Fated

Chapter 2

Alashia stepped out of the shower and quickly dried off. She really couldn't wait to be at the end of the day. First, because it was their family's first-ever vacation, but second, because she would be checking a destination off of her bucket list. When they arrived at their destination, they would be in Niagara Falls. She quickly applied all of the essentials and put on some warm leggings and her new Ugg boots. While she wasn't a fan of the designer name, or price, for that matter, she had bought them on clearance just for this trip.

Her bra was custom and designed for comfort over aesthetic, since her chest size literally made anything else impossible, but fortunately, it was a simple cut and held her right. Over it was a plain black tank top that she covered with a long sleeve gray blouse. Surveying herself in the mirror, she felt she looked every inch the mom she was. Her face was free of makeup, her freckles making her appear a bit younger than she was. Pulling the hair tie off of her wrist, she quickly braided her auburn hair on the side of her head that wasn't shaved.

Content, she turned to Chase, who had just hopped out of the shower. "How do I look?" she asked, striking a pose. His chuckle reverberated through their steamy bathroom. "Like I want to take all those clothes back off."

Sticking out her tongue at him, she walked out of the room and went downstairs to prepare a hot cup of coffee. Inhaling the warm smell, she poured a cup and started sipping, checking all of the last-minute preparations.

Content with their luggage, she grabbed her hat, coat, and gloves, making sure to get her car keys and went to start the van.

While it was warming up, she shoveled the snow off of their driveway, dancing as she went to the van's radio. Once everything was clear, Chase came into view with all of their remaining luggage.

Giggling, she threw herself into his arms. "Isn't this magical?" she laughed, and he stood there looking at her. "What?"

"You," he said simply. "You are what is making this magical."

Her smile was radiant, her bliss at this moment exactly what he wanted for her.

"It's time to get them in the car," Alashia murmured, pulling away from him.

He nodded and they went back into the house and up the stairs to their children's bedroom. They each took a child and got them up, dressed, and bundled into the car. Alashia waited in the car with the two boys while Chase went to get their third.

Their oldest, Lance, was excitedly chattering away while their middle kiddo, Ricky was sour-faced at being awoken. Alashia was playing with him and his stuffed Mario trying to coax a smile from him when Chase brought their youngest, Daniel, out.

All three boys were sleepy-eyed but curious as to where they were going.

"Alrighty boys, we are going on vacation!" Alashia said excitedly. "We will be driving all day to go to Niagra Falls, where we will have tons of fun! Here are our pieces of paper to look over."

Handing each boy a small pamphlet she put together, it was their itinerary for the trip. Smiling over at Chase as she buckled herself up and grabbed her coffee, she started singing; "Hit the road Jack, and don't you come back no more no more no more no more, hit the road Jack, and don't you come back no more!"