Girl's weekend out

Hey everyone! 
So last night, Rose came up with the idea that, starting Saturday, we'd have a 'girl's weekend out'. 
"We'd explore all over the place, and watch movies or something, and ride Maximus, and maybe Merida could teach us how to shoot her bow, if she wants, and Rapunzel could show us the world of blogging...and we'll just get to know each other!  We'd be back Sunday night."  Rose explained. 
"All of us?  You, Rayne, me, Merida, Blondie, and Lacey?"  I asked, quirking my brow. 
"Yeah!  It'll be fun!" 
Merida glanced at me - she knew what I was thinking.  "What about the kiddos?"
"Well..Flynn could watch them," Blondie said.  "I think it's an awesome idea!" 
Flynn walked over.  "What are you girls scheming?  Or do I want to know?"  He joked, and I gave him a playful punch on the arm before I took him by the hand. 
"A girl's weekend out!"  Rose told him excitedly.  "Wait..you could watch the kids, couldn't you?" 
Flynn shrugged.  "How long is the weekend out?" 
"Tomorrow morning, bright and early, until Sunday night." 
I looked up at Flynn.  I wasn't sure I wanted to be away from my girls or my hubby for that long.  I mean, yeah, it's not that long, but still.  "I'll stay here and help with the kids - the rest of you can go!"  I offered. 
Please say yes, please say yes, please say-
"If I'm goin', yer goin', too."  Merida informed me. 
"I can watch the girls, that's no problem," Flynn said.  "They're not that bad - but I probably just jinxed myself, there." 
Everyone chuckled, and then I heaved a sigh.  "Maybe ALL of us could go.  Like literally all of us." 
"Then it wouldn't be a girl's weekend out."  Lacey pointed out. 
"It's not a problem for me to watch the girls.  It'll give me some good father/daughter time with Lexi and Jase."  My hubby said. 

I wasn't going to get out of this...was I. 
"Then it's all set!"  Rose clapped excitedly. "We'll get up at six tomorrow!" 
What was it with Rose and getting up at six?  She ALWAYS did...I don't know how the girl does it, but she does. 
Murmers of 'okay' scattered through our little group, and we parted ways to get ready for bed. 
After the girls were asleep, Flynn and I headed to bed. 

I didn't lay down, though.  I sat and pulled my knees to my chest, biting my lip.  I admit that I was really nervous about our weekend out thing.  What if something happened?  What if Flynn ended up with a migraine, didn't tell anyone, and it got really bad, and he had to keep the girls?  What if...what if...what if. 
"Hey...what's wrong?" Flynn had lain down and shut his eyes, but when he realized I wasn't beside him, he scooted over to me and sat up, putting an arm round my shoulders. 
"Just me being weird and paranoid," I shrugged, not wanting to admit my concerns. 
"Spit it out, dearest girl," he peered down at my face, a concerned look on his. 
"Just...I have my reservations about going with the girls.  I don't really want to stay away from you or the girls for that long.  And what if you end up with a bad migraine?  What if something happens to US?  I mean, seriously.  We're just twelve inch hunks of plastic.  Anything could happen.  And-"
He took my chin in his hand and pulled me into  a gentle kiss.  I put my arms around him and returned it.  When I pulled away, I leaned my head on his shoulder and stared up at him, not taking my arms from him.  He drew in a deep breath before pulling me onto his lap.  For once, I didn't grumble about it. 
"You can't worry about that.  And you can't just be a stick-in-the-mud.  So take risks, take chances...go have fun with life.  And don't worry about me, baby.  Worrying is silly.  If it makes you feel better, I'll be a nervous wreck, too." 
"Then I won't go!"  I exclaimed, pulling my head up from his shoulder and leaning back to look at him.  "If you're nervous, too, I just won't go!  Problem solved!" 
"By that, I meant that you're not weird or paranoid.  I didn't mean to give you an out," he said with a chuckle. 
I sighed and rolled my eyes.  "I suppose they won't let me stay back." 
"Probably not.  Merida's pretty convincing, and Rose is dead-set, to be frank."  Flynn told me.  I nodded, and he pulled me close again.  "It'll be fine.  Now, you need to go to sleep - early start for you, by the sounds of things.  I get to sleep in until the girls get up!" 
I shook my head, giggling to myself.  "You're mean." 
He chuckled and kissed my forehead.  "But it made you giggle, and that's what matters!" 
I gave him one last squeeze, and then laid down to go to sleep. 


Six A.M. came wayyyy too early.  When everyone else started moving around, I woke up as well. 
Flynn was still fast asleep, and I smiled at his peaceful face.  Wishing I could wait until him and the girls were up, so I could tell them bye, I sighed.  I carefully set the handkerchief over him and then crawled out from under the bench. 
"Oh, good!  You're up.  Here, help me carry this, and this, oh-and this, and these rubber bands.  Oh, and-" Rose promptly started handing things at me. 
"I can't carry anything else," I broke her off. 
"There isn't anything else.  I was going to ask if you were ready." 
"Oh, sorry!  Um...yeah, I'm ready," I cast a glance over my girls and then nodded. 
"They'll be fine - I'm sure Flynn will take excellent care of them."  Lacey said. 
"I know," I smiled, and then we left. 

First things first  - where were  we going to sleep?  Rose didn't want to go back to the dresser to sleep, so we had to scout out a safe location to sleep at. 
Merida led the way, and pretty soon, we'd found a pretty good spot to sleep at.  We left all the stuff there, and then we all turned to Rose. 
"What're we going to do first?" 
"Well...hmm.  We could watch movies?" 
"Let's save that for when we're tired," Merida suggested.  "Let's go see the 18 inchers." 
"18...inchers?"  Rose asked, quirking a brow.
"Yeah.  Dolls.  They're pretty cool!"  Merida explained, and I nodded in agreement. 

Merida, Rose, and I led the way, while Blondie, Rayne, and Lacey lagged behind.
We made quick work of climbing up the shelving unit, and then we went from shelf to shelf, talking with everyone. 
As always, Kailey was snooty towards us.
When I tried to include her in a conversation, she didn't even look at me. 
Finally, since Hailey was on the same shelf as Kailey, I walked over and whispered in her ear. 
"What's the deal with Kailey?" 
"Oh..." Hailey glanced towards her, and then whispered in my ear.  "She's shy because she's afraid you won't like her.  She's got hearing disabilities, so you have to speak up a bit around her, or let her read your lips.  And she doesn't like to talk because of it, too." 
I felt horrible.  Absolutely horrible.  "Oh my gosh...I-"
"It's fine.  Just keep that in mind," Hailey told me, and I nodded. 
"Thanks for...for informing me on that," I told her. 
I wanted to hug Kailey, or do something, but I knew it would only upset her, so I didn't. 
Pretty soon, we left that shelf, and moved onto the next, which was right beside the other one. 

We talked with them for a good long while, but finally, Rose got antsy and we left. 
Next, I suggested we ride Maximus, and then blog. 

We rode for quite a while, and Maximus was VERY well behaved. 
Rose fell in absolute, positive love with Max, and Lacey even showed some reserved affection towards him, which he was very pleased to recieve (:
Rayne, knowing of Max's shenanigans, was very concerned about riding him. 
"What if he bucks me off?  I do NOT want to get this dress-"
"He's fine.  I promise...if he would've been planning on acting up, he would have done so already."  I told her.
 "But I've never ridden before!"
"Everyone's gotta start somewhere.  But if you don't want to..." Merida trailed off. 
"Oh, fine..." she grumbled, accepting Merida's help up into the saddle. 
When she got off of him half an hour later, her eyes were shining. 
"I must admit that this is very fun!  Thanks, Maximus, for being a good boy!"  she leaned down to give him a hug around the neck before she reluctantly dismounted. 
Blondie went next, and then we headed off to blog. 

By the time  we were done with that, night was falling and Rose was dead-set on creating a blog with Lacey. 
Lacey had her reservations, as she usually did, but I'm pretty sure that Rose will figure out how to talk her into it one way or another ;)
We got back to our 'camping' spot, and we all brushed out our hair and went to bed.  (Well, except for Rayne and Merida - they're the lucky ones to not have tons of hair to brush  out!) 
I tossed and turned a LOT.  I wasn't used to the unfamiliar surroundings, and for the first time in over 2 months, my hubby wasn't right there beside me.  I wondered how he'd fared with the four girls.  He was probably having a blast with Jase, and Lexi was probably going along with whatever Jase told her to do...and hopefully, the babies were being good. 
Either that, or Flynn was a nervous wreck, Jase and Lexi were fighting over something, and the babies were screaming their heads off. 
I curled up in a ball on my side, sighed, and FINALLY went to sleep. 


The next morning, we got up at nine.  Thank goodness - Rose had been tuckered out enough not to get us all up at six AM!  I was groggy from my un-restful night, and it seemed like everyone else was pretty foggy as well.  Merida stood up too quickly, and stumbled into me.  Laughing, I grabbed her arm and held her upright. 
"I did NOT sleep well," she moaned, rubbing at her eyes. 
"Me neither." 
"I miss my baby girl, too," she added in a whisper. 
"I miss my kids AND Flynn," I agreed.  "But we'll see them tonight!" 
"I can't wait," she said, and then we were off. 

First thing's first - we went to visit Punzie and her friend Addison. 
"Oh, Rapunzel!  How's Jase doing?" Punzie immediately asked me, a bright smile on her face. 
"Hi, Punzie!  Jase is doing great.  How are you?" 
"I've been good," she nodded.  "Who are your friends?  I recognize Merida, but.."
"Rose, Lacey, Rayne, and Blondie," I pointed each of them out.
'Nice to meet yous' murmered throughout our group, and then we  sat down for a good long chat.
It was probably around eleven before we finally got away.  Punzie was quite the talkative one! 
"Now...let the games begin.  Why don't we shoot?"  Merida asked. 
"Oh, great!"  Rose exclaimed. "I can't wait!" 

