Music for this chapter:
"I Gotta Feeling" by The Black Eyed Peas
"Happy" by Pharrell
"Before I Let You Go" by Beyoncé

Thursday, August 10th, 2023

Kam's POV

"We came over as fast as we could. How is Isabella?" Layla asked.

"She's shaken. She won't let go of Cris. All of the kids are shaken. We took Devin, Rocco, and Dia out of camp. Then Trevor told Cris what that perv said to him. He said the snatching of Isabella is just a beginning of what's to come."

"What is wrong with people?!"

"Ryan, I ask the same questions all the time. We are getting bodyguards for the kids. My uncles, along with Trevor are going to be with us at the daycare center. This is hurtful. What has Cris or I ever done to anyone to deserve what keeps happening to us?"

"Kam, there are just some sick, twisted people in society."

"It really is. I am beyond tired of it." Trevor and Sydney came into the living room. "Layla and Ryan, I want to introduce you to Trevor and his daughter, Sydney."

"Hi, Trevor and Sydney. The two little ones are Logan and Natasha. My other daughter, Braelyn, is upstairs with the kids."

"It's nice to meet you, Layla and Ryan."

"Mrs. Kam, my I go see Bella?"

"Of course, you can, sweetie." Sydney then ran upstairs.

"And with school starting in September, I'm terrified for all of them. Trevor, I never did get a chance to thank you for helping save Isabella."

"You're welcome, Kamea. Father mode kicked in. I would do anything and everything to protect Sydney. Same goes for your family."

"Excuse me for a minute. I heard the doorbell." I checked through the peephole first and saw Shane, Shane Jr., and my dad.

"Hi guys, come on in. Come to auntie, Shane." He left his daddy in a heartbeat. "Thank you, Shane, Shane, and dad for coming. Isabella is upstairs with Cris and the kids. She will be happy to see you. I'll try to get them to come downstairs. Layla, Ryan, and Trevor are in the living room."

"You're welcome. Of course, we had to come."

"I'll be right back." I carried little Shane with me upstairs. First, I knocked on Rocco's door. He said, "Come in."

Devin, Angelo, and Kekoa were in Rocco's room too. My boys were sad, and that's a hurting feeling. "Nonno Kalani and Uncle Shane are downstairs and look who else came to visit."

They looked up and saw me holding little Shane. I saw a little smile on their faces. "I ordered dinner for everyone, and it should be on the way."

"Thanks, mom."

"You're welcome. Come to mama for a group hug." I put Shane down and stood him in the middle. Shane, Angelo, and Logan are the three musketeers. "I love you all very much. We will make it through this. Your dad and I will never let anyone hurt you, understand?"

"Yes, mama." They all went downstairs.

I picked Shane back up. "Sweetie let's go check on Bella." I knocked on the door first. All of the girls were in Bella's room. Isabella was still glued to Cris as they sat on her bed. "Princess, look who came to see you. And, Nonno Kalani and Uncle Shane came to see you too."

"They did?" Isabella says. Her poor, little eyes are red.

"They sure did. They are both happy to know you are safe."

"Bella, baby girl would you like me to carry you downstairs?" Cris asked her.

"Yes, daddy."

Cris stood up with Isabella in his arms. Then, they exited the room.

"I ordered pizza for everyone. I know it's not Cris' pizza, but we all needed something for dinner."

As soon as Bella saw my dad and Shane, she ran to both of them.

"How are you doing, princess?" Shane asked her.

Shane's POV

"I'm scared, Uncle Shane." I wiped Isabella's tears away.

"Sweetheart, you don't have to be scared. Your daddy and Mr. Trevor made sure you were safe. Your Aunt Bliss and I are happy you are safe too. If it is okay with your mommy and daddy, would you like to spend tomorrow with us and the babies? Shane and I will come and get you."

"Can I daddy? Can I go see the babies?"

"Yes, you can go spend the day with the babies."

"Thank you, daddy."

"You're welcome, Princess. And, don't forget your auntie and uncle."

