Love Over Everything — Chapter 40

Christopher opened his eyes and saw that Naomi was nowhere to be found beside him.

Yesterday was a fun-filled day for four of them; they visited exciting places in the city. Tyler and Zoe slept off in the car so as soon as they got home, Chris and Naomi put them to bed before going to their bedroom to call it a night.

Christopher smiled as soon as he sighted Naomi standing by the window, she was deep in thought and had a sad smile on her lips.

He made his way towards her and grabbed her attention by wrapping his arms around her waist and kissing her on her cheek.

She smiled, “Good morning.”

“Good morning my love. May I know what’s bothering you?” He asked concerned and she turned to look at him.

“I can’t help it. This time every year, I tend to think of what I went through bringing Tyler to life and how far we have come along as both mother and Son.”

“And this year, everything seems wonderful because you and Zoe are in the picture. But sometimes I get scared that my life is too perfect and then something might come up that will separate us.”

Christopher held both of Naomi’s hands in his. “I believe our happily ever after started the moment my parents told me about Tyler. You have no idea how grateful I am for the opportunity life has given us to be together again. I promise not to let you and our children down neither will I allow anyone to come between us.” He assured.

Naomi tiptoed and kissed him, “I’m so lucky to have you, Chris.”

Chris smiled, “I’m the lucky one here; you are the best thing that has ever happened to me.”

“I think it’s time to wake the birthday boy. I do surprise him with a cake every morning on his birthday.”

“When is he allowed to open his presents?” Chris asked.

“I always insist he opens his presents on the night of his birthday but Tyler does not have that patience. He opens every gift as soon as they are handed to him.”

Christopher smiled, “Same with Zoe.”

“But I guess he can open his gifts this morning. Maddie and other decorators will be here in two hours to start the preparation so we need to hurry up.“.

Chris and Naomi made their way to the storeroom to get all of Tyler’s gifts including the one Naomi got for him. They placed the gifts on a table in the living room alongside the surprise cake.

The lovebirds entered Tyler’s room to wake the kids up but they found only Tyler on the bed, he was still fast asleep.

Before they could start panicking as to where Zoe was, the little girl walked out of the adjoined bathroom.

“Daddy.” She ran towards Chris and hugged him. He lifted her and kissed her cheek.

“Good morning Daddy.” She smiled.

“Morning princess.”

“Good morning, Naomi.”

“Morning, my love.” Naomi leaned closer to Zoe who was in her father’s arms and kissed her cheek.

“You remember what day it is?” Christopher asked.

Zoe nodded “It’s Ty Ty’s birthday.”

She gestured for her dad to put her down which he did and she ran to the bed to wake Tyler.

Instead of waking her brother up politely, she started jumping and singing on the bed.

“happy birthday to you....... ”

It was when Tyler sat up that Zoe stopped jumping on the bed.

She knelt towards her brother who was trying to keep himself awake.

“It’s your birthday today Tyler, we are going to have so much fun.” Zoe beamed and then pulled him into a hug. “Happy Birthday Tyler; Sissy loves you so much.”

“Thank you Zowi.”

Christopher and Naomi stood by the bed with smiles on their faces. Naomi had tears in their eyes. They couldn’t be more proud of the bond that existed between Zoe and Tyler.

“Happy Birthday, Buddy.” Christopher picked up Tyler.

“Thank you, Daddy.” He replied.

“Happy Birthday, love.” Naomi kissed his cheek.”

“Thanks, mommy.”

Naomi and Chris guided the kids to the living room where the surprise was. Zoe and Tyler went crazy at the sight of the cake. They sang for Tyler while Chris recorded everything.

“Hurry up Tyler, make your wish and blow off the candles so we can have a piece of cake” Zoe commanded and Tyler did just that after which they all ate out of the cake.

“So Ty, these presents are from your mom, me, your sister, Daddy’s parents and Daddy’s friends who live in Miami. They won’t be able to show up for your birthday today but they sent their regards and these gifts.” Christopher said to Tyler who nodded.

Zoe ran to where the presents were and grabbed hers. She handed it to Tyler. “Open mine first.”

Tyler got a Radio controlled car, an activity book, A happy Birthday T-shirt and a pair of sneakers from Zoe.

“Thank you, Sissy.” Tyler kissed Zoe’s cheek and went ahead to open the rest of his presents.