Merida, being the awesome archery teacher she is, demonstrated for everyone how to do it. 
Blondie sat out on this one, because of her arms, which lacked articulation....and, she added, she wanted to stay out of harm's way.  I can't say I blame her.  :P
Rose was surprisingly really good at shooting.  Lacey and Rayne...not so much.  And you all know me...I'm horrible. 
We got several good laughs over our combined lack of shooting capabilities...and we all marveled at Rose and Merida's obvious talent. 
"I didn't know you were a world-class archer, Rose!  I knew Merida was, but.." I joked. 
"Oh, well thank you, milady!"  Rose giggled, curtsying. 
I laughed, and Lacey slung an arm around her sister's shoulders.  "So, little sis...what'cha say?  Why don't you rub some of your awesome-ness onto me?" 
We all laughed harder, and I grinned, excited to see Lacey was starting to get along better with Rose.  Maybe this girls' weekend out had been just the thing for the two of them.  I really hoped so! 

After that, we showed Lacey and Rose around the room.  After we'd explored every nook and cranny, we sprawled out on the windowsill for awhile, enjoying the sunshine.  
"This view is amazing," Rose exclaimed, peering out the window. 
"Isn't it?  This is probably my favorite place to sit at," I said, and she grinned. 
"I can see why!" 
"The sun is hitting just perfectly on this window right now...it's nice and warm, but not so warm that it will make our  plastic all squishy."  Rayne said, closing her eyes and tipping her head up towards the sunlight. 
We all stuck around for awhile, and then in the afternoon, we got Tangled, Tangled Ever After, and Brave and watched it on Tangled Fan's laptop. 
Rose and Lacey had never seen Tangled; none of us had seen Tangled Ever After, and Brave was new to all of us. 
At the lantern scene in Tangled, I think just about all of us burst forth in song, except for Blondie and Merida xD  Lacey has a very clear and high singing voice, and her and Rose singing together?  They're beautiful!  Rayne's not too shabby either...and then there's me :P  And at the end, I think even Merida had to sniffle back a few tears.  Then came Tangled Ever After...we all laughed sooo hard!  It's only, like, six minutes long, but it's packed full of hilariousness!  :D  At the end, I couldn't help but have a little 'squee' moment, thinking back to my own marriage.  Which made me want to get back to the kiddos and Flynn even more so.. =]  And then we watched Brave. 
It had quite a few funny scenes, but it has a more dark theme than Tangled does.  Mor'du actually scared me the first time they showed him...I jumped all over and almost fell backwards.  And then everyone laughed at me :P  We were all getting pretty sniffly at the end, when Merida's trying to 'mend the bond torn by pride' with her mother...rather, Mum-Bear.  Merida's chin was wobbling, and Rose made me burst out laughing by whispering in my ear. 
"I'm not gonna cry.  I'm not gonna cry.  Are you gonna cry?  I'm not gonna cry."
When I laughed, everyone else turned to give me a 'what-on-earth?' expression. 
"Sorry...Rose started it," I giggled, and Rose gave me a playful shove. 

After the movies, it was growing dark, so we finally went back to our 'campsite' to gather our stuff, and we went back to the dresser. 
It was ten before we got back, and I was the very last one to fumble up onto the dresser in the dark. 
All was quiet, the kiddos were sleeping, and it seems to me that as soon  as everyone had crawled up onto the dresser, they'd promptly gone to bed.  I heard Merida, who was in line in front of me, flop down with a thud and a loud, tired yawn. 
I grinned to myself, but then I saw a silhouette staring at me, watching my every movement.  I gasped, putting a hand over my heart in immediate fear, but then as I peered through the darkness, I saw a certain grin on a certain somebody's face. 
I'd thought he had been asleep!  As soon as I realized it was my hubby, my heart fluttered and I hurried over towards him before launching myself into his waiting arms.  He chuckled to himself and lifted me off the ground, swung me in a quick circle, and then left my feet go back onto the floor.  I looked up at his face, a broad smile across my face as I was finally able to somewhat see one of the faces I'd missed so much this weekend...sappy, I know.  :D He gave me the same kind of smile, and I buried my face into his shoulder, tightening my arms around him; and then he nuzzled my hair for a  few seconds before he left go of me.  I reluctantly did the same, but then his hand slid down my arm to find my hand, and he grasped it tightly before leading me over to bed. 
I flopped down to face him, and he did the same, and I smiled. 
Brushing my hair from my face with a gentle hand before he set it on my waist, he whispered, "So, how was your weekend?" 
"Interesting.  Tiring"-I said as I stifled a yawn-"and funny.  We got archery lessons from Merida, rode, talked with the 18 inchers and Punzie...watched Tangled, Tangled Ever After, and Brave - you HAVE to watch Tangled Ever After with me.  It's so adorable and funny!  You should've heard Rayne, Rose, and Lacey sing during I See the Light.  Oh my goodness, their voices are gorgeous...and then there's me, warbling along and ruining everything, but singing it because I love it so much!  And we showed Lacey and Rose around the room.  Oh, and I introduced everyone to the Blogiverse." 
He chuckled.  "Well...I bet the archery lessons were really funny.  You'll have to tell me about them tomorrow!  It seems like you had a good time..I'm glad.  And I'd be pleased to watch it with you, anytime you want to, just let me know!  But wait.  You introduced ROSE to the Blogiverse?" 
"She says she's always wanted one," I said. 
"Those poor people if she begins a blog.  Her posts would be so long that the readers' eyes would fall out before they even got halfway through!" 
I stifled a giggle.  "Yeah...probably." 
He thought for a moment, and then spoke again.  "And what's this about you 'warbling along and ruining everything'?  Your voice is fine." 
"Oh, but you've never heard Rose sing.  She's positively stunning!  And her sister isn't bad, either.  They sound just as good as Mandy Moore!  I'm sorry you ended up with the single Rapunzel doll ever manufactured, who cannot sing her own songs to save her life...the girl who can't sing, yet likes to, to some extent." 
Pulling me close, he whispered in my ear, "But I wouldn't trade her for the world.  You're just fine.  In fact...I think you're perfect.  And  I love you...and I missed you this weekend!" 
I teared up at that.  Maybe it was because I was so tired, I was having a hard time keeping my eyes open.  Or maybe it was because I'm a complete and utter, sappy freak.  But regardless.  I buried my face into his chest and he held me until I got my teary eyes under control and then I pulled away from him.  He found my hand and held it loosely, and my heart squeezed. 
"I missed you, too.  Love you bunches," I gave him a smile and then quickly pulled my hand away to cover my mouth, yawning. 
He grinned, and then stroked my cheek with the back of his hand.  "Why don't we go for a walk tomorrow, and we can catch up then, okay?  Much as I'd like to stay up and talk, you're tired and you need to shut those gorgeous eyes of yours before too much longer." 
"Sounds like a great plan," I trailed off, and I heard him start to say something, but I was out before he was done. 

Day Out With the Girls! (:

This morning, I woke up curled on my side.  My hair was EVERYWHERE.  I'd dreamed really weird last night, so I'd probably tossed and turned plenty.  I sat up, glanced down, and saw that some of my hair was twisted around me as well.  Oh boy.  I started to unwrap myself from my hair, and by the time I was done with that, Flynn was up.  I flopped onto my belly and told him good morning. 
He smiled, turning onto his back.  "Morning, gorgeous." 
"Oh, hush it.  My hair was a lot -" before I could finish my protest, he had pulled me into a gentle kiss. 
When he pulled away, he gazed at me and pushed the hair away from my face.  "I meant it, dear girl." 
I gave him a grin, and he gave me a peck on the forehead before I eventually put my head on his chest and cuddled close for a few minutes.  He held me in his arms, and I let my eyes go shut again, until an idea suddenly popped into my mind. 
I sat up, and he made some noise I suppose was meant to display disappointment. 
"Did you have any plans for today?"  I asked. 
"Uh..no," he quirked a brow and stared at me. 
"Why don't we take the girls for a day out today?  Let them play and get good and tuckered out," I explained. 
He nodded.  "That would be good.  We'll leave when they're up?" 
"Okay," I grinned and leaned down to give him a quick little kiss.  He pulled me close again and basically, we just waited for the kiddos to get up. 

