And They Lived Happily Never After

I shot up in bed after hearing piercing screams outside of my bedroom window. My heart felt like it was going to give out as I ran towards the door that led onto the small patio attached to my room. It was eight in the morning, and I had no idea what was causing such a fucking stir. Brian was nowhere to be found, and the house was dead silent.

As soon as I stepped out onto the patio I was nearly pummeled by a giant snowball as I ducked just in time, Jimmy running towards me laughing maniacally.

"Did you fucking see that! Why didn't I become a major league baseball player, holy shit!" He jumped up and down.

I chuckled, rolling my eyes and stumbling back into the room to bundle up in order to brave the freezing cold outside. As I walked through the house to get to the front entrance, it became clear that everyone was outside and not a single soul was around. After turning up the thermostat so we could all be warm upon returning inside, I crept outside making sure that there were no rogue snowballs flying around me. My attempt was ill fated as I was immediately bombarded by Jimmy and Zacky with snowballs.

"Take this you vile woman!" Zacky yelled.

I quickly ran to the nearest cover I could find in order to make as many of my own frozen weaponry as I could before they injured me. The sun was finally shining bright, making it the perfect weather for all of us to play outside and enjoy it.

"Where the hell are my babies!" I yelled, quickly peeking up from behind the trunk of my car to see if anyone could answer me.

"Brian has them and Mattison! He is sitting at the far end of the battlefield! He is the judge!" Jimmy yelled trying to hit me with snowballs in the process.

"Before you ask mom, the boys are bundled up and warm with me!" Brian smirked, holding the babies in each arm and looking quite cozy himself.

"The judge of what!?" I laughed ducking each of them swiftly.

"Our snowball war! It's me and Zacky against you and Johnny! Pixie would have been on your team, but she was the first one to be hit so technically she is dead!" Zacky grinned, bending down to make more snowballs.

"Fine but those few hits you guys got when I walked out don't fuckin' count!" I laughed throwing a ball at Jimmy, barely missing him by an inch.

"Of course no, we just had to warm you up!" Jimmy yelled back.

I quickly started to run out of snowballs as I tried to hit the two of them swiftly, with no such luck. Zacky wasn't as fast as Jimmy was at running, but the man sure as hell knew how to duck quickly and reload even quicker.

"Where the fuck is Johnny! If he is on my team he needs to help me!" I frowned packing
the snow tightly in my hands.

I felt a finger tap my shoulder and turned around to see Johnny, an evil grin plastering his face as he had some sort of machine strapped to his back.

"Before you ask, because I know your pretty little mind is wondering, this is my snowball
launcher. It launches snowballs at fifty miles an hour, guaranteed to leave a bruise...or
hundreds." He laughed maniacally.

"Johnny, you're amazing, but where the fuck did that come from?" I laughed.

"I made it about a week after we moved here. I didn't have shit to do, so I found some parts
to construct it and here we are. They have no idea I have it. If they want a war, baby girl we are going to give them war!" He grinned.

"What the fuck is the hold up Ivy this isn't much of a war if you don't cooperate!" Jimmy smirked, pausing to place his hands on his lip. I stood up with my hands in a pretend surrender, smiling at the guys in the most innocent way possible. "We're right here!" I laughed like a maniac as Johnny quickly jumped onto the hood of my car, launching snowballs at them left and right.

It was highly amusing how wide their eyes quickly became as they started to make a run for it like cowards. They were hiding behind a wall that they constructed out of snow at the far end of the yard. Johnny jumped off of the car and joined me to create a strategy.

"Alright Ivy, this is our big moment. This is what we were born to do! We have to step onto the battlefield and go head to head with our sworn enemies. Are you ready?"

"Hell yeah I am!"

"I'm sorry, I can't fucking hear you!"

"HELL FUCKING YEAH I'M READY!" I smiled, taking Johnny's hand as he reached out for mine. We took a deep breath, and ran towards the guys like we were invading another country. As soon as Zacky took a quick peek over their wall, Johnny hit him with the kill shot right in the forehead. He followed the rules and portrayed an emotional and theatrical death scene as he fell face first into the snow, leaving Jimmy to fend for himself.

"Alright Vengeance, you know the drill. Over here to join Pixie in the dead zone so you're not in the way." Brian laughed, patting a very frustrated Zacky on the back as he approached the sidelines.

"God mother fucking shit asshole fuck fuck fuckin fuck!" Zacky yelled stomping over towards Pixie, sitting impatiently to see what the outcome of the war would be.

