AUTHOR'S POV  

The weather throughout this Sunday was the kind that felt like a kiss of summer without the fiery heat of noon time in August. The grass a soft green. The sky a shade darker than baby blue that had enough pristine white clouds to show how beautiful the sky truly is...how perfect. It had been a beautiful and peaceful day that slowly transitioned into the night that rode in on a horse of midnight velvet beckoned by the stars under the glow of a full moon. As the colors of the day rest the hillside becomes its monochrome beauty...shapes that make an ever-changing, ever-present puzzle. The warmth of the evening weather was also perfect for those who opted for a stroll along the bridge with their significant other or finding a spot on the well landscaped grounds to rest their backs on a crisp, thin sheet to gaze up into the starry sky. The entire weekend had been an enjoyable one for Larry and Laurent Bourgeois who needed to unwind after a long week of work. Laurent didn't use one moment of his time to grade tests and other assignments though he has quite a load to review as a professor of mathematics at the local university. He just wanted to spend some quality time with the ones he loves so he will use the time he has in between classes as well as his office hours to get some work graded. Larry can certainly understand his husband's pile of papers that need attention as his career as the managing partner of a marketing firm keeps him quite busy as well. Maybe not so much work at home but definitely in the office where there's nonstop activity. This week was no exception so it felt good to spend time with Laurent and they're ending this beautiful Sunday night exploring something new. The warm weather outside is definitely a contrast to the environment they're in now. The cold fog in the atmosphere has a whirlwind of a winter wonderland and several patrons are on the indoor ice skating rink having a blast of a time. The sound of the metal blades on the skates against the ice is a like a crunching sound that's oddly very pleasing to the ear. Some people are whisking by on the ice ever so smoothly. Others are a bit slower and exercising caution as it's their first time so they have to become acclimated to the ice beneath them. Some are falling to the cold ice in their attempts to skate belting out a sound from the pain one would feel hitting hard ice but it's typically followed up with laughter as the overall aura is too exciting not to. The cold air flowing through is like an icy breeze whispering over skin whilst painting cheeks a color of rosy red. Everyone's experience on the ice is different. Some may describe it difficult...an arena of challenge, courage and effort. Some may describe it as flying...gliding on silvery, ice cold wings that symbolizes rising above the trials of the everyday. Many or even all may describe it as fun...slipping, sliding whilst laughing and joking. Others may describe it as art...spinning and jumping or dancing the way so few can. However one describes it, the pleasant looks on everyone's faces means that they all can agree that their time here can only be described in one word. Heaven. Holding hands Larry and Laurent enter the rink together and slowly push forward. They wobble a little and giggle as they do but the wobbling eventually decreases though their speed remains slow and cautious. Their hands also remain connected. Slowly but surely their glides become smoother and one of them believes that he can push himself along...

Laurent: "Bebe I think I can do this on my own now. How about you"?

Larry: *smile* "Yeah I'm going to try on my own too". 

Laurent: *smile* "Oki. On three we let go". *pause* "One...two...three". 

They slowly drop hands and Laurent gets a little ahead of himself and pushes forward. Larry's eyes go slightly wide and it makes his heart jump a little...but when Laurent is seemingly skating without any problems he relaxes. Suddenly he sees Laurent losing balance...his arms and body flailing so his eyes go wide again. He isn't far enough to grab Laurent's hand to help him balance so he can only hope that he makes it to him in time to stop him from going down. Then he sees Laurent's body uncontrollably spin around then down it goes and crashes against the ice. Larry presses his lips together as if he's trying to hold back a laugh because of the way he's just lying there. By the time he reaches him his stomach is in knots from laughing so hard but when he bends down in front of him he tries his best to keep that laughter inside. He extends his hands and the moment Laurent grabs onto them Larry lightly tugs to help him sit up...

Larry: "You oki baby"?

One good look at his loves face and Laurent can see the obvious which doesn't upset him at all as he loves to see Larry in this element no matter what it's a result from... 

Laurent: *smile* "You were laughing at me". 

Larry realizes he didn't do a very good job trying to contain his laughter so Laurent saying that prompted him to burst into laughter with laughing tears nearly pouring from his eyes...

Larry: *laugh* "I'm sorry baby". 

Laurent: *laugh* "No you're not". 

Larry's hearty laughter eventually dies down thought that gorgeous smile remains...

Larry: *smile* "You're just so funny. Even when you're not trying to be funny you are". 