"Thank you, Uncle Shane."

"You're welcome, princess."

"Pizzas here, everyone. Shane, are you and Junior joining us? There is plenty."

"Sure. Thanks, Kam."

**************************************

Friday, August 11th, 2023

Isabella's POV

I knocked on my mommy's door. "Come in."

"I can't sleep. I'm scared, and I had a bad dream."

"Come here, Bella."

I walked over to my mommy and she lifted me onto the bed.

"Bella, baby that was a traumatic experience for you. And, for all of us. Your brothers and sisters were scared too. I thought we lost you. But when Trevor came to tell us you were with Cris, I cried my eyes out in the mall. Cris and I love you, princess. You and Kekoa are my firstborn. A part of me would have been lost if I never saw you again."

"Mommy's right, Bella. No way was I going to let that evil man take you away from us. We love you, Princess. Promise me and your mommy that you will always stay near us? We don't ever want you to feel scared. We want you to feel loved."

"I promise, mommy and daddy. I love you too."

I gave my mommy and daddy a kiss. My mommy hugged me for the rest of the night.

****************************************

Narrator's POV

As promised, Shane came over to pick up Isabella and she spent the day with the twins. She even got to feed them and hold them. Shane and Bliss did as much as they could to block that terrible event from Isabella's mind. And, it worked.

The next test was going shopping again. Isabella was a little scared, but she stuck to Kam like glue. Sydney and Trevor accompanied them, and that made Isabella feel at ease.

The next test would be Isabella's first day of school, which is here.

****************************************

Tuesday, September 5th, 2023

Kam's POV

"Mommy, why are you crying?" Isabella asked me.

"Today is the first day of school for you and Kekoa. And, you look so adorable in your outfit. Layla and Braelyn did a fantastic job designing it."

"Dia looks cute in her outfit too."

"Thanks, mom."

"Okay, now that Bella and Kekoa are officially school kids, I want all of you to look out for each other. We already cleared with the school your bodyguards. I want each one of you to listen to them, understand?" Cris says.

They all answered at the same time, "Yes, daddy."

"And, look out for Sydney too. Now, everyone get your school bags so we can leave."

I took this day off from the daycare center, and the parents understood. Most of the kids are school-age, so starting tomorrow they will be coming in the afternoon.

I'm driving the girls, including Sydney. My dad is watching Gabby and Angelo this morning.

The drive to the kid's school did not take long. We got there in about 15 minutes. They used to take the bus, but after what happened to Isabella, we took them off it.

As soon as we stepped out of my Escalade, the bodyguards escorted us into the school. "Have a great day of school, kids. We'll come to get you."

"See ya, mom and dad." Devin, Rocco, and Dia went with their bodyguards to their classes.

"Let's go to meet your teacher, kids."

"I'll see you when you get home," Cris then says before he walks off.

Sydney, Kekoa, Isabella and I made our way to their class. We entered the classroom and walked over to the teacher.

"Good morning, kids. I'm your kindergarten teacher, Ms. Barrios. And, who do we have here today?"

"Hi, I'm Isabella." My baby girl is growing up so fast.

"I'm Sydney. And, this is my daddy."

"It's nice to meet you, Ms. Barrios. I'm Trevor Noel."

"I'm Kekoa, Bella's twin brother."

"Hi, Ms. Barrios. I am Kamea Fiore, mom to Bella and Kekoa. Would it be okay for me and Trevor to stay today? It's the kids' first day of school."

"Mrs. Fiore, it's not a problem. We actually have a few rows of chairs for first-time parents. I also understand that the kids will be having a bodyguard with them."

"For today, I will be the kid's bodyguard. Tomorrow, it will be their permanent bodyguard. His name is William Ray."

"Okay. Thank you for the info. I'll jot that in my attendance book. Kids, you can pick anywhere you would like to sit. Mrs. Fiore and Mr. Noel, please have a seat in one of the two rows in the back."