Tyler had three bags of presents from Christopher and he hoped his son liked them. He didn’t know what to buy for Tyler so he bought varieties.

Tyler got a Tablet, two pairs of shoes and wristwatches, happy birthday stickers and three sets of toys from Chris.

Tyler hugged Chris for the presents. “Thank you, Daddy.”

“You’re welcome, buddy.”

“Actually, there are two gifts in there; one for you and the other one for Zoe, ” Naomi said as she handed Tyler a very small gift bag. Tyler brought out two small square boxes and handed one to Zoe.

They opened it and came across two beautiful necklaces with a locket that had pictures of them hugging each other. It was one of the pictures they took in the camp where they first met.

“I love it Naomi, Thank you, ” Zoe said, not taking her eyes away from the necklace.

“I love my necklace too, it has a picture of me and Zowi. Thank you, mommy.” Tyler said after which he and Zoe gave Naomi a joint hug.

Tyler opened the rest of the gifts, Naomi made breakfast and they all ate.

An hour after finishing breakfast, Maddie and other decorators arrived to start decorating so Chris and Naomi got Tyler and his sister ready.

Zoe and Tyler were extremely happy when they discovered they had matching costumes.

A few hours later, all the guests arrived and the superhero-themed party was in full swing. Some kids were running up and down, some were by the pool with their parents, some were seated, eating their food, Tyler, Zoe and a couple of other kids were by the play area while the adults had their BBQ corner.

“Why do I feel like you’re hiding from Luis,” Naomi said to Christopher.

“I’m not. I’m just busy helping the kids.” He replied.

“He means no harm; he wants to apologize for everything. The two of you are very special to me and I want you guys to get along.”

“Oh yes, there he is. Luis!” Naomi called and he made his way over to where she was with Christopher.

“I have to go help mom in the kitchen, make sure you both settle your differences.” She commanded and left for the kitchen.

Luis placed his hands in his pocket and started the conversation. “I’m sorry for everything Chris. I was an idiot for overreacting four years ago. No matter what, I shouldn’t have raised my fist on you. I’m not justifying what I did but I acted out of anger because I was so protective of Naomi and I still am.”

“I think that’s all, I just wanted to apologize and let you know how sorry I am. How I reacted years ago is not something I’m proud of and I hope you can forgive me.”

“It’s fine; you’re forgiven. I would have done the same if I were in your shoes.”

“Thank you.” Luis smiled. “Again, I’ve never seen my sister and my nephew this happy and it’s all because of you. Thank you.” Luis said.

“My wife and I came to visit her the day you left for Miami and all she could talk about was you. You’re a good man and I have no doubt Naomi is safe with you. You two have gone through a lot and you deserve all the happiness in the world.”

..............

“So how did it go?” Naomi asked as soon as Chris appeared in the kitchen.

“Fine.” He said as he wrapped his arms around her waist. “We talked and we are good now.”

“Perfect.” She kissed him. They got carried away until they were interrupted by someone clearing his or her throat which made them pull away.

Christopher shyly scratched the back of his head “I will go and check up on the kids.”He excused himself.

Anna, Naomi’s Mother grinned, “So if I hadn't appeared, things would have gotten pretty heated hun?” She teased.

“Mom!” Naomi blushed.

Anna closed the gap between them, they stood beside the counter.

“I’ve been the happiest person on the planet for days now because my kids are happy. You especially. You’ve gone through a lot, princess and you deserve all the happiness in the world.”

Naomi smiled, “Thanks, mom.”

“So I noticed you are glowing. I hope you and Chris have started trying for another baby.”

“Mom!!!!” Naomi groaned.

“Oh please, I’m sure if I didn’t walk in here you guys would have made love.” Anna winked and Naomi shook her head in disbelief.

Anna took her daughter’s hands in hers. “I’m truly happy for you Honey. But please make sure the next baby is a girl, so Roland and I will have an equal share of grandchildren; two boys and two girls.” Anna said which left Naomi kind of confused.

“Tyler introduced me to Zoe and she’s the most adorable little girl I’ve ever seen. I consider her my granddaughter already. That is why I’m hoping your next baby will be a girl so I’ll have two granddaughters and two grandsons. Zoe and the new baby girl and Tyler and your brother’s child.”