Laurent: *chuckles* "Well I love to see you laugh so it's oki". 

Larry takes care standing up and once he's fully balanced he helps his love up. They make the decision to stay close together as neither of them were as ready as they thought to go solo. Well, Laurent mostly. As the minutes go by their technique improves and they have a blast together. Laurent doesn't fall anymore but he does make Larry laugh just by being his usual goofy self. They eventually skate up an appetite and the aroma from the facility's food stand smells divine so they decide to end their time in the rink to go over and hope that it's as good as it smells. After changing back into their shoes they head for the restroom first to wash their hands then over to the food stand. There's an abundance of choices on the menu ranging from traditional french cuisine to Italian and American. They decide on good ole fashioned chili dogs having two each along with orders of fries and sodas to wash it all down. They find a free bench and after a silent prayer they smile at each other as they bring their hot dogs in to tap as if they're clanking glasses for a toast then take their first large bite. The hot steam from the hot dogs swirls in the air and being freshly made they're quite delicious so they both let out an, "mmm" at the savory flavor. As they munch away their focus goes back to the rink and they watch everyone having a good time. Halfway through their first hot dog they look at each other...

Larry: *smile* "This was so much fun baby. Thank you". 

Laurent: *smile* "Welcome my love. I knew you would love it". *pause* "I bet Kaylee and Emma would love it too". 

Larry: *smile* "I was just thinking that. They would love it so we should bring them here soon". 

Laurent: *smile and wink* "That's a great idea". 

With that in agreement Larry winks back at his love and they go back to eating. Larry finds himself stealing looks at Laurent while he basically inhales his food and internally giggles at the sight. This wasn't a typical date for them as those are usually a romantic dinner with top notch meals...but they don't always have to dine in the finest restaurant for it to be a great date. A beyond fun time ice skating followed by a hot dog meal feels just as great because it was time with the love of his life and as he watches Laurent he's reminded that it really is the simple things that matter the most...

*****

Being in such frigid temperature it was a relief to step outside into the warmth. They also stepped into a beautiful night and the sky had never been so full of stars before. Now en route to home they converse about how awesome of a weekend they've had and trying ice skating for the first time together was the perfect top off. Of course tomorrow brings the start of the work week so they mentally prepare for that as their careers can be quite demanding but for now it's just them and soon...the other parts of them...

Laurent pulls into the garage and their smiles have magnified because of who they're anxious to see though they don't necessarily rush inside because they're certain of what's happening at this very moment given what time it is so they quietly enter the home. Laurent takes care to place his keys down softly and they take baby steps forward...stopping just as the living room opens up to their large, beautiful home. Right before their eyes they see mama sitting in the middle of the couch and on each side of her are their sweet little angels, Kaylee Brielle and Emma Grace who they adopted when they were newborn baby bundles of joy. Now they're growing into the most amazing little ladies who have an incredible bond with each other. Larry and Laurent had been itching to start a family not soon after they were married. They thought the process would be an arduous one since their marriage is unorthodox to most...but it was surprisingly yet pleasantly an easier process than they thought it would be and since the day each one became apart of them life has been truly amazing. Clad in their pajamas they're snuggled tightly next to mama who they affectionately call grandmere (grandmother) and she's reading them one of their favorite bedtime stories, "Oh, The Places You'll Go", in her soothing motherly voice. Larry and Laurent vividly recall that voice from their own childhood when she read bedtime stories to them. Kaylee is a creative and clever seven year old who enjoys reading and drawing. She's also very musically inclined so she has weekly violin lessons. She adores her little sister and even though they have their typical sister squabbles from time to time she's still very protective over Emma like the awesome big sister she is... 

Emma Grace is a precocious and wonderfully sweet little lady who enjoys most activities that are typical for her age group such as playing with her dolls and make-believe. When she mastered walking they noticed that she walked on the balls of her feet a lot and she was always twirling so she has weekly ballet lessons. At only five years old she already has a sassy personality and also has the ability to make her family laugh whether it's with silly faces or her wit...

She absolutely adores her big sister and looks up to her which is always beautiful to see. Larry and Laurent stay hidden and look on with heart eyes at the sight of them completely intrigued by their grandmere. Their eyes are locked on the book as if they're reading along while mama's voice is soft yet animated as well for the full effect. They caught the tail end of the story and once she's finished she slowly closes the book then looks at each of them with a smile. Then she hears a sweet little voice... 

Emma: "Grandmere"?

Mama: "Yes sweetie"?

