Chapter 93: First Crushes and Birthday Plans

The morning sunlight poured through the windows, spilling across our living room in a golden haze. Ten years had changed so much—our girls had grown taller, their voices richer, their personalities more defined—but even now, they still radiated the energy and wonder that had always filled our home.

I watched from the kitchen as Aria, Arianna, and Arian got ready for school, their chatter lively and overlapping, yet somehow coordinated in the chaos only siblings could manage.

Aria was the first to pull me aside, her hands fluttering nervously as she adjusted her hair. “Mom… there’s this boy in my class… um, his name’s Ethan.” She glanced at me, cheeks pink. “And… I think… I like him.”

I blinked, taken aback by how naturally she said it. “Oh?” I asked, smiling softly. “You like him, huh? What do you like about him?”

Aria chewed her lip, thinking carefully. “He’s… nice. He shares his markers. And he laughed at my joke yesterday. Not like, fake laugh… a real one.”

I chuckled, gently ruffling her hair. “Sounds like someone’s charming for more than one reason. Just remember, being kind is always the best part of any crush.”

Before I could respond further, Arianna leaned against the counter, pretending to be disinterested but unable to hide the twitch of excitement in her eyes. “Mom,” she said with mock seriousness, “I may… have a similar situation. There is a boy, Jacob, and he… complimented my drawing. I am unsure how to respond. Statistically, this is unusual for a peer.”

I laughed, pulling her close. “You can just say ‘thank you,’ Arianna. Or draw him something else to show you appreciate it.”

Arian, perched on the counter with her backpack slung over one shoulder, rolled her eyes and smirked. “You two are embarrassing yourselves. I am focusing on more critical concerns, like organizing my desk and making sure my sneakers are perfectly aligned. But if I were to hypothetically have a crush… which I do not…” She paused, then sighed, “I’d handle it like a tactical operation.”

Cassian, lounging nearby with an exaggerated sigh, waved a hand dramatically. “Ah! The sweet pangs of pre-adolescent romance! Welcome to the battlefield, warriors. Remember, chaos and strategy go hand in hand!”

Adrian rolled his eyes, clearly unimpressed. “Please don’t traumatize them with your commentary.”

Lucian, standing behind me with a quiet smile, nudged my shoulder. “They’re growing up fast, aren’t they?” His voice carried a mix of awe and nostalgia. “Ten years old… and already navigating friendships, feelings… crushes. It’s… incredible.”

I nodded, feeling a warm ache in my chest. “It is. And it’s amazing to watch, but it also makes me realize how much they’re changing… how much we’re all changing.”

Once the girls were out the door, backpacks in place and excitement in full swing, I started prepping for the weekend ahead. Lucian’s birthday was coming up, and we’d promised a special weekend getaway—a mix of adventure and relaxation, somewhere he could unwind, and we could celebrate as a family. The girls were buzzing with ideas about surprises, decorations, and little gifts, all under the guise of their daily lives.

That evening, while the girls worked on their “secret birthday mission” from their room, Lucian and I sat together at the dining table, quietly planning logistics. “I want this to be… just us,” Lucian murmured. “No distractions. No work. Just family. Just… joy.”

I smiled, resting my hand over his. “I think they’re planning to make it even more special. They’re determined to surprise you with their little touches. You’ll see. They’re… relentless in their creativity.”

He chuckled softly. “Relentless. That’s accurate. They’ve inherited so much energy from all sides of the family. It’s amazing… exhausting… and wonderful all at once.”

The next morning, the girls excitedly ran downstairs, each clutching something they’d made or planned. Aria carried a handmade banner reading “Happy Birthday Daddy!” Arianna had a detailed schedule of games and activities for the weekend, color-coded and organized. Arian brought a small “secret gift box” for Lucian, wrapped in shiny paper with precision folds.

Cassian jumped dramatically. “The army of love is ready! Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to survive their affection and chaos!”

Adrian muttered from the couch, “I don’t survive chaos.”

Lucian laughed, taking in the sight of our girls. “You three… you’ve done all this?”

Aria bounced on her heels. “Yes! And we have more plans. Wait until you see the cake!”

Arianna held up a notebook filled with diagrams. “We’ve created a complete itinerary. From breakfast to games to the gift presentation. Efficiency and joy maximized.”

Arian simply nodded, proud of her perfectly prepared gift. “Timing is critical. Everything will align perfectly.”

That weekend, as we loaded into the car for the getaway, the girls practically vibrated with excitement. Aria pointed out landmarks and joked about “romantic sightseeing,” while Arianna kept a careful log of timing for each activity. Arian made sure everyone had their seatbelts fastened and organized supplies. Cassian narrated dramatically from the backseat, and Adrian grumbled but smiled quietly.

We arrived at the cabin—a serene lakeside retreat, surrounded by fall colors, golden leaves drifting across the water. Lucian’s eyes softened as he took it all in. “This… this is perfect,” he murmured.

The girls wasted no time: they decorated, arranged games, and finally presented their gifts. Lucian was speechless—literally, and then filled with laughter and gratitude as he unwrapped each carefully prepared present. There were handmade cards, a painted mug, and even a little scrapbook from the girls chronicling memories from past birthdays and adventures.

Later, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Lucian and I sat by the fire while the girls played quietly, tired but satisfied. “You know,” he said softly, “I never imagined ten years ago that we’d be here. Ten years of chaos, love, growth… and now…” He looked at me with a soft intensity. “I wouldn’t change a thing.”

I squeezed his hand. “Neither would I. And look at them—they’re growing into amazing, kind, funny people. They’ll carry all this love forward, just as we hoped.”

As night fell, the girls fell asleep in their shared room, whispering secrets and plans for the next day. Lucian and I finally had a quiet moment on the porch, the lake reflecting the moonlight like a silver mirror. “It’s moments like this,” he said, voice low, “that make everything… everything we’ve been through… worth it.”

I rested my head on his shoulder, feeling the warmth of home, family, and the love that had carried us through every trial. “It really is,” I whispered. “And it’s only the beginning.”