The sun is warm but gentle over the lake, sparkling off the water like it’s trying to compete with Bonnie’s golden hair. You’re sprawled on the big picnic blanket, Bonnie squirming in your lap and trying to grab your hair while letting out tiny giggles that sound like pure magic. Christian is next to you, propping Louis-Jules up on his chest. The boy is staring at a passing seagull with wide, serious eyes, looking exactly like his dad, and you can’t help but pinch your own cheeks because not one of your kids looks like you wtf.

Vanessa is bustling around like she’s running a five-star resort, insisting everyone wash their hands before touching the sandwiches, while Lisa just sighs and rolls her eyes, muttering. “Vanessa, it’s a lake, not Versailles.”

Christopher has somehow decided that he’s going to “teach Sean how to skip stones”. What actually happens is Sean flinging rocks into the lake at random and Christopher falling backward into a patch of wet grass, letting out a dramatic “I’M FINE!!” that has everyone snickering. Christian doesn’t even flinch, he just leans over and tickles Louis-Jules under his chin, making him squeal and kick happily.

Bonnie, not to be outdone, has discovered a stray dandelion and is aggressively attempting to stuff it in her mouth while simultaneously poking at your sunglasses. “Stop it, little tyrant.” You laugh, trying to pry the dandelion away without getting a slobbery handful of it in your face. Christian just smirks at you, whispering. “You know she’s going to run the world one day.” You roll your eyes, but secretly? You know he’s right.

Sean suddenly trips over a tree root and lets out a shriek, looking like he’s been traumatized by the lake itself. Christopher, in his infinite “helpfulness,” dives after him like he’s some kind of hero… Only to slip again, landing in a puddle and groaning. Vanessa gasps, Lisa mutters something about “youth these days,” and you can’t stop laughing at the sheer chaos.

Christian leans his head against yours, Louis-Jules snuggled against his chest, Bonnie gnawing gently on your sleeve, and you just take a deep breath, feeling your little family around you. “This… This is perfect chaos.” You murmur. Christian just kisses the top of your head and whispers back. “And somehow, it’s ours.”

And for a moment, despite all the screaming, flailing, and uncontrollable toddler energy, everything feels calm. Because it’s loud, it’s messy, it’s chaotic, and it’s love.