Total pages in book: 19
Estimated words: 16943 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 85(@200wpm)___ 68(@250wpm)___ 56(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 16943 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 85(@200wpm)___ 68(@250wpm)___ 56(@300wpm)
Gabe’s laughter echoes across our yard, blending seamlessly with the giggles and shrieks of our kids as they take turns riding on his polar bear back. He moves with fluid grace despite his enormous size, an expert at making it look effortless as they cling to his thick fur, holding on for dear life. Kieran’s little face lights up with sheer delight as Gabe trots along. It’s pure magic, seeing them so carefree and happy.
I lean against the doorframe, content to stay in this moment, soaking in every detail. Life has been chaotic in the best way possible since these mini tornados entered our world, flipping everything upside down and inside out. Who would’ve thought that watching three little boys take turns riding their dad would fill my chest with such fierce love?
My phone buzzes, and I glance at the screen, instantly bracing myself when I see it's Gabe's mother calling. “Hi, Mamma Bear,” I answer, a flicker of guilt creeping in. I totally forgot to call her back yesterday. She had been asking about the boys, and of course, just as I was about to chat, we had a minor catastrophe brewing over here. Kieran decided he was some kind of acrobat and attempted to jump from the sofa to the recliner only to miss spectacularly and end up crashing onto Jonas. The collision kicked off a whole mess of wrestling and shrieking. By the time we managed to pry the combatants apart, it was time for dinner and baths.
“How is the trio of chaos doing today?” she asks. The teasing note in her voice makes me smile despite it all.
“The jury is still out,” I respond, laughter bubbling to the surface. “Gabe has them outside trying to run off some of their extra energy.”
“Good luck with that,” she snorts, and I can picture her shaking her head in amusement. “You know polar bear shifters have endless energy and an unlimited ability to get into trouble.”
“Do I ever,” I reply, my gaze drifting to the back yard through the kitchen window. Watching the wild antics unfold is almost like watching a live-action reality show. They’re tumbling over each other, their shouts of laughter echoing, and I shake my head, half-expecting the inevitable disaster to rear its head. “But I’m still holding on to hope that it’ll tire them out.”
“Are you guys still up for dinner on Sunday night?” she cuts to the chase, throwing in that warm motherly tone I’ve come to love. The weekly Bearly dinner is basically a rite of passage at this point.
“We’ll be there, as long as the trio of chaos cooperates,” I say, knowing all too well that having my hands full with the boys can be a wild card in determining how the evening goes.
“Great! We’re having lasagna,” she replies, sounding excited.
As we wrap up the call, I hang up and let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. Dinner with Gabe’s family is always an adventure.
While I was talking, my mate switched kids and now has Jonas on his back. “There we go, hang tight!” Gabe calls out, his voice booming as he turns his head slightly to keep an eye on our middle son. He’s always been a natural when it comes to this parenting gig, and I love watching him in action, completely at ease in this new role. My heart swells as our oldest son shrieks with laughter, clutching onto Gabe and urging him to go faster.
The sight of them together is freaking perfect. Deacon and Kieran race around the yard trying their best to keep up with their dad in polar bear form, massive and majestic. His large frame looks perfectly natural with the tiny, adventurous child bouncing on top. All three boys are bundles of endless energy, fearless and curious, just like their father. They’ve each carved their own spaces in our hearts, complete with distinct personalities.
When I was pregnant. I was terrified and excited all at once, second-guessing every little thing. I had no idea what having triplets would be like, especially three polar bear shifters. Those early days were a blur, a blend of laughter, exhaustion, and far too many diaper changes. But Gabe has been there for every moment, every bump, and every twist along the way.
“Mommy’s watching!” Luke shouts, glancing in my direction with a beaming smile, pointing back at me as if I’m missing the main event.
“Are you guys having fun?” I call back, waving and returning the smile. I push myself off the doorframe and step into the back yard, drawn by the magnetic pull of watching my boys and their dad play together.
The warm sun shines down on me as I walk across the cool grass. When I reach them, Gabe stops and gently lowers Kieran to the ground amidst groans of playful protest.