Lily was peering into the crib, staring at the sleeping baby with wide eyes. Lucian couldn't hide his smile, it was too damn cute seeing how fascinated Lily was with her niece. He held Violet in his arms who was more fascinated about his tie.
"She sleeps all the time," Lily whined.
"Babies sleep a lot, sweetheart."
She turned to look at him, "Can we watch a movie now?"
He chuckled, she didn't understand why he thought her question was funny. She lost interest so fast he couldn't help but laugh. She pressed a finger to her lips, trying to shush him.
"You'll wake the baby."
She wasn't wrong, Jasmine did steer in her sleep. She made soft noises but never opened her eyes. He was glad she didn't wake up, his wife would get so upset with him. Their fussy baby fell asleep only a few minutes ago. Scarlett wanted a few minutes of peace.
Baking with Olivia in their kitchen gave her peace. Their love for sweets and baking brought them together. They couldn't remember a time where Olivia openly let them know she didn't like Scarlett. They were close friends now.
Lily grabbed onto his hand and dragged him with her. She was done staring at the baby and wanted to watch her favorite movie now. Scarlett did mention making them some popcorn. When they reached the living room, Lucian grabbed the remote to put the blinds down. Lily got excited, sitting down on their navy couch and settling in. He threw the grey fluffy blanket at her, smiling when she laughed and covered herself up. She laid down, curling up in a ball, ready to watch her movie.
He didn't want to keep her waiting so he quickly started the movie and settled in beside her. Violet sat on his lap, resting against him while she focused on the screen too. She held onto his tie, tucking it from time to time to make sure he was still there. Scarlett walked in, bowl in hand and handing it to Lily.
"Careful, okay?" She whispered.
Lily sat up, holding onto the bowl her eyes darting from Scarlett to him as if she was asking permission to eat her popcorn.
"It's all yours." He reassured her.
Violet pointed at the bowl, then she tried to reach for it. Repeating the word pop over again in her small high-pitched voice. Inching away from his lap to grab it. Lily looked conflicted, wanting to share but knowing Violet couldn't have any. Lucian got up, running his fingers through Lily's hair.
"That's yours, sweetheart, I'll get Violet a snack."
Scarlett held out her hands to Violet, "Up?" She asked.
Violet who was distracted from the popcorn, didn't reach for Scarlett right away. She was considering it and when Scarlett repeated it in a sing-songy voice she decided to let go of him and go to Scarlett.
"Let's get you a banana."
She repeated the word banana, a smile being heard in his wife's voice when Violet tried to parrot the word banana. It wasn't quite right, 'nana' and 'pop' two words she kept saying over and over again. While his wife took over, giving Violet her snack he settled on the couch again. Lily snuggled close to him sharing her popcorn with him.
It was nice having the girls over and spending their Sunday afternoon relaxing, watching movies and having great food together. Noah and Kim needed some alone time. It had been a while since they shared a moment together. He made sure his brother and his sister-in-law could spend their weekend together doing nothing. Noah texted him a while ago to let him know how quiet their days had been without the girls around. He didn't doubt that.
Rose was staying with her grandparents, his mother didn't want things to get overwhelming at their house. They had baby Jasmine to take care of. Violet was staying and of course Lily and Olivia. They were both behaving quite well. Olivia helped them quite a lot. She was independent and reliable, but he wanted her to have fun too.
"Liv?" He called.
She popped into the living room, curiously looking at him and Lily.
"Uncle Lucy?"
He glanced over his shoulder, greeting her with a smile, "You want to join us?"
"I have seen this movie seven times already." Olivia sounded tired.
"Eight!" Lily threw in.
He could also believe that. Lily didn't mind watching her favorite movie over and over again, but others were getting annoyed about it. He had to admit that he was growing tired of this movie too but Lily enjoyed it so they tolerated it.
"I don't want to watch it again."
He could understand that. He didn't want Olivia to feel left out though. He also wanted to keep the peace on their Sunday in.
"What do you want to do?" He asked her.
She shrugged, "I don't know."
He gestured for her to come closer. She hesitated but then with a smile crossed the room and sat down beside him.
"Since we watched this movie eight times we can watch something you want." He glanced at Lily who seemed to consider it. Her eyes flickered to Lily. Her little sister wasn't speaking up but he could tell what Oliva was thinking.
She was quite like her father and he couldn't help but feel like hugging her. She was stubborn and didn't hide her feelings when she was displeased she showed it. But she was considerate and protective of her sisters. So much like her dad.
He placed his arm around her shoulders and pulled her in, giving her side hug, "How about you pick dinner instead? We're ordering take-out tonight.'
"I want to choose!" Lily perked up, excited about the idea to decide what they'd eat.
He offered it to Oliva though and he wouldn't back down.
"You picked the movie, sweetheart. Liv can decide on dinner."
Lily didn't protest, maybe she thought it was fair too. Olivia decided on chicken stir-fry and it seemed that Lily didn't mind at all. They watched the movie together, Scarlett joined them nearly at the end of the movie. Violet settled on her lap, looking like she'd fall asleep any minute. The stubborn girl kept opening her eyes and grumble. She wasn't happy but she refused to sleep. She could have dinner with them and sleep afterward.
"She'll fall asleep when we're having dinner," Scarlett told him.
She was probably right.