Emma: "I love when you read us bedtime stories". 

Mama: *smile* "I love it too, my little Emma". 

Kaylee: "Grandmere? Do you think our papas will be home before we go to bed"?

Mama: *smile* "I don't know sweetie but if not you will see them first thing in the morning when they're getting you ready for school and making breakfast, oki"?

Kaylee: "Yes grandmere", she replies softly. 

Larry and Laurent can't hold back after hearing Kaylee ask about seeing them before they go to bed so with wide smiles they step into the living room with Laurent announcing, "we're home". Kaylee and Emma's eyes light up and they get down from the couch to rush right over as they semi-yell, "papas"! Emma runs right to Laurent as Kaylee runs to Larry and in sync they pick them up, kiss their cheeks then hug them ever so tightly yet gently. They switch of course to get hugs from each then sweetly talk to them...

Larry: *smile* "Were you both good for your grandmere"?

Emma: "Yes papa but we missed you". 

Larry: "Aww we missed you too baby".  

Mama stood to her feet when the girls ran over to them and she's been standing in place watching their interaction. Larry and Laurent eventually put them down then dropped to their level as they asked about their evening...

Laurent: *smile* "What did you and your sister do while we were away"?

Kaylee: "We played games with grandmere and Emma tried to cheat". 

Emma: "I did not"!

Larry: *chuckles* "Heeyyy. Now is that how sisters are supposed to behave"?

The sisters look at each other then back at papa Larry with the most innocent of faces as they both reply with a soft voice, "no papa" in sync... 

Larry: *smile* "Those are my big girls", he replies softly. 

Laurent: *smile* "Oki now we want you both to go and brush your teeth then get ready for bed. I'll come and tuck you in soon". 

Kaylee and Emma nod then take off to do as they were told while Larry and Laurent put their focus on mama who's still smiling...

Laurent: *smile* "So everything was oki tonight". 

Mama: *smile* "Everything was great son. They were my sweet little princesses and Ayden was perfect too". 

Laurent: "I take it he's asleep"?

Mama: "Yes he is. He fell asleep about an hour ago". 

Laurent: "Well we don't want to wake him up but we'll peek inside to get a look at him".

Mama chuckles then nods so Laurent takes Larry's hand in his and they make the few steps over to a bedroom. Once they're at the door Laurent looks back at Larry who smiles as he playfully mouths, "shhh". Laurent smiles back and nods then as quietly as he can opens the door. They're expecting to tip toe over so they can look down at that sleeping face...but instead they see a little head with his chin resting on the crib and two tiny bottom teeth showing...

Seeing that he's very much awake he steps inside with Larry right behind him and they walk over to his crib as they smile widely at him...

Laurent: *playful gasp* "I spy someone who woke up when he heard us come in". 

Ayden pushes himself on his feet and with a firm grip on the crib he begins bouncing when he sees them coming towards him as well as hearing that baby voice from Laurent who immediately picks him up then kisses his cheek. Larry delicately takes hold of that tiny hand and he, too, speaks to him in a baby voice...

Larry: *smile* "Hey baby boy. We missed you. Did you miss us"?  

Ayden gazes at him and barely a second later he leans forwards and extends his arms which means it's now time for Larry to hold him. Larry's response is a sweet, "aww" and the minute Ayden is in his arms he kisses his forehead. Laurent merely watches their interaction with a smile. Larry is looking lovingly at him and in a sweet, playful manner, "you know you have to go back to sleep".  Ayden of course doesn't understand those words being only ten months but because the words were in the soft tone of voice that he always hears often from his parents he begins kicking his legs in excitement prompting laughter from them...

Laurent: *smile* "I think it will take some time getting him back to sleep". 

Larry: *chuckles* "Yeah it will".

They spend the next few moments connecting with their baby boy and it warms their heart to see how happy he always is when he sees them. Larry and Laurent can mentally and happily go back to the moment they confessed to each other that they wanted to expand their family. Life was beautiful with Kaylee and Emma of course but they also knew they wanted a son. Before they went forward with another adoption they had a talk with the girls and when asked if they wanted a baby sister or baby brother they happily exclaimed, "a baby brother"! Their sweet little girls who were not only on board and as happy as can be but also wanting a boy as much as they did was only confirmation that this now family of five was meant to be. As Laurent watches his love with their son now he recalls the day they brought him home. Mama came over to stay with the girls who later told them that they were impatient due to the excitement seeing him. Ayden was sound asleep in Larry's arms so he playfully mouthed, "shhh" to them when they came home. He carefully sat on the couch as to not wake him up and the girls instantly gravitated to him. Whenever they spoke it was in a soft whisper as they, too, didn't want to wake their new baby brother up. They occasionally took their fingertips to gently touch the top of his hand as they smiled at him. That moment was priceless and from that day to the next life with these three amazing jewels has been nothing short of perfection. Laurent is jolted out of the sweet memory with the sound of mama at the door so they turn in that direction and as she's walking towards them...

