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Gabriel
Seven Years later
I SMILE AS our six-year-old kids help me and Harper finish setting up our tents for the night. The air is crisp and clean, filled with the sweet scent of pine and the distant chirping of birds. It's peaceful out here, a welcome respite from the bustling chaos of the city.
Oscar and his girlfriend, Sarah, have just finished pitching their own tent a few yards away. They're laughing together as they work, their easy camaraderie bringing a smile to my face. It's still a little surreal sometimes, seeing Oscar all grown up and in love.
Harper glances over at them, her expression soft with affection. She comes to stand beside me as the kids explore the tents. "Sarah brings out the best in him."
I slip an arm around her waist and tug her close. "And he adores her; anyone can see that."
Harper leans into me, rests her head on my shoulder. "I'm so happy for him."
“We should start thinking about renovating the annex at home. In case they want a place of their own someday.”
"You'd be okay with that?"
"Oscar is family, Harper. And family sticks together. If living in the annex gives them the independence they need while still keeping them close, I'm all for it."
She stretches up to kiss me, her lips soft and sweet against mine.
"With a little support, they can have a happy life together. Sarah’s mom has always been very protective of her, even when Sarah and Oscar were at school. She’s worried about Sarah dating. If they decide to marry, I think the fact they are staying with us will reassure her."
She rests her head on my shoulder again and we stay like that for a long moment, our kid’s laughter surrounding us.
"Mom and Dad would have loved seeing Oscar healthy and happy, and us all together like this. Camping was their favorite family tradition."
I tighten my arms around her, offering silent comfort. I know how much she misses her parents, how bittersweet these moments can be without them.
"They'd be so proud of you. Of the amazing woman and mother you are. They'd be bursting with pride at how well you've loved Oscar, how you've given him a full, joyful life."
A single tear slips down her cheek, and I brush it away tenderly. "Sometimes, I can’t believe he only needs check-ups once a year."
"You made that happen, Harper." I turn her face to mine. "Your love, your dedication...that's what got him here. Never forget that."
She leans into my touch, turning her head to press a kiss to my palm. And then the kids are bounding over, their little faces alight with excitement, and the moment is broken.
But the warmth of it lingers, a constant glow in my chest as we spend the afternoon exploring the campsite together. Harper and I take turns pointing out different plants and animals to the triplets, watching their eyes go wide with wonder at every new discovery.
Ethan, our little thrill-seeker, wants to climb every tree and splash in every puddle. Our budding artist, Destiny, keeps stopping to collect leaves and flowers to press into her sketchbook later. And Ava, our quiet dreamer, is content to hold my hand and take it all in with those big, thoughtful eyes that are so much like her mother's.
I'm in awe of them, these perfect little beings we created. They're the best parts of Harper and me.
As the sun dips towards the horizon, we make our way back to the campsite to start dinner. Oscar and Sarah have already got a fire going, the flickering flames casting a warm, inviting glow over the clearing.
I watch Harper as she moves around the campsite, her movements graceful and sure as she unpacks the food and dishes out graham crackers and chocolate for s'mores. She's beautiful in the golden light, her skin glowing and her eyes sparkling with contentment.
Even now, after years of marriage and three kids, she still takes my breath away. Still makes my heart race and my palms sweat like a teenager with his first crush.
I know I'm a lucky man. I have a wife who loves me, children who bring me joy and a brother-in-law who's become a true sibling. And now, with Sarah, our little family feels complete.
It's not always perfect, of course. We have our difficulties like anyone else. There are days when the kids drive us crazy, when Harper and I butt heads over parenting styles.
I'm still learning, still growing. I make mistakes, spoil the kids a bit too much sometimes. Harper has to be the disciplinarian more often than not, reining us all in with that firm but loving touch that comes so naturally to her.
But we're in it together, every step of the way. We've built a life on a foundation of love and trust and unshakable commitment, and that's what sees us through the tough times.
And the good times. God, the good times make it all worthwhile.
