okay, right?”

Kaia’s stomach drops, and suddenly, she’s fighting back more tears.

Clayton nods immediately. “We think so, baby. We just want to be extra sure.”

Elodie sniffles, gripping Clayton’s hoodie in her little fists “Can I come?”

Kaia’s heart breaks, but she shakes her head softly “Not this time, baby. But we’re gonna call uncle Mikey to come over to stay with you.”

Elodie sniffles again, but nods. “Okay.”

Then, softly she asks

“Can you tell the baby I love them?”

Kaia loses it.

Her chest caves, her eyes burning as she crouches down to hug Elodie tight. “Of course, baby,” she whispers, pressing a kiss to her curls. “We love you so much.”

Clayton kisses Elodie’s forehead, tucking a curl behind her ear. “We’ll be home soon, bug. I promise.”

Then, with one last squeeze, he grabs Kaia’s hand, and they go.

Kaia grips Clayton’s hand so tight during the ultrasound that her knuckles turn white.

She doesn’t even realize she’s holding her breath until the sound hits her ears.

A heartbeat.

Strong and steady.

Kaia chokes out a sob, her body collapsing against the bed.

“The baby’s okay,” the doctor reassures gently, adjusting the probe. “It looks like you had some normal first-trimester bleeding. Nothing concerning.”

Kaia nods rapidly, her chest heaving as she tries to process it. “But the pain—”

“Your uterus is expanding, which can cause cramping. But everything looks perfect.”

Clayton exhales sharply, his forehead dropping against Kaia’s. “Oh my God.”

Kaia laughs, this breathless, relieved sound, before gripping his face and kissing him hard.

Clayton melts into it, one hand on her belly, the other in her hair.

“We’re okay,” he murmurs against her lips.

Kaia nods, her heart still racing, but for the first time since waking up she believes it.

The second they walk through the door, they hear tiny footsteps running toward them.

Elodie launches herself at Kaia, her little arms wrapping tight around her legs. “Mommy!”

Kaia laughs, crouching down to hug her. “Hey, baby.”

Elodie immediately presses a tiny hand to Kaia’s stomach, eyes wide. “Is the baby okay?”

Kaia smiles, placing her hand over Elodie’s “They’re perfect, sweetheart.”

Elodie lets out a dramatic breath of relief “Oh, good.”

Clayton ruffles her curls “Told ya, bug.”

Elodie beams at him, then gasps, turning to Kaia.

“Oh! I practiced while you were gone!”

Kaia raises an eyebrow. “Practiced what?”

Elodie grins, placing her hands back on Kaia’s stomach.

Then, in the softest voice;

“Hi, baby. It’s me, your big sister. I love you.”

Kaia’s eyes burn again, and when she looks up at Clayton, his eyes are just as glassy.

And in that moment, with their little family safe and whole, she knows everything is going to be just fine.

[bitchinbarzal]

The Missing Ring | Just Fine AU

It starts innocently enough.

Elodie is sitting across from Clayton at the breakfast table, her tiny hands gripping a spoon as she focuses very seriously on her cereal.

Kaia is by the counter, sipping coffee, flipping through her planner, half-listening to Elodie ramble about her class’s upcoming pajama day.

Everything is normal.

Until, “Daddy?”

Elodie’s little voice is curious, careful.

Clayton looks up, halfway through taking a bite of toast “Yeah, bug?”

Elodie’s nose scrunches up “Where’s your ring?”

Kaia freezes.

She glances at Clayton’s left hand—at his bare ring finger—before her eyes snap up to his.

Clayton pauses, his chewing slowing significantly.

Kaia narrows her eyes “Clayton”

He immediately puts his toast down “Okay, before anyone panics—”

“Oh no!”

Elodie gasps, her tiny hands flying to her cheeks like she’s just realized the worst thing in the world.

Kaia groans, already rubbing her temple.

“El—”

“Daddy doesn’t love you anymore!”

Clayton chokes on his toast “What?! No!”

Kaia sighs, watching as Elodie’s little lip wobbles, her brown eyes wide and devastated.

Elodie gasps again, gripping the edge of the table “Are you still married?!”

Clayton immediately stands, hands raised in defense. “Yes! Yes! I just—uh—” He hesitates. “I… lost it.”

Kaia closes her eyes.

Elodie gasps even louder “Daddy!”