"That must be the parents' section, Trevor." We both chuckled as we took a seat. Several other parents joined us to watch the kids. After 15 minutes, the bell rang signaling the class was beginning.

Ms. Barrios' POV

"Good morning, class. Welcome to Kindergarten. I will be your teacher this year. My name is Ms. Marisol Barrios. But you guys can call me Ms. Marisol. How about we go around the classroom and everyone introduces themselves?"

"Hi, my name is Isabella. And, my daddy makes the best pizza."

"Hi everybody. I'm Sydney."

"I'm Kekoa, Bella's twin brother."

The rest of the kids introduced themselves. I marked off their names as they introduced themselves.

"We are going to have so much fun while we learn so many things - our ABC'S, counting numbers, writing your name, etc. Let's get started for today."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kam's POV

The school bell rang, signaling the end of the class. Sydney, Bella, and Kekoa grabbed their bags and ran over to us. We taught the kids their ABCs and how to count to 20.

"How did you enjoy your first day of school?"

"We had fun, mommy!"

"I saw you. I'm proud of both of you. And, you too Sydney."

"Thank you, Ms. Kam."

"Let's go get some lunch at grandpa's restaurant."

"Yay!!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Narrator's POV

Since the threat at the mall, everything is quiet. No attempts on the family has been made.

Isabella and Kekoa love going to kindergarten. Kamea has even made cupcakes and cookies for the class.

Kam and Cris even got permission from the school for her uncle's and father to perform a Hawaiian dance for the school.

Meanwhile, on the down low, Cris has been working on the anniversary party for him and Kamea. Everything will be ready to go on the date selected.

*************************************

Saturday, November 4th, 2023

Cris' POV

Me, Shane, Marco, and Ryan paid for the ladies to have a spa day. While they are occupied, the yard is being transformed for our anniversary party. I told Kamea it was a party for my parents, but it is for us. The ladies are also being driven around in a limo for the day. Once they are done, they will be going shopping for outfits. Well, we already picked fabulous dresses for them with the help of a saleswoman at the store. The limo will arrive back at the house at 5:00 pm sharp. I can't wait to see the dress Kamea has on - yummy.

Bliss was okay for us to have the party in November instead, so that is what we are doing.

The parents and bodyguards are watching the kids. So far since the incident at the mall when Isabella was almost kidnapped, we have not heard a peep of whoever is harassing us. I know one thing; I will not let down my guard.

"Cris, the ladies will be back in about 2 hours. You should go get changed. The kids all have their outfits on, thanks to mom, Adrian, Lesia, and Kim."

"Thanks, Marco." So, that is what I did - went to get ready for the woman of my dreams.

Kam's POV

"Can you ladies believe our husbands picked out our dresses for tonight?"

"I can't wait to see what Shane picked out for me."

"Girl, I know Ryan better had picked a dress with extra material to accommodate my expanding belly," Layla says that causes us to chuckle.

"How do you feel, mama?"

"Other than feeling tired, I am okay. Thanks for asking."

"You're welcome, Layla." We pulled up to an expensive, looking dress shop. Trevor followed us in his SUV. One by one, he helped us out of the limo.

"Thank you, Trevor."

"You're welcome, Kam. I'll be right in the store, but in an area where no one will pay me any attention."

"Okay. Thank you." We all then walked into the store and over to the reception desk.

"Welcome to Flair Clothing Boutique. My name Misty."

"Hi Misty, we are here to get dressed for an anniversary party for my husband's parents. The dresses are under the name of Kamea Fiore."

"Follow me, ladies. I'll take you to your dressing rooms."

We followed Misty to four, separate dressing rooms.

Then, one by one, Misty brought our outfits to us. Those husbands of ours even bought us accessories. We sure are some lucky gals.

It took us about 30 minutes to get dressed.

I stepped out of my dressing room first.

Cris has excellent taste in dresses. He knows me so well.

"Mrs. Fiore, you look fabulous!"

"Thank you, Misty."

Layla was next.

"It's beautiful, Layla. Ryan did an excellent job."

