Epilogue ch 2 - Asmodeus
2 years later
It was December, and Christmas was right around the corner. We would be celebrating this year with four kids. Waverly had just turned one, which meant now we could start getting her presents to open and enjoy. We planned to have a family outing at the same Christmas tree farm we went to together for our first Christmas, but this time we would be picking a tree as a family of six.
Just like last time, we had to make a reservation ahead of time. I picked a date and time that was about two weeks out from Christmas. I had told Blair the plan to ensure the kids were ready on time. I didn’t want us to be late.
“I swear to all that’s holy! Belthor! Draven! If you don’t get your butts down here right this instant, you will feel the wrath of satan! We need to leave! Don’t make me come up there and grab you!” I yell from downstairs.
Although they were only four, having twin boys wasdefinitely pure chaos and madness. They were constantly up to something and causing some mischief. They shared a bedroom together, and were each other’s best friends. They spent more time outside than indoors, which I appreciated. They needed to run around and get some of their energy out. But they sure did love to cause a ruckus.
I see them round the corner from the stairs and I close my eyes, pinching the bridge of my nose as I sigh. They weren’t even fully dressed yet. Of course not.
“Where are your pants?” My voice booms, a vein in my forehead throbbing. The boys snickered, knowing they were getting on my nerves.
Draven shrugs his shoulders as Belthor tries to look innocent. “Blair! Where are the boys’ pants?” I yell.
“In the laundry room!” She yells, unsure where she is in the house. I know she was getting Waverly ready.
The twins were about to turn five in February, and they were already a handful. We found out that Draven had clairvoyant powers like Blair did. I knew Belthor was a bit jealous that his twin got them, but he didn’t. Unfortunately for him, that’s what happens when you are fraternal twins and not identical. Draven had just started noticing this year simple auras and others’ feelings. Blair was going to be working with him on honing his gifts. Over the past few years, her powers have truly grown. I’m impressed with how far she has come with her abilities.
I stalked into the laundry room to get their pants and base layers since it was supposed to be a frigid evening. I grabbed the boys’ clothes and handed the garments to them as they had waited for me in the living room in their underwear and shirts.
Felicity came down the stairs with Blair and Waverly, all three of them dressed and ready to go.
“Alright, family! Did everyone go pee before we leave? We got about an hour’s drive ahead of us, and we are going to make it on time.” I hear multiple yeses from everyone. We go into the laundry room that also acts as our mudroom where all our jackets are hung and our shoes are put away. Everyone puts on their shoes and grabs a hat and jacket.
We had to get a bigger vehicle for all of us to fit, buying a nice SUV that seats eight people. Again, I was being a bit presumptuous with how much room we would need for the future. I planned accordingly.
We got there with no issues; there was a light flutter of snow on our drive there. Before we got out of the car, I turned around and gave the kids my sternest look and voice, “You need to behave and listen while we are here, no running off, Belthor and Draven. I know you’re excited, but this isn’t the place to run amok. Since it’s evening and you’re wearing pants and jackets, I will allow you to not use your glamour, just be cautious of people seeing you, okay?” All three of our kids nod their heads in understanding.
I give them a big smile. “Alright! Let’s go pick out a Christmas tree as a family.” We hop out of the SUV and group up. Blair has Waverly in the baby carrier that’s strapped to her chest, and Felicity is holding my hand.
“Let’s get the biggest one we can find!” Belthor yells as Draven pumps his fist in the air in agreement.
“We can do that, but we pick as a family, got it?” Using my dad voice.
“Yes, Dad,” the twins respond at the same time. We walk into the farm, going through the rows of trees they have,looking at each one. It seems most of the larger trees are in the back of the farm, so that’s where we head to. They have some string lights hung up. The lights turned on and creating a gentle, cozy glow and atmosphere.
It takes us about thirty minutes before I notice the boys jumping up and down, pointing to a giant tree they found. “This one, this one!” They say excitedly. I examine the tree, making sure it’s healthy and has no issues. I look over at Blair for her opinion, and she has a dopey smile on her face, gazing lovingly at the boys and then finally at me. Her eyes are filled with love and contentment as she nods her head.
“Sure, we can get this one. It looks like a solid tree. Boys, Felicity, I’m going to need you to go stand by your mother and stay by her side while I cut the tree down.” All three of them go and stand next to her, as they all get out of the way for me. It only takes a maximum of ten hits before the tree falls. We have them take it over to the spot where they shake and bale the tree for us. I pay for it and then we hoist it on the roof of the SUV, holding it down with straps.
As we head back home, the snow is starting to fall and the roads are quiet. Since it’s already evening time and the sun is down, I’m sure everyone is hungry. I stop somewhere to grab a bite to eat before we get home. By the time we get home, it’s almost nine in the evening. Waverly is asleep in her car seat, and Belthor and Draven are nodding off, resting their heads against each other. I’m not sure if I should wake them up or try to carry them into the house and place them in their beds.
“I’ll get Waverly in the house and ready for bed if you want to handle the boys,” Blair whispers. I nod my head in agreement. Felicity is quiet, but awake.
I open the door for her to get out and bend down, talking to her at eye level. “Alright baby girl. Are you okay getting ready for bed yourself, or do you want help?” I ask her quietly.
“I’m okay, Daddy, I can get myself ready. Will you come tuck me in and read me a bedtime story after?” she asks.
“Of course I will. let me get the boys in bed and then I’ll be there.” I kiss her forehead before she walks into the house. I couldn’t believe she was six now and already in first grade.
I take the boys in individually, placing them in the bottom bed of their shared room. Once I read Felicity her bedtime story and tucked her in, I went back out to the garage to get the fir tree and set it up in the living room. I don’t notice Blair until her arms are wrapped around my waist.
“Tonight was really special, thank you.” She murmurs.
I turn around so I can see her, my hand cupping her cheek. “Of course, anything for you.” I bend down to give her a gentle kiss on the lips before we go to bed ourselves, having this quiet moment to ourselves.