Clayton groans, running a hand through his hair “I know, I know! It came off at practice, and I thought I put it in my locker, but then it wasn’t there, and—”

“So you lost it?” Kaia asks, voice dangerously calm.

Clayton sighs, rubbing the back of his neck “Yeah.”

Elodie sniffs dramatically, looking between them “So… you’re not married anymore?”

Clayton immediately crouches in front of her, his hands on her little knees. “Bug, we are definitely still married. Rings don’t make a marriage—Mommy and I loving each other forever does.”

Elodie sniffs again, still unsure “Then why do you wear them?”

Clayton pauses “Uh—well—it’s a, uh, symbol.”

Kaia smirks, arms crossed “You’re doing great, babe.”

Clayton shoots her a look before turning back to Elodie “It’s just a way to show everyone that I’m married to Mommy. But even if I don’t have it on, we’re still married.”

Elodie pouts “But I like the rings”

Clayton sighs, reaching up to tuck a curl behind her ear “I know, bug. That’s why I promise I’ll find it.”

Elodie crosses her arms, still not fully convinced “You better”

They tear the house apart.

The bedroom, the bathroom, the laundry hamper—because Clayton has lost many things to the depths of the washing machine before.

Nothing.

So they move on to the rink.

Elodie marches into the locker room with determination, her tiny fists clenched.

She points at Clayton’s stall “Check again”

Clayton sighs, opening his locker, digging through it with Elodie standing beside him, hands on her hips like she’s supervising.

“Found it!”

Clayton grins, holding it up “It was in my skate bag”

Kaia shakes her head, watching as Elodie lets out a dramatic sigh of relief.

She turns to Kaia, nodding very seriously “You can stay married”

Kaia snorts “Oh, good”

Elodie grabs the ring from Clayton and thrusts it into his palm “You can’t lose it again, Daddy”

“I won’t, bug” Clayton promises “I’ll be more careful”

Elodie frowns, clearly not convinced.

“I know!” She gasps, her little face lighting up “Tie it to your skate!”

Clayton blinks “Uh—”

“That way” Elodie continues, ignoring him “it’ll never come off when you’re playing!”

Kaia grins, watching the absolute panic in Clayton’s eyes “That’s an interesting idea, baby”

Clayton clears his throat “Uh, well—”

“DO IT.”

Elodie’s tiny arms are crossed, her face dead serious.

Kaia loses it.

Clayton groans, looking between his wife and his daughter—one cackling, the other dead serious.

“I have lost control of this family” he mutters, slipping the ring back onto his finger.

Kaia presses a kiss to his cheek, still laughing “But you love us anyway”

Clayton sighs, kissing her back “Yeah, yeah. Forever.”

Elodie nods approvingly “Good”

[bitchinbarzal]

Losing Kaia | Just Fine AU

Clayton wasn’t even sure how the fight had started.

One second, he and Kaia had been talking—normal, casual, just like any other day and the next they were yelling.

It wasn’t like them to fight like this.

Sure, they bickered.

They got frustrated, like any couple would.

This was different.

This was loud, angry, meaner than it should’ve been.

And even as the words were leaving his mouth, even as he felt the sharp, cutting anger twist inside of him—

A part of him already regretted it.

Because Kaia was standing in the middle of their apartment, her chest rising and falling quickly, her hands shaking slightly at her sides, her eyes too glassy, and Clayton knew.

He knew he had just crossed a line.

But instead of stopping

Instead of apologizing

Instead of fixing it

He pushed further.

“You’re not her mother, Kaia!”

Silence.

It was instant and suffocating.

Kaia’s breath hitched.

Her face barely changed, her eyes just slightly wider, her lips parting just enough to show how much it hurt.

But Clayton felt it like a gut punch.

Like something inside of him had just snapped in the worst way.

Because this was Kaia.

The woman who had stepped up when Elodie needed someone.

The woman who had wiped away tears, braided tiny curls, sat through hockey games with too much pride in her eyes for a little girl that wasn’t biologically hers.

The woman who had loved Elodie like her own before Clayton had even realized how much he loved Kaia.

And he had just thrown it in her face.

Kaia exhaled slowly, blinking hard before swallowing, straightening her spine.

Then she nodded once, sharp and stiff, and grabbed her bag.

Clayton opened his mouth, already regretting everything, but she was already walking toward the door.

“Kaia—”

She didn’t even turn around.

She just reached for the handle, twisting it without a word.