"He sure did. I love it."

"Okay model of the year, let's see what Shane picked for you."

"Shane has excellent taste. It's beyond gorgeous, Bliss."

"Thank you, Kam. I love the detail on it. Junior will too because it is shiny."

"Last but not least......"

"Marco did a fantastic job too. It's stunning, Noeli."

"Thank you, Kam. It really is."

"Ladies, your husbands already paid for everything, so you are ready to go. I brought some bags to place your clothes in."

"Thank you, Misty."

We put our clothes in the bags. Once done, Trevor came to grab them, and we made our way to the limo.

************************************

By the time we pulled up to the house, we saw Cris, Shane, Marco, and Ryan waiting for us.

Cris helps me out, Shane helped Bliss, Ryan helped Layla, and Marco helped Noeli.

"You guys really spoiled us today. Thank you."

"You're welcome. And, my queen you are spoiling me with your presence, and the way you look tonight is too."

"And, you look mighty handsome in your suit."

"Let's head to the backyard. Mom and dad are on the way."

Cris and I intertwined our hands as we walked in the house and to the backyard.

As soon as he opened the door...........

"HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO YOU!"

Everyone started clapping and whistling. And, I saw Isabella and Antonio, holding Gabby and Angelo.

"Happy, belated 5th anniversary, Kamea."

"This party is for us?"

"Absolutely. I told you it was for my parents so you wouldn't get suspicious. Surprise."

I buried my face in Cris' chest and cried for a few minutes. Then, I felt little hands touching me.

"Happy anniversary, mom and dad!!"

I turned away from Cris to give each of the kids a hug and kiss. "Thank you, my princes and princesses. I love you all so much."

We all then walked to a table that was set up for us. Tears were falling from my eyes the whole time we walked to the table.

"Here's a microphone, Kamea."

"You all got me good because I am one of the noisiest people around. This is definitely a surprise. Thank you so much for this." Marco Sr and Noeli appeared from the patio door with huge bouquets of red and white roses. Marco Jr and Sofia were right behind them with their cute little selves.

"Congratulations, Cris and Kam on your 5th year wedding anniversary. You both have been through so much the past 5 years but are still together. Your love for each other is strong, and an inspiration to me and Noeli. We love you both very much and wish you nothing but the best. Give Aunt Kam your roses."

"Congratulations, Kam. And, hope you have many more." Marco and Sofia handed me their roses, and I cried some more. I leaned down to them and kissed their little cheeks. "Thank you, Marco, Marco, Noeli, and Sofia."

Bliss, Shane, and Shane Jr. came over next. Baby Shane looks so darn cute in his little suit.

"Come to Auntie, Shane. You are just too cute for words. The girls are going to hound you when you get older." He came to me, and I planted kisses on his cheeks.

"Kam, it feels like I have known you for more than five years. I remember when Cris came to New York and told me about you being pregnant with Bella and Kekoa. We bonded instantly over the phone. I love you very much. You tell me that I have helped you tremendously. But you have helped me tremendously as well. You both were there for me through the darkest time in my life, and I will never forget that. I love you, and happy anniversary to you, Cris and Kam." Cris held Shane for me, then Bliss and I shared a very long hug.

"Thank you, sis. And, I love you too."

"Congratulations, Kam and Cris. And, these are for you from Raquel, Raeni, and Shane." Papa Shane handed me another bouquet of red and white roses. I gave him a hug too.

"Thank you so much, Shane. And, I'll give the girls a kiss later."

Next was Layla, Braelyn, Natasha, Logan, and Ryan. Shane, Marco, and Logan had on the same adorable suit. Logan will be fighting off the girls too. Each of the kids had roses.

"Happy anniversary, Aunt Kam." Braelyn, Nattie, and Logan then handed me their flowers.

I leaned down to kiss each one of them. "Thank you, my little prince and princesses."

"Kam and Cris, congratulations on your anniversary. Ryan and Shane had to forcefully keep me and Bliss from blabbing about the party."

