Weekend and just as promised, Ann and family were at her parents'. The Smith mansion stirred with the gentle hum of morning. Sunlight spilled through the grand windows, catching on the polished floors and illuminating the colorful blooms in the garden. Ann poured herself a cup of tea and leaned against the counter, watching her parents stroll through the garden with Davis trailing behind, giggling as he chased a butterfly.
"Careful, Davis," her mother called, laughter in her voice. "Don't run too far. Those flowers are delicate!"
"I'm being careful, Grandma!" Davis shouted, raising his tiny arms like a superhero.
Ann's father chuckled, adjusting his tie as he watched. "Superheroes always think they're invincible, don't they?"
Ann smiled, her heart warming at the scene. "They certainly do. Just like our little adventurer here." She kissed Davis lightly on the cheek as he ran past her, squealing with delight.
Oliver appeared behind her, wrapping an arm around her waist. "You look like you're enjoying the show," he said softly, resting his chin on her shoulder.
"I am," she admitted, leaning into him. "It feels… peaceful, for once. Seeing them like this, happy, with Davis. I almost forget how much work this house and family require."
Oliver kissed her temple. "And yet you manage it all gracefully. It's not easy, I know. But you make it look effortless."
Ann laughed softly. "I wish it felt effortless. Some days, I feel like I'm barely keeping everything together. But then… moments like this remind me why it's all worth it."
Later, the family gathered for breakfast in the sunlit dining room. Plates were filled with pancakes, fresh fruit, and steaming mugs of tea. Davis jabbed at his pancakes with a fork, smiling at his parents and grandparents.
"Davis, use your fork properly," Ann's mother said, her voice gentle but firm.
"I am!" he protested, laughing. "See? I'm doing it!"
Ann's father shook his head, smiling. "One day, we'll have to get you a proper etiquette lesson. But for now… enjoy being a little mess-maker."
Oliver chuckled. "Mess-maker, indeed. But isn't that part of childhood?"
Ann glanced at him, her eyes soft. "You're right. And I wouldn't trade a single messy moment with him." She reached across the table and took his hand. "Thank you for being here… for us."
Oliver squeezed her hand gently. "Always. Every step of the way."
After breakfast, Ann decided to walk through the garden. The scent of jasmine and roses filled the air. Davis toddled along, pointing out flowers and insects as he went.
"Mommy, look! A ladybug!" he exclaimed, holding his finger out carefully.
Ann crouched down to his level. "Oh, it's beautiful, Davis. Do you see its little spots?"
"Yes! Just like your freckles, Mommy!" he said, giggling.
Oliver laughed from nearby, watching his son's excitement. "I'm starting to think Davis will have a collection of every insect in the garden by the end of the week."
Ann smiled, brushing a stray strand of hair from her forehead. "He's curious… just like his father."
Her mother appeared, carrying a small watering can. "Davis, would you like to help me water the flowers?"
"Can I, Grandma?" he asked eagerly.
"Of course, dear," she replied. Ann watched him carefully pour water over the blooms, tiny hands trembling with concentration. "Mom," Ann whispered to her mother, "thank you for these moments. I know we all have busy lives, but seeing them like this… it reminds me what really matters."
Her mother smiled warmly. "It's always been about love, Ann. The family, the memories we create… that's what matters most."
Later that afternoon, the family gathered in the living room. Ann sat on the sofa, Davis on her lap, while her parents and Oliver joined her. They shared stories from their own childhoods, laughing over memories both silly and sweet.
"I remember," her father said, leaning back in his chair, "when your mother tried to teach me how to bake. The kitchen looked like a battlefield afterward."
"Oh, don't remind me," her mother said, rolling her eyes but smiling. "You insisted on adding salt instead of sugar. I nearly threw the whole cake away!"
Davis laughed so hard he nearly toppled from Ann's lap. "That's silly! You can't put salt in cake!"
Ann joined in the laughter. "He's right, Dad. That would have been a disaster."
Oliver took her hand gently. "See? Even the stories make this house feel alive. Your parents… they've created something beautiful here. And we'll continue it, together."
Ann pressed her forehead to his hand. "Together," she whispered.
As the sun began to set, the family moved to the terrace. The golden light of dusk painted the garden in shades of amber. Ann leaned against Oliver, watching Davis chase after fireflies, her parents laughing beside them.
She closed her eyes for a moment, letting the warmth of the day sink in. Life was fragile. Beautiful. Fleeting. And she wanted to hold onto every second.
"Mommy," Davis said softly, tugging her sleeve, "I love this day."
"I love it too, Davis," she replied, tears prickling her eyes. "I love it too."
Oliver kissed the top of her head. "And we'll have many more days like this. No matter what comes, we'll face it together. Always."
Ann smiled, letting herself be fully present in the moment. She didn't know what the future held. She didn't yet know the storm that was coming. But for now… she had her family. She had love. And that was enough.
The stars began to twinkle above the garden as the family remained together, laughter and warmth filling the mansion.