And then she was gone.

Clayton had thought about going after her.

He’d paced the apartment, running his hands through his hair, gritting his teeth, trying to figure out how to take back the words he never should’ve said.

But before he could his phone rang.

And his world stopped turning.

Unknown Number.

Clayton frowned, swiping to answer. “Hello?”

“Is this Clayton Keller?”

His stomach twisted. “Yes?”

“This is St. Luke’s Hospital. We have Kaia Mitchell here—she was in an accident.”

Everything blurred.

His heartbeat pounded in his ears, his vision tunneled, his grip on his phone turned white-knuckled.

“What—?” His voice barely worked. “Is she—? Is she okay?”

“She’s stable,” the nurse said gently, “but she was hit by a car. We’d recommend coming down as soon as possible.”

Clayton didn’t even answer.

He was already grabbing his keys and running out the door.

The drive was a blur.

One second, he was sprinting through the hospital doors, panic roaring in his chest, and the next he was standing in front of a hospital bed, staring at the woman who had completely changed his life.

Kaia was too pale, a bandage wrapped around her forehead, her wrist in a brace, an IV looped into her arm.

Her eyes fluttered open slowly, confusion and pain flickering across her face when she saw him.

“Clay?” she murmured.

And that’s when it hit him.

How easily he could have lost her.

How reckless he had been with his words.

A lump formed in his throat, and before he could stop himself he reached for her.

“I am so fucking sorry, baby.” His voice cracked as he cupped her face gently, brushing a thumb over her cheek. “I didn’t mean it. I didn’t mean any of it.”

Her eyes softened slightly, but before she could answer

“Mommy?!”

Elodie’s tiny voice broke through the tension.

And suddenly there was a little girl sprinting into the room, tears already streaming down her face.

Kaia barely had time to react before Elodie flung herself onto the bed, clutching Kaia’s good arm like she was terrified to let go.

“Mommy, don’t leave!” Elodie sobbed, burying her face in Kaia’s shoulder. “I was so scared!”

Kaia’s breath hitched, her good arm immediately curling around her, pressing a shaky kiss to Elodie’s curls.

Elodie had been at the Marino’s having a playdate with Henry when Clay called them and asked for Elodie to be brought to the hospital. Asking that they prepare Elodie for the state Kaia was likely to be in.

“Oh, Bug,” she whispered, her own voice breaking. “I’m right here, baby. I’m okay.”

Elodie just shook her head furiously, gripping Kaia’s hospital gown even tighter.

Clayton felt his chest tighten, guilt slamming into him like a train.

Kaia wasn’t just important to him.

She was everything to Elodie.

Clayton had never felt this kind of fear before.

Not after a bad hit.

Not even after learning to be a dad overnight.

Nothing compared to seeing Kaia in a hospital bed.

Nothing compared to the way Elodie had sobbed into her side, her tiny body curled up like if she just held tight enough, Kaia wouldn’t disappear.

Nothing compared to knowing this was his fault.

Not the accident itself.

But the fact that she had left upset, that she had been walking around angry and distracted because of him.

Because of what he had said.

Because he had cut her open with words he could never take back.

Now, he didn’t know if she’d ever look at him the same way again.

The hospital had cleared her to go, her injuries not serious enough to keep her overnight.

But Clayton wasn’t relieved.

Not really.

Not when she was silent the entire ride home.

Not when Elodie—normally the loudest little girl on the planet—was pressed against Kaia’s side, gripping her hand tightly, her thumb in her mouth like she was trying to soothe herself.

Not when every few seconds, Kaia would shift her injured wrist, wince slightly, and Clayton would feel another piece of himself crumble into nothing.

The second they walked in, Elodie insisted on bringing Kaia to the couch.

“Sit, Mommy,” she said seriously, her tiny hands pushing Kaia down gently, her face still worried.

Kaia melted a little, smiling softly. “I’m okay, Bug.”

Elodie just huffed, grabbing a blanket from the corner and draping it over Kaia’s lap like a little nurse.

Clayton watched the whole thing in silence, his hands clenching and unclenching at his sides.

His chest was still tight, his stomach churning, but he had no idea what to do.

How to fix this.

Finally, when Elodie was distracted grabbing her stuffed animals to “help” Kaia feel better, Clayton sat on the edge of the coffee table, just close enough to reach for her hand—but not brave enough to actually touch her yet.