Once the kiddos were all up, we headed out.
I carried Hallie and helped Alexis down to the floor, while Flynn carried Jase on his shoulders. 
When we were on the floor, we set Jase and Alexis down to go play.  Flynn took Hallie from me, and we followed the girls as they ran...and ran...and ran, until they were all out of breath and red-cheeked. 
They stopped long enough to catch their breath and convince us into a game of duck-duck-goose. 
When Hallie was asleep, we laid her down nearby and then the game was commenced. 
There's something just so funny about watching Flynn play with the two of those girls.  When one of the girls would choose him as 'goose', he would pretend to run really fast, but of course, he wasn't. 
One particular time when he was left without a seat, he chose me as 'goose'. 
"You're awful," I grumbled, laughing.  I ran, but being behind me, he grabbed me around the waist and gave me a  tickle before letting me go again.  I was giggling so hard that I had to stop, and he recklessly slid to a stop, nearly falling down, before he plopped down in my place in our little circle.
I was laughing so hard I could barely breathe, and the girls were just shrieking with laughter. 
I chose Jase as 'goose', and she took off running as fast as those tiny legs could run.  I let her win, and then chose Alexis.  When she ran WAY faster than Jase, she won as well.  So then I chose Flynn. 
He laughed and scrambled to get up and ran....I beat him.  :D 

We played with the girls, gave them rides on Maximus, and let them run wild all day long. 
Alexis was terrified of Max, but after plenty of Jase's convincing, she reluctantly allowed Flynn to toss her up into the saddle.  I led him forward as Flynn walked beside, just as he had done with Jase, and I carried Hallie in my other arm. 
After a couple seconds, I glanced back at  Alexis's face.  She had the biggest grin on her face. 
I smiled, and asked her how she was liking it. 
"It's awesome!  You're an awesome horse, Maximus!"  Alexis exclaimed, leaning forward to hug Maximus. 
And didn't that horse arch his neck and get the most pleased look on his face. 
We led her around for a few minutes, listening to her unusual babbling of how awesome Maximus was, and when Flynn scooped her out of the saddle, she reluctantly left his back.  She put her arms around Flynn's neck and gave him a bigggg hug, though, and he got a huge smile across his face. 
And then she came over and hugged my legs.  I laughed, leaning down to scoop her up so I could carry her in my other arm.  We went back to Jase and let Maximus go do his own thing. 
"Momma...can we watch Duck Dynasty?"  she asked as soon as we got back to her. 
I glanced up at Flynn, and he shrugged.  "I'll go see if the iPod is charged - I'll be back in a few."
"Thanks, Daddy!" she exclaimed.  "Can I come with you?" 
"Alright, I suppose you can," he chuckled when she jumped up and held her arms out to him.  "We'll be right back." 
"Okay," I said, and once they had left, I turned to Alexis. 
"How're you enjoying today?" I asked her, giving her a cuddle. 
"I'm really enjoying myself...it's been really fun!  Maximus is such  a good horse."  She gave me a grin. 
I returned her grin, and we sat down to wait. 
Flynn and Jase came back within twenty minutes....and then the laughing commenced.  =D

We went through an hour's worth of Duck Dynasty, and by then, it was dark and the girls were all getting a little cranky because they were all tired.  Soo we headed back, after Flynn put the iPod away. 

By the time we got back, I was about ready to fall over, I was so tired.  Everyone else was asleep, so we quietly crept around, putting the two older girls to bed.  I sat down with Hallie and tried to get her to go to sleep, while Flynn tucked a handkerchief around the girls - it was sort of chilly tonight. 
The next thing I remember, I was being laid on my back. 
I peeled my eyes open and took in a deep breath, looking up.  Flynn was hovering over me, and when he saw I was awake again, he brushed the hair from my face and smiled.  "Go back to sleep, hon." 
I made a noncommital noise, and sat to watch him when he left my side. 
He was bent over, retrieving the handkerchief from the one corner underneath the bench, and then he turned towards me, spreading it out. 
I had a hard time keeping my eyes open, but I still watched him.  I don't know why, though.  I just watched him.  xD  He gave me that grin as he spread the handkerchief over my legs.
"Lay down so I can-" he started to tell me, but I grabbed his shirt collar and pulled him into a goodnight kiss and broke him off. 
He returned it with a tender kiss of his own, putting a hand on the back of my head and the other arm around my back, lowering me down onto my back as he kissed me.  When he withdrew his lips from mine, as well as his arms, he stroked my hair and stared down at my face for a few moments, the most adorable smile on his face. 
"Now...shut those gorgeous, sleepy eyes of yours and go to sleep, honey.  I love you," he added with a wink that made my heart squeeze. 
I tried to mumble out a good night and an I love you in return, as I rolled onto my belly, but I'm not sure it came out as such; and I was out before I could even hear him ask what I'd just muttered.  :D

Today was so awesome..I'm really hoping that we make a habit of taking the girls out for play days...I think they liked it quite a bit as well!  (: 

Girl's day out...

Thursday morning, my back was still a little sore, but Merida and I went out anyway.  We headed out as soon as everyone else was up. 
"So..what'cha wanna do first?  The only thing I really planned on was shootin'.  If ye wanted to do that, a'course." 
"Sounds like fun," I agreed with a grin. 
We did that first - I don't know how long we swapped the bow and arrow back and forth, shooting and giggling. We mostly giggled at my failure to aim the arrow. :D

Merida was laughing so hard at the fact that I stank at shooting...

Um, yeah. 

She about died laughing when I accidentally shot that one off. 

After that, we had a good, long chat about the girls and just stuff in general, too; after we were done shooting. 
"Y'wanna find  that horse Maximus for me?  I'll get his buckin' issue fixed."  Merida asked randomly. 
Okay...
"N-no...I don't think we should," I shook my head. 
"Angus  used to have the same problem.  He just needs a rider to hang on and show 'im he ain't gonna get a break from ridin' just cause he bucked ya off." 
"I just don't want you to get hurt." I shrugged my shoulders up to my ears.  She couldn't get hurt, especially since her legs were bad enough as it is. 
"Oh, phooey.  It'll be nothin'!"  Merida grabbed my arm and started to walk. 
"Fine," I grumbled. "But I'm not happy about it!"  I pulled away from her and led her to  Maximus. 


He was where we'd left him yesterday. 
Merida strode over to him boldly, letting him sniff her hand. 
"Yer a nice lookin' horse, but I hear ye've got some buckin' issues," Merida told him, and he looked away. 

I giggled, staying somewhat away, and Merida hopped aboard. 
She rode him around and around, at all paces.  Finally, he did throw a super-hard buck, and I gasped.  Merida fell forwards, but stayed in the saddle. 
"Don't ye be doin' that now.... I'm tellin' ye, ye won't get the better of me!"  I heard her yell at him as he went into another buck. 
Oh boy.  A willful horse and a willful, stubborn rider?  Who would win first - the million dollar question, if you ask me. 
"Be -ooh!  Be careful!"  I called as he bucked some more. 
"He ain't gettin' away with it!"  Merida yelled back to me, and then she reached her hand down and pulled one of his reins to her hip joint, holding it there until he stopped moving. 
"Good boy.  Now, git goin'," she told him with a nudge. 
He moved off, and as soon as he began bucking, she'd stop him.  He had to turn in small circles until he stopped, though, so he hated that. Within about a half an hour, he was behaving perfectly.
Merida hopped off of him, giving him a pat. 
"Well, ye got yerself a willful horse, there,"
"I..see that," I laughed.  "And a willful friend." 
"Got that right.  Ye can't let anyone - including horses - take advantage of ye." 
"You've got a point there," I told her. 
"Well, ye gonna ride?"  Merida asked.  "I wanna see if my handiwork worked." 
My heart started to pound.  What if I fell again? 
"W-well..."
"Get on 'im, lass!"  Merida exclaimed.  "If ye fall, Flynn can chew me out." 
She gave me a shove towards him, and I climbed aboard. 

He was a perfect angel for me. We walked, trotted, cantered...everything, and he was just perfect. I felt like I was flying! It was pretty fun to ride, when you weren't getting bucked off at every turn!

After a good while, I finally stopped him and climbed off.
"You're awesome!" I exclaimed, patting him vigorously. "Wait'll Flynn hears how good you were! Oh, and Merida - you're awesome, too! I can't believe that that's all it took!"
"Lil' bit of work never hurt anybody...Mister Max here probably had someone timid that rode 'im, so when he'd buck, they'd get scared, get off, and he'd be done working. Bad habits get started that way."
"Ahhh," I nodded in agreement.  I guess that did make sense. 

As we continued in our day, a weird feeling kept growing inside my stomach.  Maybe it was because I'd been gone away from Flynn AND the kids for all day?  I'd never been away from my entire family for the whole day  - usually it was Flynn and I. 
"Ye feelin' alright?" Merida finally asked me after awhile. 
"Yeah...It just feels so weird being away from Flynn and the girls," I confessed. 
"Same here - it feels really, really weird to be away from Allie.  But let's enjoy our free time while we can!" 
"For sure," I agreed, laughing.

Sometime around nine, Merida piped up about the fact that Tangled Fan had been on her laptop a LOT lately. 
"Well, yeah...since her guinea pigs got sick, she's been trying to find reasons why and vets that take guinea pigs in the area.  I've looked on her history page," I admitted. "That, Blogger, some social media thing, and something called Pinterest?  Oh, and eBay." 
"eBay, y'say?  Great."  Merida grumbled. 
"What?" 
"If she's on there a lot, she's usually plannin' on sellin' somethin', usually us." 
I gasped.  "But...who?"
"Could be anyone.  I just hope she remembers that our kids aren't up for grabs on that website." 
I was horrified.  What if she forgot that we'd adopted the girls?  What if she even sold Flynn or me on there? 
"Don't worry, she'll not sell any of the kids without answerin' to me!"  Merida said. 
"And me," I said, my heartbeat quickening as I worried.  But my place was NOT threatening a full-size human - human vs a little, foot-tall plastic doll?  Hah.  "We better head back..it's going to be too dark to even see." 
"Yup," Merida said, and we hurried back to the dresser. 
It was quarter-till-ten when we got to the dresser.  Everyone else was asleep, and I felt a twinge of sadness - I had hardly gotten to see the girls today, and the same with my hubby. 
I crept under the bench, trying not to wake him, curled up on my side, and went to sleep despite my worries. 

For a little bit, anyway. 

I ended up having an awful nightmare that Flynn and all of the girls had been sold on eBay, and shipped out before anything had sunken in with Tangled Fan; and I'd just woken up to find them all gone. 

I sat up abruptly, clammy-skinned and breathing heavily, my heart pounding. 