Jimmy stood up from behind the wall holding a single snowball. Johnny and I faced him in a dramatic standoff like you would see in an old western film.

"Go ahead, punk. Make my day." Jimmy seethed, his fingers twitching as he prepared to throw his weapon.

I threw my lone snowball in his direction, barely missing him by an inch as he threw his towards me, hitting me around my ribs. I paused, holding onto the area like I had just been shot by a bullet, even throwing some fake tears into my eyes for some real theatrics.

"NOOOOOOO!" Johnny said in slow motion as he launched his final snowball at Jimmy, hitting him directly in the chest. Jimmy slowly slumped to the cold ground next to me, cheers erupting from Brian. The kids even clapped for us.

"Woo! Go Team Ivy!" Brian cheered, flashing the largest grin I have seen on his face in a long while.

"Way to go, dipshit. We just got our asses handed to us by two girls!" Zacky huffed, crossing his arms. He didn't like to lose anything.

Johnny and I went over to each of them and shook their hands, bidding them a good, fair game. They just kept saying they hated us and it made the victory even better.

"Well wasn't that an eventful thing to wake up to." I laughed, pinching Matthew and Kieran's cold, soft cheeks.

"How did you sleep, hun?" Brian smiled handing me Kieran so we could carry them inside to warmth.

"Surprisingly, I slept extremely well. Not a single bad dream! Well, technically no dreams at all, but I can't remember the last time I didn't wake up in a cold sweat in the middle of the night. I needed it. Also, thank you for watching the boys while I slept in. You're such a sweetheart, and I hope I tell you that enough." I grinned.

"You tell me all the time, Ives. I wish you didn't, it really isn't a problem at all. You practically run the household and make sure that we all make good choices. You deserve as many breaks as we can give you."

We all piled onto the couch as Jimmy ran into the kitchen to make everyone hot chocolate so we could defrost. Pixie was sitting in Zacky's lap trying to cheer him up while he was still pouting like a toddler from the loss. The boys and Mattison were playing with blocks on the floor in front of us while Johnny stretched out on the chaise lounge on his phone. Brian sat right next to me, offering me his warmth.

"Guys do you know what would be an amazing ide--"

"You're not putting whiskey in the hot chocolate, Jimmy." I chuckled.

"You're no fun! How did you even know I was going to propose that! You're such a mom!" He whined.

I rolled my eyes as I felt Brian's arm stretch out on the couch behind me.

"I have an idea that may not be as good as Jimmy's spiked hot chocolate, but it's still an idea." Brian chuckled.

"Shoot."

"Since the nasty rainy weather is gone, at least for today, did you want to head into town? Since you planned the trip to finally visit your parents back home, I know you're going to need to stock up on some stuff."

A week ago I decided that we would finally go back to California for a week to visit my parents, and so the guys could visit their families. We haven't been back since we moved. That's where Matt is laid to rest, and even the thought of having to face home again scared us. My parents haven't met their grand children yet, so I figured it was about time we made it happen.

"I think that sounds amazing, Bri. You wouldn't mind taking the boys out? I feel like you should be tired of them by now." I chuckled.

"Ivy you can't be serious. I could never get tired of those adorable, smiling faces for as long as I live. You guys are my entire world" he smiled, rubbing the side of my arm slightly, "besides, I love going anywhere with you three, it's always an adventure. I say we have our hot chocolate, get ready, go shop, and then maybe we can all have dinner somewhere? I'm assuming everyone will want to go into town today."

Hearing his love for the boys makes my heart sink in the most amazing way every time. I couldn't be happier to have him around us. He is the biggest help I could have ever asked for through all of this. Especially in the beginning when things became really, really bad...

"Ivy! Ivy please, stay with us, honey!" Everything was dark. I was in and out of consciousness, floating slightly in the hot bath water. I heard Brian's voice fading in and out around me, trying to reach it. I couldn't live without Matt. I couldn't handle life alone, and I didn't want to try. I just wanted to be with him. The entire day went by in such a daze, and after hearing the babies screaming for over an hour, my feet led me to the bathroom, my mind in a cloudy haze. I filled the tub with the hottest water I could stand, and tried to relax my body into it until something flashy caught my eye...Brian's razor. I can't explain the urges that pulsed through me as I picked it up. There was only one way I could be with my beloved husband again, and I was going to try anything...