“Kaia…” His voice was low, hoarse, filled with everything he wanted to say and not enough words to say it.

She looked at him slowly, her face unreadable.

“I was wrong,” he whispered. “I was so fucking wrong.”

Her jaw clenched slightly, but she said nothing.

Clayton swallowed, his hands tightening into fists on his knees.

“I don’t even know why I said it,” he continued. “It wasn’t true. It was never true.” His voice broke slightly. “You are her mother, Kaia. You always have been.”

Kaia exhaled slowly, blinking hard.

For the first time, Clayton could see the hurt still sitting in her chest.

Not just from the accident.

Not just from the fear.

But from him.

“You really hurt me, Clay.” Her voice was soft. Matter-of-fact.

Like she wasn’t saying it to make him feel worse—just that she needed him to hear it.

Clayton winced, dragging a hand down his face. “I know.”

“I mean it,” she said, firmer this time, her eyes brighter. “That wasn’t just a fight, Clayton. That wasn’t something you just take back.”

“I know.” His voice was barely a whisper now.

Kaia hesitated, glancing toward the kitchen where Elodie was lining up stuffed animals for some imaginary hospital check-up.

Then, she sighed.

“I forgive you,” she murmured, quiet and real.

Clayton’s chest cracked open with relief until she spoke again.

“But I’m not gonna forget it.”

It shouldn’t have surprised him.

It shouldn’t have hurt even more.

But it did.

Because he knew he deserved it.

Because she shouldn’t forget it.

Because he needed to remember every single second of how much this hurt—so that he never, never made her feel like that again.

Clayton nodded slowly, swallowing hard.

“I get that,” he whispered.

And then Kaia reached for his hand.

Not entirely forgiving, not letting it go.

But letting him know she wasn’t leaving.

Was she doing this for Elodie or for him? He wasn’t sure he was strong enough to find out.

[bitchinbarzal]

Mother’s Day | Just Fine AU

Kaia loved being part of Elodie’s life.

She loved waking up to the sound of little feet running through the house, hearing Elodie’s sweet voice asking for breakfast. She loved the bedtime stories, the sleepy cuddles on the couch, the way Elodie lit up whenever she came home from work.

She never expected to step into a motherly role—never expected that her relationship with Clayton would evolve into this, into raising a little girl who wasn’t hers by blood but who she loved entirely.

But then, Mother’s Day came.

And suddenly, she wasn’t sure where she fit.

It started when Clayton picked Elodie up from school, a proud smile on her face as she clutched a pink construction paper card in her small hands.

“I made this today!” she chirped as she climbed into the backseat, holding the card up so he could see. “It’s for my mommy.”

Clayton’s grip on the steering wheel tightened slightly, his heart clenching. He glanced at her through the rearview mirror, his voice gentle. “Oh yeah, bug?”

Elodie nodded, beaming. “We made them in class! Everyone made a card for their mommy, so I made one for mine.”

Clayton forced a smile. “That’s really nice, kiddo.”

He didn’t ask the question that was burning at the back of his mind—the one he knew Kaia would be thinking too.

She hadn’t made a card for Kaia.

That night, when Clayton relayed the conversation to Kaia, her expression faltered just slightly.

“Oh,” she said, trying to keep her voice even. “Well, that’s… sweet.”

Clayton studied her carefully. “Kaia—”

She shook her head, forcing a smile. “No, it’s fine, Clay. It makes sense. I mean… I’m not her mom.”

Clayton sighed, stepping forward and gently rubbing his hands up and down her arms. “She loves you. You know that.”

Kaia nodded, but her heart ached a little.

She didn’t expect anything. She never wanted to push, never wanted to make Elodie feel like she had to acknowledge her. But after all this time, after all the bedtime stories, the scraped knees she’d kissed better, the nights spent comforting her after bad dreams—she thought… maybe.

She had never wanted to replace Elodie’s mom. She just wanted to be included.

But maybe she was expecting too much.

The next morning, Kaia woke up to soft footsteps creeping into the room.

She opened her eyes just in time to see Elodie crawling onto the bed, carefully carrying a small, handmade card in her hands.

Kaia sat up, her brows furrowing. “Hey, bug. What’s that?”

Elodie hesitated, her bottom lip tucked between her teeth as she handed it over.

“For you,” she said softly.

Kaia blinked in surprise, taking the card carefully. It was made from the same pink construction paper as the one she had seen Elodie with yesterday, but this one was different.