"What's the matter?"  I whirled to look, and Flynn was awake, staring at me. 
"N-nothing," I managed, drawing my knees to my chest and wrapping my arms around them tightly. 
"Must be something, since you started gasping out 'no, can't be!  no, no no!' in your sleep." 
"Sorry," I said. 
"No worries.  But tell me, please?" 
I sighed, and he sat up.  "Fine."  I spilled the whole thing out to him.  I figured I'd probably had a nightmare like that because of what Merida and I had discussed earlier, so I threw that in as well.   
"Oh, honey, don't worry about stuff like that."  His face held an expression of concern, and then he drew me up onto his lap. 

My heart still thundered, and I buried my face in his shirt, hugging him as tightly as  I possibly could.  He did just about the same to me, resting his chin on top of my head and rocking from side to side.
"We're not going anywhere, baby.  Don't worry yourself so much that you end up with nightmares about it, okay?  There's no use worrying over the uncontrollable, anyway.  Here, look at me," he took my chin and drew my face up to look at him. 
"What?" I asked, still trying to keep the scared tears from coming, after the nightmare. 
"Nothing's gonna  happen, okay?  So don't get upset and don't cry," he told me, brushing the hair away from my face. 
I nodded, swallowing and trying to stop being so upset. 
He reached down to give me the world's most tender kiss, and I leaned into him, returning it when he started to pull away.  When our lips finally parted, he stared down at me, blinking sleepily. 
"You need to get to sleep, and I'm just being silly," I told him, starting to get off of his lap. 
"No, you're not being silly.  And I'm staying up with you as long  as you need me to."  he told me, touching my cheek with his hand and dabbing my lips with a quick little kiss.  Amazing how just that made a tingle zing up my spine, despite myself. 
I pulled his hand off of my cheek and held it, and he gave it a reassuring squeeze. 
I got off of his lap, and he flopped down on his back. I took in a deep breath, trying to calm myself, but then he gave my hand a gentle tug, pulling me down beside him. He wrapped me up really tightly in his arms and I allowed him to draw me close to his side, which he did, adding a kiss in the hair before I rested my head on his chest, letting his heartbeat and the sweet nothings he was whispering soothe my nerves until I was able to go back to sleep. 

2 month anni (:

On the 4th of September, I woke up a little early.  Hallie had been pretty good yesterday, which was amazing.  Alexis was FINALLY starting to slowwwwly warm up to us, although she'd just told us, upon asking, that she wanted to think for a few days about being adopted by us.  Things were looking up! (: 
I woke up on my side.  I smiled and turned my head to look at Flynn...what I saw was his feet. 
His...feet?  Okay...
I sat up quickly and saw I must've thrashed around in my sleep last night enough to have flipped myself to the other end of the bench. 
I looked at Flynn's sleeping face, and a weird feeling washed over me.  I felt like I needed to be close to him, for whatever reason.  Velcro Rapunzel, maybe, as he'd call it?  I dunno.  But regardless, I laid down on my side behind Flynn and carefully set an arm around him, breathing in the smell of his shirt.  I did this for a few minutes, but then he woke up.  I felt his hand on my arm, and then he turned to give me a smile. 
"Well, good morning, darling." He gave me a smile.  "What's up with you?" 
I shrugged and sat up, shoving the hair from my face so I could look at him.  I drew my knees to my chest and shrugged again, a little embarrassed to explain that I felt, basically, clingy today.
"I-I dunno.  It's stupid...but I feel...needy today, I guess.  I feel like I need to be close to you or something, I don't know.  It's dumb...Just - never mind." 
His face slowly created another smile as he sat up too.  "That's fine.  I get that way sometimes, too.  And it's not that hard to fix!" 
I quirked a brow, until he leaned forward and pulled me close into a warm, loving hug that made my spine feel tingly. 
I put my arms around him too, and unfurled my legs until I could lean a little closer into him.  We just sat there for a few moments, and I enjoyed his strong embrace.  But all good things must come to an end, and he slowly pulled away, bumping his forehead with mine and laying down on his back.  I flopped down on my side beside him, and he pulled me super snug and tight into his side.  I put one of my hands on his chest and propped my chin on his chest as well, staring into his brown eyes. 
My hubby, bless his heart, tolerated my oddness.  He gave me a smile and then he pulled me close into a kiss that made my head spin. 
When that was over, I gave him a wide-eyed look, to which he rubbed his thumb on my cheek. 
"I-ah....w-well..." I mumbled, trying to regroup my thoughts.  "Love you."  I finally spit out. 
He gave a quiet laugh.  "Love you too, honey." 
I grinned and shut my eyes, leaving my head on his chest.  Until a thought occured to me.
Hallie was silent. 
Hallie.  Was silent. 
I quickly pulled away from his arms and propped myself up on my elbow to look at him.  "Did you get up any with Hallie last night?" 
He shook his head.  "I slept like a rock.  Did you?"
"No..."
He got a mildly concerned expression on his face, and my feelings inside matched it.
I sat up, turned to face the other direction, and flung myself onto my side, leaning out to look at the babies, who always slept near the bench anymore. 
I leaned really far, and my arm was shaking, so I could likely faceplant hard any second, but I still made sure Hallie was sleeping safe and sound. 
She was.  Her tiny little chest rose and fell rhythmically.  She had just slept through the night, which was a surprise anymore. 
Then, I felt an arm snake out around my waist. 
"Hey, you're gonna smack your face off that dresser pretty soon here...you keep bobbing around."  He pulled me into his front, and held me close.  "Hallie's okay?" 
"She must have just slept the night..she seems fine.  I don't want to wake her up to check on her." 
"Okay."  His shoulders must've drooped an inch in relief, because I felt his arm grow heavier all of a sudden.  He planted a kiss on my cheek and I snuggled a bit closer, curling up into a ball. 
I was allowing my eyes to drift back shut when I heard tiny footsteps. 
Alexis appeared just outside of the bench. 
I jumped all over and quickly pulled away from Flynn, my face blazing red.  I don't know why I was embarrassed, but I was. 
"Hey, honey...why're you up so early?" 
"I wanted to talk."  She looked down, but then she tipped her chin up and stared at me.
"Okay," I resituated myself to sit up against the bench leg, and she came over.  I pulled her onto my lap and gave her a kiss on the forehead.  "What's your topic?"
"I...I want to stay with you guys.  Last night, I decided that you guys were the best family I've ever had, and you've stuck it out with me the longest.  And I like you." 
I smiled at her, feeling as if the weight of the world had gone off of my shoulders...about that topic, anyway.  "Oh, honey...I'm so glad you feel that way.  You know we both love you very much, right?  We'll let Tangled Fan know as soon as we can!" 
"Okay."  Her lips hinted at a small smile,  which I had honestly seen hardly anything close come from her. 
She rested her head up against me and I cuddled her close, turning to give Flynn an astonished smile.  He grinned, and he looked like he wanted to join in and create a group hug, but didn't; knowing she'd not take too kindly to that situation. 

