I close the book as I hear the low snores of our 7-year-old twin sons, Ashton and Wyatt. I move quietly around their bedroom, tucking them in. Alsie peeks her head for the tenth time. I shoo her away as I walk out of the room.

"I'm starving." She yawns as we walk downstairs to the kitchen.

"You could have eaten, you didn't have to wait for me." I pat her butt and she swats at my hand. "But, I'm happy you waited."

"I wasn't waiting for you necessarily. I have no self-control when it comes to Charlotte's bake ziti. It was best to wait for you so I wouldn't eat it all." She smiles taking the pan out of the oven. Perfect she was keeping it warm—I'm ready to chow down. I grab two plates from the cabinet and she got the utensils.

She scoops the baked ziti on our plates and we dig in.

I didn't think this would be possible for me. With Alsie I'm happier more than ever. She has made me the luckiest man alive, by becoming my wife but most importantly giving me not one but three kids. Our twin boys and 5-year-old daughter Quinn.

"So," Alsie starts. "I know you said you don't want to do anything for your birthday, but—"

"Babe no."

"You only turn 46 once." She adds and I mentally cringe. "You're a hot sliver fox who deserves to be celebrated." She winks at me.

"Don't blow smoke up my ass, the answer is still no. I don't want a party. How about we go to one of the restaurants for a nice family dinner? I think that would be better." Every year I tell her no and then she always manages to do something. So I don't know why I bother. I'm only wasting my breath.

"Fine, I won't do anything." She pouts.

Oh lord. "Fine. Whatever you want to do I'll do it." I sigh. The last thing I want is to hurt my wife's feelings.

Her face lights up and she stands up straight. "Really?"

"Yes, really." I chuckle.

"Perfect." She grabs her phone texting away. "BRB." She rushes off to God knows where and comes back with my laptop. "Here, check your email."

"Why?" I look at her suspiciously.

"Just do it." She does a little happy dance. "Hurry. I have to check on Quinn—" Before she could finish her sentence our daughter cries out. Alsie sucks her teeth rushing out of the kitchen, telling me to check the email.

To:

From:

CC:

Date:

Subject:

To celebrate our eldest brother turning to dust, I'm officially coming out of party email retirement. As you all know a party isnt a party without liquor—however, we fuckers have kids now so don't drink yourself to death. Speaking of kids if they're under the age of 21 they cant come—look for childcare now—I love my nieces and nephews but not that much for them to be at this party. Charlotte will be cooking so come with empty stomachs—expect Caroline she still has two more months before hers is empty again. Also. Fellow parents who have children over the age of 21—they get out of hand I'm kicking them out. If any of our nieces bring a guy I'll be watching them like a hawk—no hanky panky on my watch! This party will be held at our hotel, Carrington. I already reserved all of our rooms so we don't have to drive home Friday night—we're getting wasted. Remember this party is Darren. So bring your wrinkle ass!

On that note,

Peace out Fuckers!

****

I close the laptop laughing. Of course. Everett still knows how to type up these emails after what almost two decades of hibernation. I had a feeling Alsie and Everett were up to something.

She walks back into the kitchen with a smile on her. "I had to do a lot of errands for him to send that email. Kenza and Charlotte told me how Everett was the party email god in college. I just had to have him do this one for you. Did you like it?"

I open my arms and she fits perfectly. I look at her smiling face. "I love it and I love you, Mrs. Reed."

"And I love you more Mr. Reed," she says kissing me. Now, this is how you fall in love. It wasn't meant to be easy, it was meant to show us how much we really do love each other. I wouldn't change our journey one bit.