Inside, in messy crayon writing, it said:

“Thank you for loving me.”

Kaia’s throat tightened.

Elodie sniffled, looking nervous now. “I—I didn’t make you one at school ‘cause everyone was making them for their real moms, and I didn’t know if I was ‘posed to make one for you too.” She hesitated, her voice small. “Did I hurt your feelings?”

Kaia let out a shaky breath, pulling Elodie into her lap and hugging her tightly.

“No, sweet girl,” she whispered. “You didn’t do anything wrong.”

Elodie sniffled again, tucking herself into Kaia’s embrace. “I didn’t know I could make two.”

Kaia swallowed hard, pressing a kiss to the top of Elodie’s head. “You can make as many as you want, baby.”

They sat there for a moment, Kaia holding her close, letting the weight of love settle between them.

“I love you, Kaia,” Elodie mumbled, her small fingers clutching the fabric of Kaia’s shirt.

Kaia felt tears pricking her eyes as she whispered back, “I love you too.”

And just like that, the ache in her heart faded.

She might not be Elodie’s mom by blood. But love made them family.

[bitchinbarzal]

Mommy? | Just Fine Au

Kaia knew this moment was coming.

She and Clayton had talked about it—agonized over it, really. But in the end, they decided to let Elodie choose.

And Elodie?

Elodie chose to meet her birth mother.

Kaia told herself that was a good thing. That it meant Elodie would never have to wonder, never have to question if they had kept something from her.

But now, sitting at a small café across from a woman who shares Elodie’s dimples.

Kaia feels like she can’t breathe.

Elodie sits between her and Clayton in the booth, her little legs swinging, clutching Kaia’s hand like it’s the only thing grounding her.

And Kaia?

She squeezes back, because she needs the grounding, too.

“Hi, Elodie” the woman —Lauren—says softly, folding her hands on the table “I’ve been really excited to meet you”

Elodie blinks up at her, her expression carefully neutral in a way Kaia has never seen before.

Elodie is always expressive, always feeling everything all at once.

But now?

She looks small.

Like she’s shrinking.

Kaia hates it.

She resists the impulse to pull her into her lap, to press a thousand kisses to her head, to leave.

Lauren’s eyes flick between all of them, something nervous in her expression “I, um, I wanted to tell you that I think you’re very beautiful.”

Elodie nods slowly “Thank you.”

Silence.

Kaia shifts uncomfortably, glancing at Clayton.

He’s stiff, his jaw tight, his hand clenched into a fist on the table.

Lauren exhales “I—” she hesitates “I know this is weird, sweetheart. But I just wanted to see you. To know you.”

Elodie blinks, considering that.

Then, in the softest, most innocent voice she says

“But you didn’t want to know me before?”

Kaia flinches.

Clayton tenses.

And Lauren?

Lauren breaks.

“I—” she exhales sharply, swallowing “I didn’t think I could take care of you the way you deserved.”

Elodie tilts her head, thoughtful “But my Daddy did”

Kaia squeezes her little hand, heart aching.

Lauren’s eyes flicker toward Clayton, something complicated in them “Yeah,” she murmurs. “He did”

Another pause.

Then—

“I already have a mommy” Elodie says softly.

Kaia stills.

Lauren’s face falters—not with anger, but something deeper. A sadness that makes her exhale like she already knew she lost before she even started.

“I know” she whispers, her voice small “And she’s very lucky.”

Elodie leans into Kaia’s side, completely wrapped up in her warmth, her presence.

Kaia presses a kiss to her curls, her chest so tight she can barely breathe.

Because this is everything she’s ever wanted.

She doesn’t need a title. She doesn’t need permission.

Because Elodie?

Elodie already chose her.

And that is enough.

[bitchinbarzal]

Nola & Hallie

Kaia hadn’t opened her message requests in weeks.

Her inbox had flooded after Hallie’s stillbirth — well-meaning condolences, offers of support, prayers, strangers sharing their stories. But it had all become too much. Too many words. Too much kindness she couldn’t yet receive. She stopped checking altogether.

Until one night, when Weston was asleep on her chest and Elodie had finally passed out after a long day, Kaia sat in the quiet dark with her phone and, on impulse, opened her requests.

The name stopped her.

Y/N Barzal.