"Ivy please...please don't do this to us we cannot lose you!" I felt pressure against my arms as his hands wrapped around them, trying to stop the bleeding until help could get to us. I didn't know he would be home so soon. I didn't want him to see me like this. It felt like days passed before my eyes fluttered open to see him sitting in a chair in the corner, his hands crossed over his lips as his elbows rested on his knees. I was in an uncomfortable hospital bed, one much like I was when the crash happened. I looked down to see thick bandages wrapped around my wrist, my mind in a haze as to why I was here. Then I remembered...and as soon as Brian looked up to see me, his face displayed emotions from relief, sadness, anger, and something else I couldn't pin point in his eyes...all I know is, he saved me from myself that night...

"Earth to Ivy?" Brian chuckled, snapping me out of my thoughts.

"Right...yeah...I'm so sorry I must have just spaced out for a second." I grinned, taking a sip of the hot chocolate he handed to me.

"You sure you're okay, hun?" He raised his eyebrows, moving a strand of hair away from my face.

"Never better, Bri." I smiled and sighed, looking around at the people I am able to call my forever family, admiring them.

After finishing our drinks, we all dispersed to get ready for our outing. My hair needed a good brushing, and I needed something to hide the dark circles that permanently resided under my eyes these days. I quickly threw on some light makeup and threw my hair into a messy bun before sliding my boots on, grabbing the boys in each arm and heading downstairs to catch up with everyone.

"I'm ready!" I called, making sure I was careful heading down each step as the boys were secured in my arms.

I looked into the living room to see the diaper bag packed perfectly along with the strollers leaning against the door. Brian was standing there smiling. I had to admit, he looked handsome for only getting ready in ten minutes. His hair was perfectly styled, and he was wearing his usual contagious smile.

"Like I said, you deserve every break we can give you." He chuckled at my shocked
expression, crossing his arms and leaning against the front door.

I handed him the boys as I put the diaper bag over my shoulder and grabbed a stroller in
each arm. We headed out to Brian's black hummer where he already had the car seats
strapped in tightly. I smiled at his efforts to make the trip to town easier. Going to California
with him as a big help was going to be so nice. I placed the strollers in the back and put their diaper bag in-between their seats as I helped Brian strap them in. Everyone else followed us out as Johnny locked up the door. I jumped into the passenger seat next to Brian and smiled.

"Ready to go? You got everything?" I smiled.

"Sure do. I checked everything twice." He chuckled.

I looked over at him as he started to drive, studying his face carefully. I never really took the time to get a good look at him. He has the most perfect jawline and cheek bones the world has ever seen. His lips weren't too large, nor were they too small. He had these long eyelashes that draped perfectly over those calming, chocolate brown eyes. His skin looked so soft and smooth, and I guess I never really noticed how...perfect...he was.

"What are you staring at?" He chuckled noticing my eyes were locked on him.

I looked away as fast as my head would snap and blushed slightly, "nothing...you just...you look good, Bri." I smiled halfly.

His cheeks turned a bright shade of pink as a large smile crept against his lips. "Thank you, Ivy. You always look good, but I can't tell you that every day. Wouldn't want to wear it out." He winked, letting out a subtle laugh.

That was another thing about him that I never quite realized. His laugh could be anything he wanted it to be. Cute, seductive, contagious...but at the moment I would describe it as heartwarming.

I turned around to notice that both of the boys were sound asleep. Car rides always knocked
them out quickly.

"So are you excited for the trip as much as I am?" He smiled.

"I think I'm more excited than anyone. As much as I have been dreading going back, I think we all really need it. Maybe it will help place some closure on everything for us. Sort of like facing our fears." I shrugged.

"I was going to bring that up, but I wasn't quite sure how. We haven't been home since Matt's funeral and...well I was thinking that maybe we could take the twins to visit his site. I need to have a few words with him and drop something off, anyway." He bit his lip.

My stomach sank slightly at the idea. I knew I needed to visit his site to see him, but it would be way more emotional for me to introduce the babies to him. They aren't old enough yet to realize that they lost the person who helped create them and bring them into the world, but I think it would be a good idea for all of us to visit him as much as possible since we no longer live in Huntington Beach.

"That's a good idea, Brian. Will you...can you be there with me? I am going to need all of the support I can get." He grabbed my hand and smiled.

"Of course I will. If you want, we can all be there for you."

"I think it would be better if we go alone the first time. I hate breaking down in front of all of
them and I can already see it coming." I chuckled nervously.

We were pulled up to a red light as we approached town. Jimmy sped up next to us with
Johnny in his black convertible Porsche blaring "It's Raining Men". They, of course, were standing up in their seats dancing and singing obnoxiously.

