I stood there, in the shadows of the night, watching them from outside the window. My breath was torn from me. This was my life; how lucky I was. Tears sprung to my eyes as I watched the woman I loved laugh at something one of the children said. How did I ever deserve such a family?  

I itched to go inside and join the warmth, but something stopped me from going in. My mind raced to remember every detail of the scene. A chill ran up my spine, goosebumps covering my body, as an eerie feeling blew through me. I kept staring – my beautiful wife sitting on the worn-out couch in the office with our two children snuggled next to her. A small laugh bubbled inside me. I knew she was trying to read, and the kiddos were supposed to be doing their own reading. AP points were due soon, and knowing my offspring, they waited until the last couple of weeks to get their points in.

Jenna continued to talk, her small rosebud mouth moving quickly. She must have had something exciting to say. I itched to go inside more, yet I wanted one more second to study the details, to smell the air, to remember everything.

Jessica set her book down on the table and stared out the window in my direction. Did she see me? Could she feel my presence? Her lips smiled, her face brightening up. She saw me. She stared at me, knowing I knew she knew I was there.

After edging away from the bush, I let myself into the house, feeling its warmth and love spread through me. I had it all. I wanted nothing more than to come home to this every day.

"Dadddy!" Jace ran to me, his small book flying through the air behind him. His arms were out, waiting, knowing I would swoop him up, no matter how big and heavy he was getting.

Catching him in my arms, I then swung him up, hugging him close to my heart. His smell wafted into my nostrils; he smelled dirty, like a little boy should. I wanted to remember this.

"Hey, Dad," Jenna said from the couch. She was getting so big, too, looking more like her mother every day. Soon I would have to start scaring all the boys away.

"Hey, princess." I set Jace down and walked over to Jessica.

"Hello, my queen." I picked up one of her hands and planted a kiss on top of it. Her hands smelt of vanilla and I longed to rub their softness across my face. I set her hand down gently.

"I thought you were going out tonight? We already had dinner, but I can heat you up something," she said, rubbing the spot on her hand that I kissed.

"I am – I just came home to grab my boots. And to see y'all before bedtime." I ruffled Jenna's hair, causing a scowl to form on her pouty lips.

"Dad!" she shrieked as she jetted off the couch.

Laughing gently, I took her spot next to my beautiful wife, pulling her close to me. Something inside me said to just stay home.

"You are awful – you know she hates that. She worked hard getting her hair perfectly parted down the middle," Jess chided but with a gentle tone, shaking her finger playfully at me.

"I know. I just couldn't help myself. Maybe I'll stay home tonight. The boys don't need me." I sighed as I rubbed my chin into her silky hair. I loved the way the light touched it, like it was playing with the red strands. The darkness of her hair made her eyes even bluer. At times, I swore she could see straight into my soul with them.

Chuckling to myself, if it was true – if she could see into my soul – she would simply find the love I hold for her and the kids.

"Don't go light; I like my dark vixen," I whispered, breathing in her vanilla scent again.

"Go out with the boys – y'all been planning it for days now." She patted my thigh.

"You sure?" I asked, almost hoping she would ask me to stay home.

"Yes. Put the kids to bed before you go though. Jenna likes it when you tuck her in." Jess winked at me as she stood up. Her small cotton shorts were bunched up at the back, showing me her cute rounded butt cheeks. Maybe staying home would be more fun than going out?

After swatting her booty, I stood up, too, and pulled her back into a tight embrace, nibbling on her earlobe. She laughed quietly as she pushed me away with a sly smile and then walked off, her hips swaying behind her.

Yes, I was a lucky, lucky man.