But then she did something even more surprising.  "I love you...Momma."
First time she'd said that.  First time she'd called me her mother.  I was soaring. 
"Love you too, baby girl."  I gave her another extra-tight cuddle, but then she wormed away from me. 
Had I overdone it? 
Nope.  The girl was full of surprises. 
She took a deep breath and walked the few steps over to Flynn, standing to say it.  "And I love you, Dad." 
His face lit into the most adorable, surprised, and loving smile known to mankind.  He said he loved her too, and then, I think almost by accident, he pulled her into a bear hug. 
When he reluctantly let her go, I watched her face.  Flynn did the same thing. 
She looked up at him and gave him a smile. 
An honest to goodness smile. 
"I'm going back to bed."  she said, givng her eyes a rub. 
"Okay, sweetie." 
When she'd left, Flynn slowly turned towards me, wide-eyed.  I matched his expression and grabbed his hand. 
"I think the wall she's built around herself is finally falling, brick by small bri-"
He grabbed me into an excited hug before I could even finish my sentence.  When he released me, I laughed. 
"Excited just a  bit?" 
"I'm just so....so glad she's finally beginning to realize we won't hurt her...that poor child."
"I know...I'm really happy too.  I've been waiting so long for this to happen-"
"Two weeks.."
"Two and a half." 
"Fine, two and a half."
"But anyway...two and a half weeks for her to warm up just the slightest bit...and now it's happening!"  I squeaked at the last one, and he grinned. 
"Yup," he stared lovingly at me and I squirmed.
"I suppose we should get up..."
"Rapunzel.  Alexis just went back to bed because it was too early for even THEM!  Lay back and chill for awhile.  Enjoy that peace and quiet." 
I chuckled, nodding, and flopped backwards. 
He laid down as well, turned on his side to look at me, so I turned to face him. 
"You ready for a day out?" 
It took a second to register that today was our 2-month anniversary.  I will admit that.  xD  When it clicked in my mind, I nodded with a grin.  "Happy 2-month anni, honey."
He gave me a big smile, stroking my hair.  "Happy anniversary to you too, my precious girl."
My stomach fluttered in an explosion of butterflies, and I impulsively grabbed him into a kiss.  He reached over and pulled me close to him, and the kiss intensified before I finally pulled away.  When I did, he gave me a peck on the nose and a smile, but he didn't loosen his arm around me.
"So, you like being called 'my precious girl'?"  He joked, and I giggled quietly.   
I wormed away from him and rolled onto my back, staring up at the underside of the bench.  I randomly thought about how badly I wished I could dress up a bit for him for our anniversary outings - or even simply change my dress! 
"Hey," he said quietly, reaching to push the hair from my face.  "What's the matter?  All of a sudden, you just..."
"Oh, it's nothing."  I knew he'd give me the same old lecture if I told him. 
"Honey, in my experience, when you say something's nothing, it's usually something.  I won't laugh or anything, you know that." 
"I just wish I could dress up a bit for you once in awhile...I mean, you're always making up these great outings, a-and what have I done to thank you or return the favor?  Nothing.  And it's just...ugh.  See, I told you it was stupid."  I didn't meet his eyes during all of this until I was done. 
"Baby, I don't care what you look like.  You should know that by now.  You don't have to dress up or anything.  And you have returned the favor, time and time again.  First of all, you've stuck with me for the past two months, and sure we kind of got off on a rocky, hundred-mile-an-hour ride from being engaged to married with four foster kids in less than a week.  You've loved me when I don't deserve it - such as on Monday - and you're just there; and you've got a heart of gold.  That, precious girl, is what counts."  His eyebrows furrowed as he studied my face.  I was almost in tears over that one. 
"I-I...." my voice cracked, and I wasn't sure what to say anyway.  My lips blubbed uselessly as I tried to make words come out.  Until he leaned over and gave me a sweet, passionate kiss.  I closed my eyes and enjoyed every second until he slowly pulled away and smiled at me.  I was more than just slightly dazzled, and I stared silently at him until I could think up something to say. 
"O-oh, gosh...now I've really forgotten what I wanted to say," I joked, and he chuckled. 
"Good.  Just don't forget what I told you," he gave me that grin of his, and my heart fluttered.  But then that grin turned into his mischievous grin. 
And then he reached to tickle my side.  
With a slightly louder-than-expected gasp, I elbowed him until he removed his tickling fingers. 
"You're a brat," I laughed quietly, turning to my side away from him as if I was mad at him. 
"Oh, but you wouldn't love me any other way, would you?" 
"Hmph."  I tried to sound mad, but it failed....bigly.  He laughed through his nose and pulled me close to him, kissing my hair and wrapping his arm around my waist.
And then I heard Hallie whimper.
Flynn, who had been pulling me a tad closer, froze.  I held my breath.
And then she was quiet again.
I loosed my breath and shot a fist in the air.  "Yes!"  I exclaimed quietly, and then Flynn flat-out laughed. "Shh!"  I exclaimed, sitting to clap a hand over his mouth.
 Merida ducked her head under the bench.  "What is all the laughin' about?!  Or do I even want to know?" 
I turned to look at her, still keeping my hand pressed over his mouth.  If I left him speak now, I'd regret it.  "I, um..well, see, I was listening for Hallie to cry, because I heard her whimper, and when she quieted down again, I shot my fist in the air and was like, 'YES!'..and he found that highly amusing for whatever reason.  We didn't wake you, did we?" 
"Naw, I was up anyhow.  I was just wonderin' what all the laughin' was over."  She quirked a brow when Flynn tried to speak through my hand. 
I left him mumble for a few seconds, but then I felt my hand get wet.  He licked my hand.  He legit licked the palm of my hand. 
"Oh my gosh, you are sick!  I can't-ugh!"  I squealed, yanking my hand off of his mouth and shoving his chest hard enough to knock him backwards, before I wiped my hand off on his shirt.  "I can't believe you." 
Merida was chortling, giving me a gleeful grin.  Flynn was laughing. 
"I can't believe the both of you!"  I grumped, trying to sound disgusted - I didn't have to try too hard - and wiped my hand a couple more times and shook my head. 
"What I was trying to...say...whilst I was so r-rudely...restrained...is that I was wondering if you, Merida...Merida!  If you would watch the kids while we have a day out.  It's our two-month anniversary."  He said between gales of laughter and attempts to get Merida to pay attention. 
Merida allowed her chuckles to subside before she answered.  "Sure...I can watch 'em."
"Not sure I want to go with you today, you sick creature," I grumbled, looking at my hand. 
"Oh, come on..." he laughed, sitting up and grabbing me into a one-armed hug before I could move away from him. 
"That was pretty disgusting there, pal...but it was hilarious."  Merida said, still grinning.
"Says you, she who does not have a wet hand," I laughed. 
She left, and Flynn turned to me. 
"Sorry."  He told me, but I could see that dirty little grin he had on his face.
"No way are you sorry, I see the smirk on your fa-"
He broke me off.  "Okay...it was pretty funny.  Now...since she's up, do you want to just get up and get moving?"
"Sure," I said, pulling away from his arm and crawling out from under the bench. 
I rummaged around, found the ribbons and flowers that Tangled Fan had used in my hair once, got my brush, and got to work.  I might not have any other dresses to wear, but I have a lot of hair, and I could dress that hair up like it was in the movie, when Rapunzel gets to see the kingdom.  Annnd so I did! 
When I was done, Flynn was waiting for me. 
He gave me a huge grin, we said goodbye to the girls, and then we were off. 

When we had made our way to the floor, Flynn stepped away from me. 
"Give me a twirl," he smiled and gestured. 
"Why?"  I furrowed my brows. 
"Because," he chuckled, and I rolled my eyes, but I did give a twirl. 
That failed hugely. 
Remember how I always say I'm not graceful?   Un-graceful people should NOT EVER twirl.  Ever. 
I twirled, and I twisted my back the wrong way.  But then, on top of that, I got one leg tangled around the other.  I stumbled into Flynn, who was standing right by me, and then he staggered backwards. I kept going, and I tried to catch myself, but I couldn't.  Tangled Fan's floor was actually clean of clutter, so there was nothing I could grab onto.  Except for Flynn, and he was stumbling as bad as I was by now!
So finally, I went down right on top of Flynn with an oof and a thump. 
I caught myself before I smacked my head off of his, luckily. 
He gave me a surprised and slightly stunned expression, and I probably matched it. 
"A-are you alright?"  I finally managed. 
He chuckled, staring at me. "Yep...you?" 
"Well, yeah...I mean, I landed on something slightly softer than the hard floor...and you didn't," I laughed. 
"Remind me to not ask you to twirl.  Ever.  But what I wanted to say is that you are gorgeous, and I love your hair that way."  He gave me a warm smile, and cupped my cheek in his hand.
"Oh...well, um...thanks," I realized I was still on top of him, and I sat abruptly. 
He sat up too, and I realized I was still across his legs.  I scrambled awkwardly in an attempt to get up, but he took my hand in his - with such gentleness that I was surprised; he wasn't just keeping ahold of me so I couldn't go - and I stopped to look at him a few seconds before I slowly stood, squeezing his hand and not letting go of it.  He stood as well, and then swept me up close to him and into a tender kiss. 
When he pulled away, he bumped his forehead with mine and I stared up at his brown eyes, which were giving me a loving gaze.  I grinned as the butterflies started up, and kissed his cheek.  He tried to conceal the pleased grin, but it came anyway, and he pulled me a bit closer for a hug.  When we pulled apart, he took my hand in his again and gave me a sweet smile. 
"So...what're we planning on doing?"
"Well...you know how awhile back, when Jase rode Maximus, how you wanted to as well?  It slipped my mind until the other day...so why don't we go ride?" 
I gasped.  He was actually going to do this?  Awesome!  "Really?" 
He chuckled, nodding.  I squeaked with excitement and grabbed him into a quick, excited hug, before I left him lead me to where Maximus was at. 
"Let me ride him first, so he won't buck you off or anything," Flynn told me when I raced over to him excitedly. 
"Oh, he's fine...he was as sweet as pie with Jase," I told him.  "That was just a one-time thing, I think." 
"I just-" 
Maximus nuzzled my hand with his plastic nose, and I giggled.  "He'll be fine, Flynn...if I fall, you can say 'I told you so'." 
Flynn gave me an uncomfortable glance, but he finally sighed and nodded.  "Alright...but just don't get hurt, okay hon?" 
"Okay," I laughed, and Flynn gave me a boost up into the saddle. 

When I was situated, he let go of the reins reluctantly and rested a hand on my leg.  "You sure?"
"Positive," I grinned as I clucked Maximus on. 
He was perfect.  I walked, trotted, and cantered him.  He was acting absolutely perfect, until we went near the guinea pig cage on the floor. 
The guinea pigs in the cage both ran over to the cage side and started squeaking.  Max shied before loosing a round of violent bucks.  I gasped and clung to his mane, wrapping my legs around his barrel.
Mistake. 
He squealed, pinning his ears, and crowhopped in disapproval.  I glanced up just in time to see him almost ram into a bin, and he swerved.  I wasn't ready for it, and I flew off, landing right on my back. 
It knocked the breath out of me and I couldn't even get myself to move.
Flynn was at my side in a moment.  "Are you alright?"  He frantically studied my face. 
Well, it's kind of hard to speak when the breath's been knocked right out of you.  Finally, I managed to squeak.  "Y-yeah, I'm alright.  Just"-I coughed, and cleared my throat before continuing -"Just a bit stunned, and need to catch my breath." 
"I knew I should've gone on him first, or led you, or something...oh gosh,  I just need to listen to my gut instinct...you end up getting-"
"Flynn.  It's fine.  I'm fine" - we'll not mention my aching back quite yet - "Don't beat yourself up about it.  If anything, it's the guinea pigs' faults," I joked. 
"I know, but-"
I stuck my hand out.  "Help me up, please?" 
"Oh.  Sure."  He helped me up, and I gave him a smile. 
"Thanks.  See?  I'm walking, talking, breathing...I am fine."
"What about your back?  You landed hard on it." 
Crumbs.  I couldn't lie..."It does hurt, I'll be honest.  But I'm fine." 
"Let's go back-"
"Flynn, I am-"
He started to pick me up. 
"FLYNN!"  I yelped.  "Put.  Me.  Down.  Now!  And no, we're NOT going back home.  I'm fine.  If I feel like I need a break, I'll let you know.  Okay?  Quit obsessing, please." 
He stared down at me, and got a calculating expression on his face. 
Finally, he nodded and set me down. 
"Fine...but you're positive?" 
"I am positive, dear." 
"Okay."  He trailed his hand down my arm tenderly, and then he grasped my hand, pulling it up to kiss it. 
"I don't think you should ride him, though..." I joked.  "Sorry."
"Oh, I wasn't planning on riding anyhow.  I just wanted to before you, to try and work the sillies out of him.  I still don't trust that creature," he said, staring at me. 
"What?"  I asked, referring to his stare. 
He didn't answer me, he just simply took a stride towards me and pulled me close. 
I could hear his heart pounding, he was holding me so close. 
"W-wh..." I trailed off, and he tightened his arms around me. 
Well...either he'd answer me, or I'd eventually stop breathing from his tight grip.  Whichever came first?  I wasn't sure.