"It's raining men! Hallelujah! It's raining men! Amen!" They yelled shaking their hips from
side to side.

We started laughing so loudly that it woke the boys up. The light turned green and we sped
off down the beautiful streets of Aspen. Zacky, Pixie and Mattison were right behind us in
his "soccer mom van" as the boys like to call it.

The weather was perfect. A bright cloudless blue sky, a perfect sun, and snow covering the
beautiful mountains. It was times like these when I wished that Matt was by my side
enjoying it with me. I know I'm lucky to have my best friends with me. They sure did make things a hell of a lot easier.

We pulled into the nearest parking spot by the boutiques we wanted to venture in, Brian falling out of the car still laughing at Jimmy and Johnny.

"Nice moves out there, guys. Have you ever thought of auditioning for the Thunder from Down Under? I think you may have a fighting chance." He winked. Jimmy punched him lightly on the arm and wrapped his arm around him after, a giant smile plastered on his face. Today was full of genuine smiles from all of us, and it's something I missed.

"So what exactly is the agenda?" Pixie smiled.

"I figured you and Ivy could go clothes shopping while we went off and caused a bunch of chaos, you know, the usual." Zacky smirked.

"Sounds good to me, let's go!" She grinned pulling me by the arm to the place she had been eyeing since we arrived.

"Make good choices! Don't lose the kids!" I shouted back to the guys. They were all right...I was such a mom. I looked back to see Brian smiling at me. It wasn't the smile I usually received from him...this one was different. Almost like he was admiring me...I shook the thought out of my head as we walked into the boutique.

"What the fuck was that about?" Pixie raised her eyebrow.

"What was what about?" I questioned, picking up a blouse that looked like my style.

"Don't you fucking play dumb with me, Ives. I know you better than anyone in this entire god damn universe. Brian just practically undressed you with his eyes out there while you grinned like an idiot." She smirked.

"You would know a thing or two about undressing, wouldn't you." I rolled my eyes.

"Oh ha ha. I'm serious! That wasn't nothing!"

"Brian and I just smiled? Since when was there harm in that?" I chuckled.

"Uhhh since that wasn't a normal smile? That was the 'I need to touch you all over, yesterday' smile." She laughed. I hit her with the shirt hanging over my arm.

"Pixie, I can't even fathom the idea of moving on from Matt this quickly. Especially with Brian! That's his best fucking friend!"

"Ivy, honey, quickly would have been a week, a month even. It's been over a year. Matt wouldn't have wanted you to be alone forever." She sighed.

"Yeah I know Pix, but...Brian is more like my brother. He takes care of us, protects us."

"When you say brother, do you mean a brother you wish wasn't your brother so you aren't on the verge of committing an incestuous act?" She chuckled.

"No I mean brother as in, best friend. He's also Matt's best friend, I mean...how do you think Matt would feel if he saw us together? We would be betraying him. Besides, you are crazy because Brian does not have feelings for me."

"It wouldn't be betraying Matt, Ivy. I know him. You know him, well enough to know that if he wanted you to move on with anyone, it would be someone that he knows and trusts with his life. He had that with Brian. And another thing, honey, I've been around Brian since you have and he's never given me that look before." She smirked, nudging my arm with her elbow.

"I thought you were supposed to be my best friend, you know, make this sort of shit easier on me." I rolled my eyes, letting out a deep sigh.

"I am trying to make this easier on you by trying to convince you to be happy! Happiness is something that you deserve, and I know it was taken away from you a year ago in the blink of an eye but that doesn't mean there isn't a little bit extra leftover." She stared into my eyes, both hands on my shoulders like she was trying to beat the idea into me. I bit my lip and broke her gaze, looking through the racks of misplaced clothing as my mind started to wander.

Maybe she's right. I deserve someone in my life that would treat me and the boys with as much love as Matt ever did. The problem is, I still love Matt with every single inch of my being and if I move on it wouldn't be fair to someone else that doesn't have space in my non vacant heart. I know he would never want me slumping through life alone, but...Brian? That was something I needed to think over for a while.

A long, agonizing, while.

Notes

It's my first night of my last semester of college, and I am sitting in a quiet nook of the STEM building writing this. It's quite nice actually. Thank you all so much for your feedback so far! I love every single comment, subscriber, recommendation, everything! I am sorry for the roller coaster of emotions that this chapter provided, BUT, let me know what you think! You know where to do it!

xxoo,
Leagh