Hayden

If there is one thing my parents is known for, its their love of family. How do they show it? Every year we have a summer barbecue. Every winter just after Christmas we have an end of year or holiday party. And that was today.

I sat in the car waiting for a moment before getting out and heading into my parents home. The home I grew up in. It was my home when I was little. Every time I walked through the door I was brought back to the time when I had nothing to worry about. Stepping inside I could smell the food that my dad was preparing. I set my bag down and walked to the kitchen to say hello. I gave him a quick hug before heading to find my mom. She was in the main area a large room connected to our formal dining room. We used it whenever people were over when I was younger. Which was often. Something I often miss.

"Perfect timing Dumplin'," she smiled as I walked in. I couldn't help but smile at the nickname. That is who I was. I am her Dumpling, always have been, always will be. she gave me a quick hug before she started instructing me.

"Ok, the floors need to be swept and moped, I can do that if you dust the higher shelves then you can help out your dad with the food preparation. I will join you two once this is all finished."
I obediently followed my mother to the laundry room to get the duster from her and began cleaning up the living area.

Once I was finished I returned it to its place and headed to the kitchen to help my dad. The smell that filled my nostrils was one that reminded me I was home. Any stress I felt melted away.

"Your Mom done with you?" My dad joked.
I laughed nodding.
"That woman always trying to do everything herself." He shook his head as he spoke, but the happiness never left his eyes.
"Alright," he clasped his hands together. "Let get started," he motioned to the sink and rolled my eyes slightly.
After washing my hands, my dad handed me a knife and nodded at the assortment of vegetables. "Start chopping boy." He grinned at me.

My mom joined us half an hour later and the fun truly started. I felt like a kid again watching my parents tease each other, the kind words that were exchanged and the off key singing that rang through the kitchen. Some days I wish I could go back in time and live my childhood again.

Memories of dancing around the Livingroom with my mom by standing on her feet while my dad cooked in the kitchen. Or the sleepovers on the couch with my friends. Watching my parents fall deeper in love everyday. One day I would have something like they do. With Ocean if all went as my heart hoped it would.

Once we were finished we stood and admired the spread of food before us. My Dad wrapped an arm around my shoulder and pulled my mom into a big group hug. Standing there with my parents arms around me I felt so happy and free I wished it would never end. Unfortunately, my mom had other ideas.
"Oh dear, people should be getting here any minute now." She broke the hug and rushed away. My dad cracked a small smile as she left shaking his head slightly.

"She's not wrong, we are quite the sight." My dad looked me up and down. "Go change while I finish cleaning this up." He waved me away as he turned to tidy up.

I headed down a familiar path to the one place that would always be my favorite place in the world. Opening the door, I was greeted by the beautiful mural that was painted across the wall. My childhood bedroom hadn't changed at all since I had moved out.

The walls were a deep blue, big windows let in lots of light. The history that lived in these walls brought tears to my eyes. One wall had a detailed mural of the forest. an addition my mother spent hours painting and perfecting.

I quickly changed into the extra clothing I had brought along and headed back out to see my dad exciting the washroom also changed. We made our way back to the Livingroom as a knock was heard.

"First guest is here," my father hollered out to behind him as he led the way to the door. He opened the door to greet the first to arrive.

My moms sister stood in the doorway her family tailing behind slightly.
"Valkyrie!" My dad greeted her with an enthusiastic hug. "Welcome," he stepped aside to allow them to enter.

"Uncle John." I greeted him with a nod before turning to my cousins. "Casper, Maria." I couldn't help but grin at the them before turning my attention to Casper's husband and their little girl. She was only a ten months old, but she was the sweetest little girl. "Hello little Amili," I cooed softly.

"Would you mind holding her while I get my shoes off?" Kadence, Casper's husband offered the little bundle to me. I graciously accepted, happy to hold the little bundle of joy.

We led everyone into the living room as my mother came down the hallway. My dad stared at her as she slowly approached. The awe in his eyes was unmistakeable. When she reached us, my dads was the first to speak.
"I swear you look more beautiful every time I see you." The comment made my mom smile sweetly and her ears flushed red.

I kept little Amili with me as her fathers mingled with the other guests that slowly showed up. There was my moms brother, Navri with his son Hero. the last to arrive were my dads brother, uncle Jake with his wife, Aunt Maribelle. Their two girls came along, Clare and Steffanie.
My mom kept glancing at the door as though waiting for someone else, but everyone was here.

I sat on the floor with little Amili playing with some dino toys her dads had brought along. She was babbling to me as we played.

In a lull in conversation there was a knock at the door.
"I'll get it!" My mom hoped up and hurried to the door that was just out of my sight. I looked at my dad who shrugged. Shaking it off I turned my attention back to Amili.
"Everyone," moms voice rang out across the room. "I would like to introduce Lucas David's and Ocean David's."

Hearing the names my head whipped around and sure enough, next to my mom stood my angel herself. Lucas stood on her other side he had an arm around her and a smile on his face.
Ocean was looking at the floor, but I couldn't help but smile. Now it felt complete. truly. Now the party could begin.