His heartbeat eventually slowed, and only then did he allow me to pull away.  He put his hands on my shoulders and swallowed.  "It just scared me, is all."
"Everything scares you," I chuckled, but I could see in his face that he had indeed been terrified. 
"Everything that includes you or the girls," he corrected. 
I nodded, silently scolding myself for chuckling at his obvious concern.  "Sorry."  I gave him a small, sheepish smile and glanced around, trying to think of something to get his mind off of me falling. 
"Why don't we sit up on the window?"  I suggested, nodding towards the window. 
He wet his lips and nodded, letting go of me.  I took his hand and led the way to the window, thankful for a distraction. 
We hopped up onto the windowsill and I sat down in the one corner, trying to very discreetly rub at my back. 
He saw me, though. 
He quirked a brow, but he sat and didn't say anything. 
Phew. 
Dodged a bullet on that one. 

We sat and watched the outdoors for a good long while.  We just sat in silence and enjoyed one another's presence, which was nice. 
After a good while, though, Flynn got restless.  He stood, and asked how my back was. 
It was pretty sore, but I was fine.  I told him so, and he didn't look very relieved. 
We left the windowsill, and walked around for awhile, just about general whatever, until Tangled Fan came hurrying in.  Great -I could ask her about Alexis! 
"Tangled Fan!  Wait up a sec," I exclaimed, waving my arms so she would see us. 
She stopped abruptly, and bent to look at us.  "Yes?" 
I glanced at Flynn and he gave me a  confused look, but then it clicked.  He gave me a smile and a nod before grasping my hand. 
"Can we adopt Alexis?  I think we're ready." 
She smiled and nodded.  "Awesome!  For sure...I'll just make a note to not toss her up into a box or anything." 
"That'd probabbbly be best," I laughed, even though I was mildly horrified. 
She left, and I turned to Flynn. 
"Well...we just added another to our family."  He gave me a crooked grin and I couldn't help the tingle that went up my spine. 
"I'm just so glad she's warming up to us!"  I continued walking, and he hurried to catch up with me. 
"I almost passed out when she as much as LOOKED at me this morning." 
"I know..I could see it in your face," I grinned as I remembered his expression. 

We walked for awhile, but once darkness crept up on us, we headed back. 
Everything and everyone was quiet, but they were up. 
"Merida!  How were the girls?" I walked over to her and asked.
"They were all good...weren't ye?"  She asked, and Jase and Alexis nodded.  We watched Jase hurry over to Flynn, and I reached to pick Alexis up.  "And Hallie was just a pleasant little girl, like she used to be." 
"Awesome," I exclaimed. 
The two babies were already sleeping, so I didn't bother Hallie. 
"And how did y'two enjoy yer day out?"  She gave me a smirk. 
"It was great, thanks so much for watching the kiddos for us!  I fell off of Maximus, but other than that, it went well.  We also ran into Tangled Fan, and Alexis...you're officially adopted now." 
She gave me a big grin and hug, and then squirmed to get down.  I let her go, and Merida gave me a quick, one-armed hug. 
"So how bad did yer hubby flip when ye fell?" 
"He managed to keep it to a minimum, after I told him to stop obsessing." 
She laughed and rolled her eyes. 
"Hey...you up for a girl's day out tomorrow?"  Merida asked. 
"Well..I dunno.  Flynn, what-"
"Go for it.  I can handle all the kids," he told me.

We sat up and talked for awhile, planning, but then we all went to bed. 
By the time we got to bed, my back was aching like nobody's business.  I sprawled out on my back, trying to stretch it out.  Flynn flopped down beside me and watched me as I writhed around in odd attempts to relieve the soreness. 
"Your back still hurt, baby?"  I glanced up at his concerned expression. 
I considered doing a quick little white lie, but I didn't.  "Yeah, it hurts." 
"Should I-"
Should he go get Tangled Fan? What was his first thought?  Mine was NO.  And so I said so. 
"I was going to ask if you wanted me to rub your back." 
"Oh.  No, it's-" I broke off as he did so anyway.  "Well..that does make it feel pretty good." 
He chuckled to himself and continued for a few minutes, until I suppose his hands got tired.  When he was done, I turned to my side and pulled him into a quick kiss. 
"Thanks,"
"Anytime..I'll do anything to please my girl," he joked, giving me a wink. 
I rolled my eyes and then they crossed as he gave me a peck on the nose.  I grinned and then flopped onto my back, trying to find a comfortable spot.
"Thanks for letting me go with Merida on a girl's day out tomorrow," I told him. 
"Excited?" 
"Kind of..." I smiled. 
"Just stay safe." 
Gosh...well, I do suppose one of the last times we'd gone on a girl's day out, I'd ended up hurting my arm, so he did have a point.  "I will," I laughed, and then he leaned over so we could share a sweet goodnight kiss.  When he started to pull away, I leaned into him and kissed him back, and when I pulled away, he gave me a big smile.  He told me good night and I returned it, and then I was out. 

Bored And Achy...!

I know, I know.  The first thing that probably came into your mind when you read the title of this post was most likely "Oh great, it's gonna be a post about her complaining about being bored and her various aches.  Yay, NOT."
I promise, I won't turn this into a super-mega-boring, complaining-the-day-away post.  I promise.  ;)  Oh...and I haven't forgotten about the month in review.  I PROMISE I will get back to writing with Flynn once Ray's caught - so we don't have to spend every spare second watching the babies.  So anyway, let's get onto the actual post!

The morning after my attempt to take down Ray, I woke up super late, again.  I cleared my throat and blinked a few times before I rolled onto my back.  Flynn, who must've been nearby, was at my side in an instant.
So that was how the day was going to be like, eh?  He's going to be a mother hen, I thought grumpily.
"Hey hon," he smiled as he bent over me and pushed hair away from my face.
"Morning," I smiled up at him and sat up.  Too quickly.  My head started spinning and I felt like I was going to pass out.  I squeezed my eyes shut and sucked in a breath when I felt a wave of nausea crash over me.
"Are you okay?" his voice cracked.
I didn't answer him until I trusted my mouth to open without gagging or choking or anything.  Finally, I nodded.  "I'm okay."
"Sure?"
I opened my eyes to see him peering down at me, forehead wrinkled in concern.  "I'm sure.  Your face makes everything better!" I added jokingly.
He chuckled.  "Don't think you'll distract me from the topic at hand."
I went to stand up, despite the sudden, searing pain in my leg, as well as the aching sensation in my arm.
"How do you feel?"
I shrugged.  "I'm fine, like I said."
"I can see in your eyes that that is a lie," he raised an eyebrow skeptically.
"Fine."  I huffed.  "My leg hurts like nobody's business, and my arm hurts a bit too.  My neck feels better, though."
He nodded.  "Your head?"
"Cloudy, but I'm still walking, talking, and breathing, so I guess it's fine too."
My hubby shook his head in exasperation at that last sentence before he gently cupped his hands around my face and bent to kiss me.
I remembered that I needed to make sure he got his necessary hours of sleep.  I pulled away from him and said, "How long did you sleep?  Truth, now..."
"Seven and a half hours."  He said crisply.
I laughed hard enough that I accidentally stumbled forward and bumped into Flynn's chest.  He took that to his advantage and hugged me.
"Rapunzel and Flynn, sittin' in a tree-"
I jerked away from him and turned to see Merida laughing.
"Oh, knock it off," I laughed, stepping away from him with my cheeks heating up.
I glanced up at Flynn, and his face was red too.  He looked down at me and I saw a sly smile creeping up.
Oh boy.
"See, Rapunzel?  I'm telling you, she's a bad influence on the kids."
"I am NOT!"  She yelped, disgruntled.
"Hmm..yeah, you might be right!"  I tapped my lips with my finger and pretended to study Merida's face intently.
"You're both terrible.  Both of you!"  She giggled before turning to Jase.  "Tell your parents they don't have to be so mean."
Jase looked up at her and then walked over to me and Flynn.  She held her arms up to Flynn, and he scooped her up.  "Sorry, Aunt Merida...I told you not to pick on them though."
The three of us laughed in surprise.
"Then I guess I won't take you out all day, and to ride Maximus like I was planning on doing today, if you feel that way..." Merida quirked a brow and pretended to walk away.
"No!  I'm sorry.  I side with you!" She squirmed frantically and Flynn set her down so she could run over to Merida.
"Huh?"  I laughed at her silly antics, but then thought about what she said.  Merida was taking her on a ride?  Today?
"She talked it over with me this morning.  I told her she could if she really wanted to, even though I'd prefer to take her myself.  Jase has been wanting to so bad, you know," Flynn explained when I turned towards him questioningly.
"We could take her, why not?"  Hallie woke up, and so I hobbled over to pick her up.
"Um, maybe because you need to rest."
"I'm fine," I protested.
"No, you need to rest!  If you don't cooperate, I'll tell Tangled Fan."
I rolled my eyes.  "I'm fine.  I want to see Jase ride Maximus for the first time.  Today.  I'm perfectly fine - I don't have a headache or anything suggesting I have any underlying issues with my being knocked unconscious, and I can walk.  My arm isn't too bad, and I don't use it to walk, anyway!  Please?"
He shook his head.  "Tangled Fan told me to keep an eye on you.  A promise is a promise, and I'm not about to break it.  I'm also not about to knowingly let you not rest, and potentially harm your health!"
"But I'm fine!"
"Also, Ray's still out there.  We need to keep a close eye on the babies, still."
"I know you're just saying that to add to the reasons why you think I should stay home.  But fine.  I'll stay home, but if you think I'm just gonna sit around all day, you've got another thing coming, mister!"  I tipped my chin up and stared at him, Hallie on one hip and my other hand on the other.
He grinned and bent to kiss me again whilst my face was upturned.  "We'll see about that."
Good grief.  He'd already kissed me twice this morning, just since I'd woken up less than an hour ago.  What, was he still that shaken up/thankful I was okay this morning?  It was a little embarrassing, to be honest...Or maybe I was just grouchy today.
By then, Merida was taking off with Jase, waving as she went.  I waved and called a 'see you later' to the both of them.