She blinked. She’d followed her on and off for a while. Knew she was married to Mat Barzal. Knew they had a little girl — or had. The name Nola floated in the back of Kaia’s mind. Mama Marino had mentioned it briefly when reflecting on her and John’s time back in Jersey and Long Island.

With shaking fingers, she tapped the message.

Hi Kaia. I’m sorry to message you out of the blue — I just wanted to say I’ve been thinking about you. I saw a post about Hallie and… I’m so sorry. I wish you didn’t know this grief. I wish none of us did.

Our first daughter Nola was stillborn. The silence is unbearable at first. I remember. If you ever want to talk — or just have someone say her name back to you — I’m here.

Hallie is real. She matters. I see her with you.

Kaia stared at the screen, her eyes immediately flooding.

She re-read the message three times.

Four.

Five.

And then, finally, she typed back.

I can’t tell you how much it means to hear someone say her name.

There was a pause — only minutes — before the next message appeared.

I remember the first time someone said Nola’s name without flinching. It made me cry harder than the loss itself, I think. Because someone remembered.

It doesn’t fade. But the pain… it gets softer. She stays with you. Just in a different way.

Kaia clutched her phone to her chest for a moment, breathing through the ache building in her ribs.

Elodie still talks about Hallie like she’s just in another room. I think that’s the only thing holding me together sometimes.

Same. Our youngest son, Bailey leaves her space on the couch when we watch movies. He draws her in every family picture. Kids don’t forget. That’s the gift.

They exchanged a few more messages that night — soft truths, shared memories, gentle questions Kaia hadn’t been able to ask anyone else.

By the end of it, Kaia was crying — but she wasn’t alone.

Because someone knew.

Someone remembered Nola every day.

And now someone else would remember Hallie too.

Two mothers.

Two daughters.

Gone too soon — but never gone completely.

[bitchinbarzal]

Home, Sweet Home | Just Fine AU

Kaia knows Clayton has been up to something.

For weeks now, he’s been distracted, taking phone calls in the other room, whispering with Elodie like they have some kind of secret mission.

She’s caught him staring at her with this little smug smile, like he knows something she doesn’t.

Now, he’s driving them to some mystery location, Elodie practically vibrating in her car seat, and Kaia is very close to losing her patience.

“Clay,” she sighs, shifting Weston in her lap. “Where are we going?”

Clayton grins, eyes on the road. “You’ll see.”

Kaia groans, throwing her head back. “If this is another one of your weird surprises—”

“You’ll love it!” Elodie insists, giggling like she’s in on it.

Kaia eyes them both suspiciously. “If this has anything to do with hockey, I’m turning around.”

Clayton snorts. “It does not have to do with hockey.”

They pull up to a house.

A beautiful, massive house.

Kaia blinks. “Clay—”

Clayton parks, grinning. “C’mon, let’s go inside.”

Kaia stares at him. “Inside?”

“Yep!” Elodie bounces in her seat. “It’s a surprise!”

Kaia narrows her eyes. “What did you do?”

Clayton grins wider. “Trust me, babe. You’re gonna love it.”

The second Kaia steps inside, she knows.

The floors, the layout, the massive kitchen island.

This isn’t just a house.

This is their house.

She turns sharply, eyes wide. “Clayton.”

Clayton laughs, scratching the back of his head. “Surprise!”

“You bought this house?” she gapes, shifting Weston in her arms. “Without telling me?”

“Technically,” he smirks, “I told Elodie.”

Elodie nods proudly, spinning in circles in the empty living room. “I helped! Daddy showed me pictures, and I picked it! Mommy, it has a pink room for me!”

Kaia is speechless.

She looks around again—high ceilings, big windows, a huge backyard—

Everything about it is perfect.

Exactly the kind of home she and Clayton always talked about.

Exactly the kind of home she dreamed of raising their family in.

She swallows hard, pressing a kiss to Weston’s head as she lets it sink in.

“Clay,” she whispers, voice thick. “You really did this?”

Clayton steps forward, resting a hand on her hip, his voice soft now. “I wanted to give you guys something permanent. A real home. Our home.”

Kaia sniffs, blinking back tears. “I love you so much, you idiot.”

Clayton grins, kissing her softly. “I know.”

Elodie groans. “Ewww!”

Kaia laughs, pulling her into a hug too. “You helped, huh?”

“Yep!” Elodie grins. “I told Daddy we needed a house with a big kitchen, ‘cause Mommy always makes the best food!”