Mama: "I just wanted to tell you that the girls have brushed their teeth and they're in their rooms now". 

Laurent: "Oki. Thank you mama". 

Mama: *smile* "Welcome son. So you two had a good time"?  

Laurent: *smile* "We had a great time". 

Larry: *smile* "Laurent surprised me by taking me ice skating. We're going to take the girls there very soon". 

Mama: *smile* "They would love that son". *pause* "Well I'm leaving now but...." *looks at Ayden* "I will see you tomorrow, little one". 

Ayden smiles beautifully at his grandmere for he loves her just as much as he loves his parents...and his awesome big sisters too... 

Larry: "Thank you again mama. We had a really good time". 

Mama: *smile* "Anytime son". 

After giving her three boys a kiss she turns around to leave. Once they hear the front door close and lock Laurent looks at Larry...

Laurent: "Bebe see if you can get him to go back to sleep while I go and tuck the girls in".  

Larry: "Oki baby". 

Laurent steps away and the first room he stops by is Kaylee's. She's sitting on her bed criss cross style with an open book resting on her legs. Laurent lightly chuckles but he also loves that she loves books so much and can't get enough of them. He and Larry discovered this when she was around the age of four and have certainly encouraged her by purchasing books often. He merely watches her for a moment as he really doesn't want to interrupt her but she does have school tomorrow so he walks inside. She feels his presence and looks up...

Kaylee: *smile* "Hi papa"! 

Laurent: *smile* "Hey my love. What are you reading"?

Kaylee: *smile* "A Bear Called Paddington". 

Laurent: *smile* "Yeah? Is it good"?

Kaylee: "Yes papa. I love it".   

Laurent: "I'm glad you love it bebe. Now it's time for bed". 

Kaylee: "Oki", she replies softly. 

Laurent gently takes the book from her then puts it on the bookshelf in the midst of the large collection that's incurred over the years then turns around to see Kaylee sliding under the covers. Now standing next to her he makes sure she's fully covered then looks down at her...

Laurent: "Sweet dreams my love", he whispers. 

Kaylee: "Goodnight papa. I love you". 

Laurent: "I love you too". 

After a soft kiss to her forehead he turns around to head for the door. He turns back around to see that her eyes are closed so he smiles then turns off the light but leaves the door slightly cracked because he knows Larry will come by to give her a kiss goodnight. Next stop is Emma's room and when he pushes the door open he notices that her back is turned while playing with her dolls. Laurent speaks loud enough for her to hear him but low enough so he doesn't alarm her. He calls out, "hey you" prompting Emma to turn around and just as her big sister smiled at him she does the same but also runs over to jump in his arms then gives him a big hug in which he gently hugs her back. He then pulls away to look sweetly at her...

Laurent: *smile* "You're supposed to be in bed". 

Emma: *giggle* "I know". 

Laurent: *chuckles* "Well let's get there". 

Laurent sets her down and as he walks over to her bed to pull the covers back Emma walks over to the wall where a hanging calendar is. She picks up the marker next to it and draws a big X over this day which she's been doing since the month started as a countdown to her birthday this Saturday...

Emma: "Guess what papa"?

Laurent: *smile* "Tell me". 

Emma: "My birthday is in six days". 

Laurent: "Yes it is my love. Are you excited for your party"?

Emma: *smile* "Yeah"! 

Laurent: *smile* "We're excited too". *pause* "Oki bebe. Bedtime". 

Emma walks over to her papa who picks her up and gently places her in bed. Her head softly crashes against the pillow and Laurent goes to pull the cover over her when he notices that her favorite bear is at the foot of the bed so he picks it up to give to her which she instantly brings it into her. He makes sure she's under the comforter and also drops a soft kiss to her forehead then whispers, "sweet dreams princess". Emma is adorably rubbing her eye as she replies, "I love you papa" so Laurent whispers again, "I love you too bebe". Those beautiful eyes close so Laurent quietly stands up and heads for the door then turns the light off but leaves the door cracked just as he did with Kaylee's. He stops by the nursery to peek inside. He's cradled in Larry's arm whose rocking ultimately resulted in Ayden falling back into a deep sleep. Laurent was sure it would take some time to get him to sleep as he was so excited...but he's also not surprised as Larry just has that magic touch. Larry feels his presence so he looks up and smiles. Their exchange will be in a whisper...