When we were alone, Flynn took Allie.  He sat down, and I sat facing him.
"So what happened yesterday?  Why didn't you try to subdue Ray?"  I asked him.
"When you took off running, I...well...pretty soon after you left, Merida came running by with the babies.  I grabbed her by the arm and helped her hide, and I told her to keep track of Jase.  I started to come for you, but I saw Ray making off with you for the old shelving unit.  I was trying to think of a way to ambush him, but I couldn't.  I was about a yard away when I saw you start to fall.  I made a run for it, but you hit the ground before I was close enough to c-catch you.  You landed on your side.  Hard.  You cracked your head off the floor even harder.  I thought for sure you were..." he trailed off, cleared his throat, and continued.  "Anyway, when I got to you, Ray was nowhere to be seen.  I was more concerned about you than where he was, anyway.  I threw you over my shoulder and ran to find Tangled Fan - she'd already been on her way back anyway, hearing your screams.  And that's basically it."
I nodded slowly.  "I see."  I was looking down at Hallie, but then I glanced up at Flynn.  My hubby had a horrible, pained look on his face and he looked like he wanted to say more.  I knew if I just waited quietly, he'd burst forth with the rest of it.  And he did.
"Dear girl, don't you ever do that again.  Ever.  If you think you're going to be in danger, do NOT go ahead and put yourself in harm's way.  Good grief, you could've broken.  You could have been broken beyond repair.  You could've..."  He trailed off and sniffled. He stopped, looking down at Allie, who had started to nap.  He jumped up and laid her down on our 'bed', and then he took Hallie, who was starting to sleep as well.  He started to pace back and forth.
"Flynn.  Flynn, sweetie."  I tried to get his attention.  I know I must have scared him really badly yesterday, and I felt bad.  "Flynn.  Flynn!"  As he paced past me, I reached up and grabbed him by the hand.  He tried to pull away from me, but I grabbed him with BOTH hands and stood up.  "Husband, I subdued an angry Ray yesterday, and shoved him in the corner.  I think I can take you."
He whirled to look at me.  I thought he'd mouth off at me or something, but no.   His whole face was crumpling up as he slowly lost his composure.
I grabbed him into a hug and he leaned down to press his head against my shoulder as he started sobbing.  I'd never seen him so shaken.  It was all I could do to keep from crying myself, he was so upset.
"I don't know what I would have done without you.  I-I saw you lying there, unconscious, and I thought y-you were...gone....you know?  I almost died right then and there.  I can't believe I didn't make it to catch you.  If I would've-"
I propped my chin on his head.  "But everything's fine.  You couldn't have possibly ran a yard within five seconds.  You did all you could do, and I'm okay anyway."  I soothed him, even though the lump in my throat made things kind of hard.
His shoulders heaved.  "You could have...you could have been killed!  All I could think of was how much you meant - you MEAN - to me, how Jase would take things, of all the t-t-things I didn't get to tell you...of..."
I sobbed.  "You're going to make ME cry now!"  I joked, trying desperately to not lose it.
He pulled me in to him and I felt a zing of love and compassion go up my spine.  He was falling apart here, but he still felt obligated to comfort ME.  I licked my lips and gathered my thoughts and feelings and reined them all in.  Before I could say anything, though, Flynn started again.  "I love you.  I love you so much.  You mean the world to me and then some.  I can't live without you, I don't think I could have.  You...you're the most beautiful and sweet and..." he continued to sob out compliments and thoughts about me.  By the time he was done, I was dissolved into tears as well.  I rubbed his back with one of my hands and tried to contain my tears - I felt like a drama queen, the past few days, because I'd been so emotional!  Ugh.  Suddenly, he pulled away from me.
"I need to knock it off.  I'm not some sissy little girl who cries over everything."
He tried to continue pacing, but I held onto him with all my strength, despite my arm that hurt every time I used it.
"You need to let it out.  Even men have to cry some, and it's not criminal."  I stared up at him and studied his face.  His chin was still wobbling.  I reached up with my good arm and touched his cheek.
He shook his head slowly, and then he literally lifted me off my feet and gave me a kiss that I swear must have contained all his emotions.  It made my head swim and I was surprised at how just a kiss could convey so much.  I also hoped to goodness that Merida and Jase didn't walk in right about now - I was embarrassed when he as much as hugged me around them, let alone kissing!  So many thoughts were running through my head, and when he started to pull away, I kissed him back, hoping to show him that all those compliments he'd given me were felt mutually - in other words, I felt the same about him.  I finally pulled away, but he still held me up.  I stared at him a few seconds and realized he was more lost in my eyes than he was concerned with where my feet were.
"As much as I'd like to enjoy this...could you please put me down?"  I chuckled despite myself, and he must have just noticed he still held me up.
"Oh.  Right."  he set me down carefully, but then he pulled me into a tight hug.  I felt that he was comforting himself as much as me, so I didn't protest.  Eventually, he calmed down and he slowly released me.  I cleared my throat and smiled up at him.  "Feel better about things?"
He shrugged and I kept my gaze locked on his.  "I still feel like this is all my fault."
"Well, don't, because it isn't!"  I said, moving away from him.  He took me by the hand and sat down.
"Sit."
I started to protest, but he gently tugged at my arm and pulled me down to sit beside him.  I cuddled against him and we just sat....for a few minutes, anyway; until Allie woke up, and then Hallie got wakened up by Allie.

For the majority of the day, Flynn made sure I stayed sitting down.  Jase stayed out with Merida all day long.  To his credit, though, after awhile and when the babies were napping once more, he eventually relented and allowed me to stand outside of the bookshelf for a little bit, watching Jase ride Maximus.  Even then, he watched over me like a hawk.  What, did he expect me to stumble a step and shatter into a million zillion pieces?  Or was Ray what had him concerned?  Would Ray seriously just snatch me up because he felt like it?  He was after the babies, not me!
To Flynn's concerned goading, I went back inside all too soon.  Regardless, I was kind about it and thanked him for allowing me at least a little while of watching.  A small smile played across his lips, and I wished he'd give me that goofy grin of his.  I knew he was still beating himself up about yesterday, and he needed to stop.  I tried to get him to lighten up, but as soon as he'd look at me longer than a few seconds, I saw the same worrisome cloud come across his features.  I felt really bad.

At around seven, Merida and Jase finally tromped in.  Jase was giggling, and she ran over and jumped into Flynn's lap.  He chuckled and she promptly began narrating her day out with 'Aunt' Merida.  I handed Allie over to Merida and told her that she was good all day long.
We chatted, but after awhile, I got so tired I could hardly hold my eyes open.  I must have fallen asleep with Hallie in my arms because I didn't wake up for a long while.
When I did wake up, it was from a nightmare.  (Yes, us dolls can dream).
I had been dreaming that Ray was attacking us, had gotten the babies and was going after me now.  I flew upright, panting, and looked around frantically.  Fear gripped my heart.  As my eyes adjusted to the darkness, I realized I was in 'bed'. Under the covers.  Hallie was nearby on one side.  Flynn was on the other, and both were sleeping.  My breathing slowly calmed down, and I pushed the hair from my face with a final huff.  As I relaxed and slumped against the bookshelf wall, I noticed Flynn stirring.  In his sleep, he rolled over and reached towards me.  When his arm landed across my legs, his eyes flew open. He sat up quickly and looked around.  When he saw I was right beside him, still, he also slumped against the wall.
"You scared me!" he chuckled quietly.
"Sorry!" I whispered.
"Why're you up at this hour anyway?" through the darkness, I could feel him studying my face.
"I...couldn't sleep," I admitted.
"Lemme guess.  Nightmare?  You were tossing and turning a lot," he explained.
I nodded quietly.  "That's pretty stupid, right?  'Flynn, I had a bad dream...'."  I mocked myself.
He shook his head and then he reached over and rubbed his thumb on my cheek with such gentleness that a tingle shot up my spine.  I allowed a slow smile to grow on my face.  Then, I stifled a yawn.
"You ought to get back to sleep," Flynn told me.  "You're safe, and I'll be right here."
I nodded and then I curled up on my side, snuggling under the covers again.  Flynn did the same, and then he trailed his hand down my arm until he found my hand. He linked his fingers with mine for a few minutes, and then he wrapped his arm around my waist, whispering an 'I love you' in my ear.  I breathed a reply as I wriggled just a tad bit closer.  I don't know if he heard my reply, because he sounded as if he had fallen right back asleep within seconds.  I sighed, feeling more secure now, and went back to sleep too.