Kaia melts completely. “You guys really planned this together?”

Clayton nods. “You’re stuck with us now, babe.”

Kaia just smiles, looking around the house that’s now theirs.

It’s not just a house.

It’s home.

[bitchinbarzal]

Ours | Just Fine AU

Kaia doesn’t mean to say it.

It just slips out.

They’re at the grocery store, Elodie perched in the cart, chattering away about very important four-year-old things, like what color popsicles they should get and how she definitely saw a fairy outside her window last night.

Kaia is half-listening, half-checking their list when an older woman in line behind them leans in with a kind smile.

“She’s adorable,” the woman says, nodding toward Elodie. “Looks just like her dad.”

Kaia smiles automatically, squeezing Elodie’s hand. “Thank you.”

Elodie beams, clearly thrilled by the attention.

The woman chuckles, glancing between them. “And you must be Mom?”

Kaia doesn’t hesitate.

She nods, without thinking, the words coming out easy as breathing.

“Yeah, she’s my daughter.”

And that’s when she realizes.

She said it.

Out loud.

Like it’s the most natural thing in the world.

Like she hasn’t spent months wondering when—if—it would ever feel right to say.

She feels Clayton before she sees him—standing behind her, still as anything, his entire body going tense.

She turns her head just slightly, catching his expression.

His eyes are locked on her, something deep and unreadable swirling there, something that makes her stomach flip.

Then—

“Really?!”

Kaia barely has time to react before Elodie launches herself at her, little arms wrapping tight around her neck.

“You said it,” Elodie gasps, voice thrilled. “You called me your daughter!”

Kaia melts, wrapping her arms around her, pressing a thousand kisses into her curls.

“Of course I did, baby,” she whispers, her throat tight. “Because that’s what you are.”

Elodie squeals, holding onto her even tighter, like she never wants to let go.

And when Kaia finally looks up—

Clayton is still watching her.

Still staring at her, like she just knocked the air out of his lungs.

She knows that look.

Knows what it means.

So later, when they get home, when Elodie is in bed, when it’s just them—

He wraps his arms around her, buries his face in her neck, and murmurs, “Say it again.”

Kaia smiles, turning in his arms, pressing her forehead to his.

“She’s our daughter,” she whispers.

He kisses her.

Because finally, everything is exactly as it should be.

[bitchinbarzal]

Hockey Comes First | Just Fine AU

Clayton Keller loved being a hockey player.

But he loved being a dad more.

That was the part people never really understood. To everyone else, hockey was his life. It was what defined him. The thing he had dedicated himself to since he was a kid.

But to him, Elodie was his life.

And sometimes, the two things felt impossible to balance.

It started with a simple scheduling conflict.

Elodie had been talking about her school recital for weeks—she was going to be a butterfly, complete with sparkly wings and a tutu, and she had made Clayton promise, promise, that he would be there.

And he had meant to be. He wanted to be.

But then, a few days before the recital, his coach pulled him aside after practice.

“We’ve got a last-minute change,” he said. “They want us to travel a day earlier for the road trip.”

Clayton’s stomach dropped. “When?”

“Friday.”

The same day as Elodie’s recital.

Kaia could tell something was wrong the second Clayton walked through the front door that night.

She was sitting on the couch, Elodie curled up in her lap, brushing the hair of one of her dolls while Kaia absentmindedly ran her fingers through her own hair.

The second Clayton stepped inside, Elodie perked up. “Daddy! Look at my wings!”

She jumped off the couch, twirling around so he could see the glittery pink wings strapped to her back.

Clayton smiled, kneeling down to her level. “You look amazing, bug.”

Elodie beamed. “I’m gonna fly on stage!”

“That’s awesome, baby,” he said, voice softer now. “Hey, can I talk to you for a second?”

Kaia’s stomach twisted. Oh no.

Elodie nodded, still grinning.

Clayton swallowed hard, reaching for her hands. “I, uh… I have to go away for hockey on Friday.”

Elodie blinked, her little brow furrowing. “What?”

“I have a game,” he said gently. “I have to leave before your recital.”

The change was instant.

Elodie’s smile disappeared. Her shoulders slumped. Her hands pulled away from his.

“But you promised,” she said, her voice suddenly quiet.

Clayton felt like his heart was being ripped out of his chest. “I know, bug. I know I did.”

Tears welled up in her big brown eyes. “You said you’d be there.”

