I’m putting the last of the dishes from our annual Halloween dinner into the dishwasher. In the living room I can hear you, Tilly and the twins putting on The nightmare before Christmas. I live for soft moments like this. To think you and I have created this. Just.. unbelievable.

It’s not long until I hear your gentle footsteps coming into the kitchen. Your arms wrap around me from behind and I can’t help but smile. Knowing that you’re mine, and only mine, makes my heart skip a beat every time. I turn around and pull you against me, kissing the top of your head. “How are they doing, our little wild ones?” I mumble against your hair, breathing in your scent.

Our story is like a fairytale. Teenage sweethearts. Our first kid, Matilda, was born 12 years ago when we were only 17. It was a chaotic and honestly scary time. But everything turned out just fine. I wouldn’t have it any other way now. She’s our sunshine, with your cleverness and my dimples. And then, Four years ago, you gave birth to our twins, Oliver and Ophelia. They’re wild and loud in the best way possible.

We stand like that, just hugging each other, taking in the peace from Halloween night. All of a sudden, Matilda rushes through the kitchen with that mischievous smile she typically has whenever she’s up to something.

“I’m going to my room” she hastily tells us before she continues rushing up the stairs, her door slamming shortly after. I look back at you and chuckle. But it’s not long until Oliver and Ophelia come running to us, crying and screaming.

I let go of you and instead crouch down to Oliver who is absolutely broken, pulling at my leg.

“Hey, buddy. Breathe.” I tell him calmly, stroking his back. “What happened?” I ask, looking over at you holding Ophelia in your arms.

“Tilly took our candy” he sobs out, before burying his face against my neck. I sigh and look at you.

“So, wanna calm down the twins or have a talk with matilda?” I ask you, and I can’t help but feel a warm sensation in my chest. Because in the midst of all this chaos, I know that we’ll always have each other.