Ray & Blondie part 2 continued

The next time I woke, I was on Tangled Fan's bed, cocooned in towels, and Flynn was pacing back and forth anxiously.

I sat up slowly, grimacing at the ache of my arm and neck.  "F-Flynn?"  I heard how faint and gravelly my voice was, and I cleared my throat.

When he heard me, he wheeled around, looked at me, and then was at my side in one step.  He threw himself down beside me and anxiously looked at my face.  I noticed his red eyes and his tear streaked cheeks.  "Sweetheart?  You're okay?"

"My arm and my neck hurt, but I...I guess so.  What happened, exactly?  Where's Jase?  Hallie?" As my mind cleared, my eyes widened.  "Merida and Allie?"

"You fell when Ray dropped you when he was dragging you off.  You were knocked unconscious a-and y-you've been that way for several hours.  Jase is with Merida and Hallie and Allie; they're no worse for wear."  He stared at me for a moment before managing to gently grab me into a hug that I thought might last forever.  "I-I am so, so sorry.  If I would've been there and caught you before you fell..."

"Don't worry, hon.  I'm alright.  You did fine."

He touched my face a moment before he hesitantly reached over for a gentle kiss. He acted like he was afraid to touch me at first, but then the kiss became fervent.  When he finally pulled away, he brushed the hair from my face and stared at me lovingly.  "I'm so glad you're okay, baby."

I gave him a small smile and put my hand on his shoulder, squeezing it.

"Now, can we go back to Jase and Hallie?  Jase still hasn't gotten to ride Max-"

"You are going home and you are resting, dear girl.  Jase can ride another day.  Besides, Tangled Fan needs to check you over before you leave."

My heart squeezed when he called me 'dear girl'.  He rested a hand on my lap, on top of the towel, and I saw he was on the verge of tears, his chin wobbling.  I reached over, pulled his face towards me, and kissed him, and he stroked my hair as I did.  He bumped his forehead with mine when we pulled apart, and pushed the hair from my eyes.  "I didn't tell you this yet today and I'm glad I get the chance to now.  I love you.  I-I don't know what I'd do if you'd-"

I smiled at him and cut him off.  "Love you too.  Oh, no - what time is it?"

"Don't worry about it."

"You need to get to sleep!"  I exclaimed, jumping up.  "Oh, ow..ow!"  I hopped on one foot as I realized how bad my other leg hurt.  I kicked at the towel until I got unwrapped from it and told him to lay down there.  He stood, instead, and when I stumbled backwards - it was super hard to balance on that bed, let alone on one foot! - he grabbed me and held me close until I regained balance again.

"Don't worry about it.  I'm fine.  One day won't kill me, but thanks for the offer, sweetie," he kissed my forehead and then laid me back down on the towel, carefully covering me up with it again.  "You're gonna have plenty of trouble resting, aren't you?"

I nodded.  "I suppose I will.  But I'm NOT going to rest until you go to sleep!"

"I've still got an adrenaline rush going, so I can't go to sleep.  I promise that I'll go to sleep when I can, okay?"

I sighed, suddenly feeling drained again.  "Okay."  I yawned and rolled over onto my side so I could study his face without craning my sore neck.  With a sigh from him as well, he plopped down beside me and rested a hand on my shoulder.  After a few moments, though, he spoke up again.  "Do you want me to unbraid your hair or something?  It might be more comfortable."

I shrugged with indifference, but he jumped up and got to work anyway.  Within minutes, my hair was loose.  When he sat back down by me, he clasped his hands tightly together on his lap and stared down at me.  I put a hand on both of his, and a small grin teased his lips.

After awhile, Tangled Fan bustled through the door.  "Awake again, are we?  How's the arm, leg, and neck?"

"They're okay," I said, but Flynn shook his head at me.  "Fine.  My neck hurts, my arm's kind of sore, and when I tried to stand up on my leg, I almost fell down."

"I see..." she picked me up and poked, prodded, and all other sorts of stuff.  "You need to rest a few days.  You should be okay then.  I'd prefer to keep you elsewhere to make sure you rest-"

"No."  I shook my head vigorously, but then gasped at the pain in my neck.  "I'm going home with my husband, to my girls."

"Maybe you should..." he trailed off.

"No, Flynn!  You just got back from that migraine thing.  You can't keep the kids all by yourself for goodness knows how long - especially with Hallie if she's fussy through the night!  You'll end up with migraines again!  I want to be with you and the girls.  And I have to take care of you, too - make sure you don't end up with another migraine!"  I protested.

"He shouldn't get migraines anymore - has he been having them?"

"No, but she's been harping at me constantly to ensure that I get at least seven or eight hours of sleep."  Flynn said, glancing at me.

"Good girl," she told me with a laugh.

"But I'm STILL going home.  Tonight."  I stared at her.

"Honey, if it means you get better quicker..."

"Nope."

"Oh, come on."

"No!"  I exclaimed again, standing up.  "See?  I can stand just fine.  So I'm good to go."

Okay, fine.  I WAS holding most of my weight on my other foot, but I was standing, anyway...

"You can, I suppose.  But you make sure to get plenty of rest, and you make sure she behaves herself!"  Tangled Fan chuckled to herself and then hurried back out.

I looked at Flynn and Flynn looked at me.  He got a mischievous grin.  "That means I can hound at you like you hound at me!"

"For a few days."  I laughed.  "Now, let's get back home."

He nodded, and came over to me.  He held me against his side super-tight, and allowed me to lean on him to walk across the bed.  When we got to the point where we had to jump down onto a box, though, he bent and lifted my legs up to carry me.

"Oh, no; you can't make that jump like that!" I yelped in alarm.  "Put me down."

He knew he couldn't make the jump.  He set me down and stared at me with a calculating look on his face.  After a minute, he jumped down and held his arms out.

"Slide down.  I'll catch you."

I trusted he'd catch me, so I slipped down off the edge.  He caught me around the waist and set me down as if I were a piece of frail glass.

"Thanks," I said.  Then I stared down at the NEXT jump down that we had to take, which was almost two feet off the floor. That would take us down to the floor, so at least it would be the last jump.

Flynn did the same method there, only he almost fell down when he caught me - he had to back up several steps and stumbled a few of them, before he got his balance and set me down again.

We walked back to the shelf, me leaning on Flynn as needed, and noticed Merida was back on the bottom shelf with the kids.  Thank goodness - I had been worrying as to how I would limp up to the top shelf!

We stepped inside, and Merida jumped up and grabbed me into a hug...before grabbing me by the shoulders and shaking me.  "Oh my gosh you're okay!  I can't believe ye did that - you do that again and I'll kill ye!"  All in one breath.

I chuckled, but stumbled a step when she released me suddenly.  Flynn grabbed my non-sore arm.  When he realized I had my balance back, he slid his hand down my arm to link his fingers with mine.

And then Jase saw us.  She came blazing over and threw herself at me.  "Momma!  I was so scared, you ran off after Ray and I yelled and yelled at you but you didn't listen!  Why did you?"

"Because 'Aunt' Merida and the babies were in danger.  Wouldn't you have done the same?"  I know that was a silly question to ask a five-year-old modeled doll.

"I guess so."  She spotted Flynn and flung her arms out at him.  He chuckled, disentangled his fingers from mine, and took Jase.

My leg was getting really achy by now, so I went and sat down, taking Hallie into my arms.  She gave me that adorable little smile and cooed when she saw my face.  I grinned at her and talked quiet baby-talk to her for awhile, enjoying her grins and newly-found giggles.

Flynn took Jase with him to find some of Tangled Fan's old clothes, and when he came back within about 10 minutes, he carefully tended to making a bed, probably because of my soreness.  He left another piece of fabric on top, I guess for a blanket.  Which I was pleased about - despite the month of August, tonight was chilly!  Either that or it was just me.

I wanted to stay up, but after awhile, though, I was so tired I had to go to bed.  Flynn was still up, listening to a chattering Jase like a champ.  I walked over to him, bent down, and hugged him from behind.

"I'm going to bed.  Don't stay up too awful long, okay?"  I whispered in his ear so as not to disturb the conversation.  He put a hand on my arm and squeezed it, nodding.  I gave him a peck on the cheek, said goodnight to Jase, and then went back to our corner.  I curled up on my side and pulled the makeshift blanket up to my chin; and I was out within minutes.

I was curled all up into a ball, fast asleep, when I felt an arm slide gently around my waist.  I woke up and went stock-still, not knowing what had become of Ray after I'd fallen.  My heart thundered in fear.  When I heard the owner of that arm get more comfortable underneath the blanket with a tired sigh, relief washed over me.  It was Flynn. I  let my breath out and put a hand on the arm that was around my waist, smiling and turning my head around to look at him as I stretched my legs, which were all balled up.

"Did I wake you?" he whispered, immediately looking remorseful through the darkness.

"It's fine, hon," I smiled at him to show that there were no hard feelings.

"Okay," he whispered, leaning over to give me a slow and tender kiss goodnight.

Satisfied and feeling a lot safer now that he was right beside me, I sighed, curled back up, and allowed myself to drift off to sleep.