Everybody chuckled after Layla said that.

"But in all seriousness, you and Cris deserve this moment. You have endured every challenge placed before you, and it is because of the strong bond you have. I am proud of you and Cris. Continue being successful in all that you do. I love you, girly." Layla and I hugged each other for a while too.

"Thank you so much for your support and, I love you too. Thank you, Ryan." I gave him a hug too.

"Your welcome, Kam. And, congratulations on your wedding anniversary."

And, lastly was my babes - Rocco, Dia, Devin, Bella, Kekoa, Gabby and Angelo. The girls had on the same dress. Awww.

My girls are adorable. And the boys too. They matched with Cris.

"Cris we have an amazingly beautiful group of kids."

"We sure do."

"Happy anniversary, mommy and daddy. We love you," the kids said in unison. Then, each of them gave both me and Cris a rose.

I gave each one of them a kiss on their cheeks. "Thank you, my little princes and princesses." The kids then went to take a seat.

"I'm sure everyone is hungry, so I'll keep it short. Thank you all so much for your love and support. I love you all very much."

"I agree with Kamea. Thank you all so much for your support and for coming together to make the party a success. Everyone, please have a seat and dinner will be served."

***********************************

"That was delicious. I'm full, which means it is dance time."

Cris' POV

"Ladies and gentlemen, it's dance time. But first, we have a surprise for the first dance. Fiore kids, make your way to the center of the dance floor."

I grabbed Kamea's hands to lead her to the dance floor.

"Are you going to do what I think is going to happen?"

"Surprise!" My parents brought Gabby and Angelo over to dance with us. I then looked at the DJ and nodded. He played the song we were going to dance to.

https://youtu.be/uSD4vsh1zDA

Once the music played, we started jumping and pumping our fists in the air. The kids taught me how to dance to the song. I'll do whatever to make my family happy.

They had a blast dancing. And, so did I. When the song finished, everyone clapped.

"The next one is for everyone."

https://youtu.be/ZbZSe6N_BXs

We saw baby Shane doing the baby bounce.

"Go, Junior! Go Junior!!" Bliss brought him out to the dance floor. And, guess what? Papa Shane joined us. Everyone got up to dance, even my parents. Adrian and Lesia twirled a little with Raquel and Raeni as well.

I can't wait until we can watch this video for years to come. Everyone clapped after the song ended.

"Now, we know the party is not complete without a Kamea and Bliss dance. So, let's clear some space."

Bliss' POV

"Now that I am baby-free, I couldn't wait for this day. Let's do this, Kam."

https://youtu.be/PtqbTffx0bg

The Frankie Beverly version is one of my mom's favorite songs.

Shane and Cris were shaking their heads. Who cares.

"Go Kami! Go Kami! Go Giggles! Go Giggles!!" My mom and Layla yelled.

After the song ended, we got a standing ovation. Shane ran to me, and I picked him up. "Woo, mommy needs to sit for a minute. Let's go sit down."

"Kids, it's cake cutting time." All of the kids followed Kam and Cris to cut their cake. I saw Shane coming over with two plates.

"I have cake for you, and a small piece for Junior." Junior had his eyes on the cake.

"Dada got some for you." Shane fed us the cake.

"How do you feel after dancing?"

"It felt great. I needed to sit and catch my breath a little though." We saw Kam and Cris taking pictures with the kids.

"In two more years, we will be married for five years, Mr. Landes."

"Time flies when you spend it with the one you love." Shane winked and made me blush.

"Bliss and Shane, come join us for pictures!" Kam yelled.

"Well, that's our cue." Shane and I got up to join everyone for pictures.

Kam's POV

"Thank you, Cris. I will never forget this day."

"You're welcome, love."

"Everyone, say cheese!"

"CHEESE!!!"

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Narrator's POV

Meanwhile, somewhere in Miami.......

Unknown POV

In just a matter of time, they won't know what hit them.

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Opening picture is courtesy of Can Stock Photos - © Can Stock Photo / nancykennedy