They had dinner after the movie was finished and when he started to serve dessert Noah and Kim joined them. They were picking up the girls, both of them looked very rested. Kim was greeting her girls, hugging them both while Noah helped him make coffee.
"You passed the ultimate test." Noah joked.
He glanced at his brother, hiding a smile since he knew what Noah was referring to.
"It wasn't that hard, Liv is very helpful."
"She is." Noah agreed, "She's an old soul."
Lucian smiled, "I loved having them around."
Noah grabbed two cups and placed them on the dining table, he then glanced Scarlett who was chatting away with Kim.
"I'm going to check on Jasmine real quick."
Scarlett laughed, "Sure."
Noah was gone the minute Scarlett gave the okay. Kim and his wife shared an amused look. Noah was a family man and he was honestly following in his brother's footsteps. They already discussed the possibility of having another child. Right now Jasmine and Violet were a year apart, it was too soon to have another child but in the near future, they'd consider the possibility again.
He walked over to Scarlett and took the fussy Violet. She needed to sleep, he'd get her ready for bed.
"Thank you for watching them." Kim told him, "We'll finish our coffee and head home. The girls have school tomorrow."
He kissed Kim against the temple and winked at Scarlett who was glowing with happiness.
"We'll meet up soon." He told Kim, he then left the living room heading upstairs to give Violet a bath. He met his brother halfway, "She still asleep?"
"Yes, she's fine." Noah reassured him, "I'll join the girls downstairs."
As Noah walked past him he stopped his brother by calling his name, "I need you to take over tomorrow's breakfast meeting."
"Seriously?" Noah asked he turned around showing his amused smile.
They knew the roles were reversed now.
"I'm taking Violet home first, so I might not make it."
Noah agreed, "Sure, I do owe you a lot."
"It was never an issue, Noah."
"I know you did it because you care about me and my family." Noah grinned, "And now I can return the favor." His eyes flickered to Violet who started to make a fuss, "Take care of her. I need to finish my coffee and head home."
"See you tomorrow."
Noah flashed him a smile and headed downstairs. He walked into Violet's room and started getting her ready for bed.
***
He cleaned up the dining room and kitchen while Scarlett took a shower. He joined his wife in their bedroom, also getting ready for bed. It was nearly eleven but he was already exhausted. He was sure the minute his head hit the pillow he'd be out. As he walked out of the bathroom, freshly showered and feeling warm and mushy he glanced at Scarlett who was already curled up underneath the covers. She wasn't doing any better than him.
"You okay?" He asked her.
He crawled into bed too and smiled when she rolled over to look at him. She looked exhausted too.
"I had fun." She whispered.
"Me too."
She closed her eyes, letting out a tired sigh, "I am so tired though."
He chuckled quietly, "Me too."
She opened her eyes, "I don't regret a thing."
He didn't regret a thing either, he loved spending time with their family.
"Can you imagine having Rose over too."
She quietly laughed, "We managed to survive this long weekend, but I'm glad your parents could watch over Rose. That would have been a real struggle."
He leaned closer to her and kissed her forehead, "When you need a break just let me know. Noah and Kim already mentioned wanting to return the favor."
"They're amazing, but for now we're good."
He enjoyed the busy life too. He was sure eventually they'd take his brother and sister-in-law's offer and escape this for a weekend. That was okay too, they could count on their family. Scarlett fitted right in, he couldn't imagine his life without her.
"Thanks."
She looked confused by that, "Why are you thanking me?"
He brushed her hair out of her tired face, "For taking a chance on me."
Her eyes sparkled, "The minute I saw you I knew we'd be good together."
"You weren't wrong."
She grinned, "I rarely am."
There was her mischievous and playful side again. These days she wasn't quite the temptress but every so often she showed that side of her and he loved it. He couldn't get enough of it. She temped him when she decided he was it for her and he was glad that she did.
This was possible because she held onto him and didn't let go.
So thanking her was all he could do because she gave him a life he never thought he'd be able to live. Now he couldn't imagine his life without his wife and kids.
"I suppose I have to concede, you are rarely wrong."
She looked wide awake then, she placed her hand on his chest and pushed him on his back. Without warning, she straddled him, both her hands pressing down on his chest. Her hair fell down, covering them both. He reached out, brushing those long locks back and smiling when she looked at him with eyes filled with lust which she only showed him.
"Are you going to tempt me again?"
She leaned down, brushing her lips against his ear, "Don't try and hide it, you love this."
He placed his hand on the back of her head and closed his eyes, enjoying the feel of her lips trailing over his neck. She was teasing him, biting and kissing his skin.
"I do love it."
She laughed when she was distracted he grabbed onto her hips and spun them around. He hovered above her, looking her in the eyes and feeling nothing but love for the woman beneath him. She was beautiful even with her hair messed up and her smile a little off due to exhaustion. He kissed the corner of her mouth, ignoring the annoyed grumble from her.
"I should be a good husband and let you sleep." He whispered to her.
She grabbed onto the back of his shirt when she felt him pull away, "You should be a good husband and give me an orgasm or two. Then I can sleep peacefully."
Laughing he grabbed onto her hips and leaned down, covering her mouth with his. He'd be a good husband and give her what she wanted. She knew she had him wrapped around her finger, but she'd never abuse that power. He'd never let go of his temptress.