Kaia could see the pain on Clayton’s face, could see how much he hated this, but it didn’t make it any easier to watch Elodie’s heart break.

“Sweetheart,” Kaia murmured, reaching for her, but Elodie shook her head, her bottom lip trembling.

“You always have to leave for hockey.”

And then she turned and ran down the hall, disappearing into her room.

Clayton sat there, frozen, staring after her like he had just been physically punched.

Kaia sighed, standing up. “Clay…”

“I promised her,” he said, voice rough. “And I just broke it.”

Kaia wrapped her arms around herself, watching as Clayton ran a hand down his face, his shoulders tense with frustration—not at Elodie, not at her, but at himself.

“I hate this,” he muttered. “I hate missing things. I hate that she thinks hockey is more important than her.”

Kaia exhaled, stepping closer and gently placing a hand on his arm. “She doesn’t think that.”

Clayton scoffed. “She just said it, Kaia.”

Kaia bit her lip. “She’s five, Clay. She’s upset. She’s allowed to be upset.”

He nodded, jaw clenched. “I just… I don’t want her to ever feel like she’s second to my job.”

“She knows you love her,” Kaia said softly. “She just misses you. And that’s okay.”

Clayton sighed, glancing down the hallway toward Elodie’s room. “I should go talk to her.”

Kaia squeezed his arm. “Give her a little bit.”

He nodded again, though he didn’t like it. “You think she’ll forgive me?”

Kaia smiled gently. “She adores you, Clayton. She just needs some time.”

And even though Clayton knew she was right, it didn’t make it any easier.

It took a while, but eventually, Elodie let him into her room.

She was curled up under her blankets, hugging her stuffed bunny tightly. Her little face was blotchy from crying, and the second Clayton sat on the edge of the bed, she turned away from him.

“Bug,” he said softly. “Can we talk?”

She sniffled. “You broke your promise.”

Clayton swallowed the lump in his throat. “I know, baby. And I hate that I have to miss it.”

Elodie didn’t say anything, but she peeked over her shoulder at him.

“If I could skip my game, I would,” Clayton continued. “I would do anything to be there. But sometimes, my job makes it really hard.”

Elodie frowned. “I don’t like your job.”

Clayton let out a soft chuckle, even though his heart was aching. “Sometimes I don’t like it either.”

She sniffled again, still pouting. “It’s not fair.”

“I know.” He exhaled. “But you know what is fair?”

She peeked up at him, her lip still poked out. “What?”

“I’m gonna make it up to you.”

Her brows furrowed. “How?”

Clayton grinned. “Well, first, I’m gonna have Kaia record the whole recital for me so I can watch it the second I get home.”

Elodie perked up slightly. “Really?”

“Really,” he nodded. “And second… we’re gonna have a special day, just the two of us, when I get back.”

Her little nose scrunched. “Like what?”

“Whatever you want,” Clayton said. “Ice cream for breakfast? Done. A trip to the zoo? You got it. Movie night with popcorn and extra candy? I’m all yours, kiddo.”

Elodie pursed her lips, considering. “Can we go to the trampoline park?”

Clayton grinned. “Absolutely.”

She hesitated, then slowly sat up, wrapping her tiny arms around his neck.

“I still wish you could come,” she mumbled into his shoulder.

“I know, baby,” he whispered, holding her tightly. “I do too.”

She clung to him for a few more moments before finally pulling back and wiping her nose with the sleeve of her pajama shirt.

“But I do want ice cream for breakfast.”

Clayton chuckled, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “You got it, bug.”

Later that night, when Clayton finally climbed into bed next to Kaia, he let out a long, exhausted sigh.

Kaia turned to face him, brushing a hand over his cheek. “She okay?”

He nodded, wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her close. “Yeah. She still wishes I could be there, but… she’s okay.”

Kaia smiled softly, tucking herself against his chest. “You’re a good dad, Clayton.”

His arms tightened around her. “I don’t feel like it sometimes.”

She looked up at him, her fingers tracing along his jaw. “You are.”

Clayton exhaled, pressing a kiss to her forehead.

“I just never want her to think hockey comes first,” he murmured.

Kaia smiled. “She won’t. Because even when you’re gone, she knows you’ll always come back to her.”

And as Clayton held Kaia close, letting her warmth soothe the ache in his chest, he knew she was right.

Because at the end of the day, hockey was his career.

But they—Kaia and Elodie—were his life.