Laurent: "The girls are in bed and should be asleep now. I'm going to get ready for bed too". 

Larry: "Oki baby. I'll be in there soon". 

Laurent winks at him...but the way he does is very familiar to Larry so it makes him blush essentially so he shyly takes his eyes off of him and places them back on Ayden then stands up to walk over to put him in his crib. Just as Laurent was sure he would Larry stops by the girls rooms. He goes to Kaylee's first who's always angelic when she sleeps. He smiles then bends down to give her a kiss followed by a whisper of, "sweet dreams. I love you". He then makes his way to Emma's room who's also angelic when she sleeps. He bends down to give her a kiss followed by, "dream some sweet dreams baby girl. I love you". Now he's making his way to the bedroom and he can feel butterflies in his tummy as he knows how this night to a near perfect weekend will end...

*****

The sun has long gone to rest and the moon has taken its place. Silence has consumed the entire street and each home alongside is in darkness as it's far late into the evening. Every few seconds the owl belts out a series of hoots before expanding its large, rounded wings to take flight and ultimately landing on another tree branch. The owl is a living definition of beauty in life. If pictures are a thousand words then this creature would be a novel. Inside a warm and quiet home Larry's eyes were closed and his mouth had fallen open...remaining so for minutes on end as Laurent moved powerfully inside of him. When Larry entered the room Laurent was already in bed and the look on his face was as if he had been waiting patiently for this man to appear. Larry tried to keep his cool but internally he was screaming at how amazing Laurent looked resting his back against the headboard with the covers pulled up but stopping just at his torso and what was to ensue. The TV was on a low volume and when Larry walked inside Laurent's sultry eyes slowly went from the screen to Larry's eyes. That set the tone for that very passionate moment and it was pure bliss in every minute that passed. When their simultaneous release was upon them they did their best to subdue their shrieks and were successful. Now freshened up but in that same state of bliss Larry's head is upon Laurent's chest as they rest in silence. There's a soft caress on Larry's arm by his love that can easily put him in a deep sleep but he's thinking about their date night and mentioning how the girls would love ice skating. They had so much fun and he knows Laurent is just as eager to take Kaylee and Emma so they can experience the same joy... 

Larry: "Baby I was thinking that we should take the girls ice skating Friday. Emma's birthday party is Saturday but we can celebrate for the whole weekend. She will love that". 

Laurent: *smile* "Yeah she will. Kaylee will love it too because it will make her happy to see her sister so happy".  

Larry: *smile* "I know. I love how much they love each other". 

Laurent: "It's beautiful". 

Larry: "So beautiful". *pause* "When we're having breakfast tomorrow we will tell them". 

Laurent: "I can't wait to see the look on their faces. They will be so excited". 

Larry: "And happy", he whispers. 

Laurent: "That's the most important thing", he whispers back. 

Larry raises his head to look at him and they engage in intense yet loving eye contact before Laurent drops his head to connect with Larry in a deep, sensual kiss. They pull away with a soft pop and Laurent whispers...

Laurent: "Get some sleep my love". 

Larry: "You too baby". 

Laurent's response is a gentle kiss to his forehead then Larry goes back to resting on Laurent's chest. Laurent makes sure the alarm is set then relaxes more into the bed and with a tight grip on his love he thinks about what's to come this week. There's nothing they want more than to make their beautiful children happy and just the thought of the following morning as they share this surprise then watching their reaction makes him smile. If telling them makes him smile he can only imagine what he will feel to see them having a great time then watching their baby girl blow out the candles on her birthday cake at her sweet six birthday party. With their three little loves and surrounded by all who love them it's definitely a time to look forward to...

----------------------------- 

A/N: Hey my loves. New year, new story as promised! This story will definitely be a challenge and will heavily take me out of my comfort zone. It's also for sure to elicit some powerful emotions as it goes along so please be prepared. I wasn't away for long but it still feels good to be back lol. I hope you all enjoyed! If so, please vote and sound off in the comments. I'll be replying soon! Love you guys. :)