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rebthom89 · 3 years

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Three Times Dodger Was Exactly What Dani Needed and Once That He Knew She Needed Someone Else

Pairing: Dani x Dodger Evans, Dani x Chris Evans

Word Count: 2,391

Summary: The title basically says it all. But Merry Christmas to my sweetest little lovebug, Dani @fallinforevans! I hope you love it!!!

Warnings: Dodger Evans being the best boy ever, mentions of family issues and work stress

A/N: This is NOT the reader insert type story that I typically write. I wrote this as a very special gift for one of my dearest friends. I absolutely based it on her and her love for iced coffee, Dodger Evans, and (unfortunately) the way her. family can be. I don’t expect it to resonate with everyone. But I WILL be back to writing reader insert after this one.

One

As Dani left work that day, all she wanted to do was get an iced coffee and get home to crawl into bed and forget about the day. She'd been busting her ass to get all the work done she could during this busy fall season, but that didn't mean everyone else was working as hard as she was. Despite turning out some of her best results yet, she kept getting more and more work thrown at her and had never felt less appreciated. It didn't help that she had slept through her alarm this morning, forgotten her lunch, and then gotten back to work late because the restaurant took forever to pack up her take out order. She’d ended up having to eat at her desk while she worked, and managed to spill the last few sips of the iced coffee that was going to get her through the rest of the day.

By the time her day had come to an end, she’d decided to take the shortcut through the park that would get her home about 10 minutes faster AND take her past her favorite coffee stand to make up for the tragedy of the spilled coffee. About half way through the park, though, it seemed as if fate had different plans. Something flew past her knees in a blur and before she knew it, she was on the ground, unable to stand back up and being assaulted by something wet directly to her face.

It took a second to collect herself and process what happened, but when she did, it became a little easier to breathe. The pup currently licking her face in the most excited manner must have gotten away from his owner and accidentally knocked her over. She started to pet him, hoping it would calm him down, at least enough for her to stand back up, but the attention only brought more energy from his brown and white body.

“Woah, Bubs, where did you come from, huh? Someone out there must be looking for you. You’re too cute to be out here all by yourself.” She said to the dog. As soon as he’d heard her nickname for him, he settled enough for Dani to push herself back up, and find a seat on the bench nearby. He immediately came to sit directly in front her, being sure he wouldn’t miss any of the attention she was clearly going to be giving him.

“Dodger, huh? You do like something straight out of a Disney movie” Dani chuckled, taking her phone from her purse to call the phone number on the tag.

“I’m impressed. Not many people get the reference right away,” came a voice from a few feet away, making her put her phone away. “Usually people think it’s got something to do with baseball. I’m sorry about him though. Are you ok?”

“Yeah. Getting some love from an adorable furball is far from the worst thing that happened to me today. It might have been the best actually.” She said with a laugh.

“Well then I’m glad he could help. He must have noticed you could use some puppy love. I’m Chris, by the way. You’ve clearly already met Dodger.”

She scratched his head, smiling. “Dani. Thanks for the pick-me-up, Dodger, even if it literally knocked me over.”

“How about I make that up to you? There’s a great little coffee stand right over here. Let me buy you a cup? Bubba here doesn’t look like he’s ready to say goodbye to you yet.”

Dani smiles, her eyes lighting up at the suggestion. “I was just headed there myself, actually. They make the best coffee. I would love the company.”

Two

As the three of them walked off together, Dodger firmly planted between them so he could share his love with both of them, Dani couldn’t help but think that maybe Dodger had known what she’d needed after all.

Since the fateful day in the park that Dodger knocked her over, Dani, Chris, and Dodger had been darn near inseparable. After several coffee and dog park dates, and few fancier and Dodger free dates as well, she and Chris became official. About eight months later, the two humans had realized they had gotten to the point where it was simply a waste for Dani to be paying rent anywhere else, seeing as she spent virtually every night with Chris and Dodger.

It had amazed Chris at first just how seamlessly Dani had fit into his life. He’d been a little worried that everything would change once she’d officially moved in, but life remained much of the same for them. If anything, it was easier, simply because there was no more of the awkwardness about where they stood. Having each other around, knowing this was home, everyone seemed happier and more at ease.

This morning started the same way most every morning did - Chris had gotten up long before Dani had even considered getting out of bed, and had gone for this usual morning run. The first difference from their normal morning was noticeable as soon as Dani rolled over. The bed wasn’t empty. Dodger had nestled himself into Chris’ spot in bed, and was staring intently at her. It was fairly common for Dodger to accompany Chris on his runs, but every now and then the pup would stay behind, so Dani tried not to think too much of it.

The next difference, Dani felt as soon as she sat up to get out of bed. To be fair, she’d been expecting it, but that didn’t mean the cramps hurt any less. She’d only been awake for a matter of minutes and she could already tell it was going to be one of those days where it would take a miracle to even get her out of bed for any lengthy period of time. Thankfully, Chris had a few meetings today and would be in and out, even after his run, so she could take the day for herself, but knew he’d still be around to check on her too.

She got up with the plans to run through her normal morning routine, including grabbing the iced coffee Chris had undoubtedly left in the fridge for her after making his own coffee this morning. Dodger immediately followed her, almost as though he was keeping an eye on her while Chris was out of the house. On her way back to the bedroom, Dodger raced ahead of her, meeting her back at the bed with his stuffed lion in his mouth. As she crawled back into bed, the pup leaned down and pushed the lion over to her before gently laying his head in her lap.

“Are you gonna share him with me, bubs? I know you love to snuggle him.”

Dani couldn’t help but smile when Dodger sighed happily, relieved that she figured out his plan. She scratched at his favorite spot, right behind his ear. “We do a good job taking care of each other, huh, Bubs? You always seem to know what will make me feel better.”

Chris had been away for nearly a month. He tried to get back home as often as he could, but with the announcement of a new movie he’d signed on for, he was suddenly being called in for interviews every free second he had. Dani was so proud of him and knew how hard he’d been working, but it didn’t make being apart any easier. She couldn’t wait until he got home this afternoon, so she could show him just how proud she was, but that wasn’t going to make the next few hours any easier. Just this morning alone, she’d already done a load of dishes, made a batch of Chris’ favorite cookies, picked up all the toys Dodger had left laying around and vacuumed every room in the house. The anticipation was killing her and she wasn’t sure how she would possibly manage to make it through the next few hours.

Three

Dani thought that maybe finding a movie to focus on would have helped keep her distracted for a while, but even Nick Vaughn serenading her with the sweet sounds of his trumpet couldn’t take her mind from the fact that Chris was almost home. She was pulled from thoughts of Chris when she heard a loud bark coming from near the back door. Dodger was sitting right next to his leash, clearly expecting his walk to begin IMMEDIATELY. Always a sucker for whatever her bubba wanted, she found her tennis shoes, attached his leash and started outside. Expecting him to head to the right, the way they always went on their afternoon walk, she was almost pulled off her feet when Dodger suddenly turned and pulled her up the street to the left.

“Ok, Bubba, I get it. We’ll go the long way. It can’t hurt. Maybe we can even stop at your favorite park for a while.”

Dodger had the time of his life on their walk. He’d chased a squirrel up a tree, made 3 new human friends on the way to the park, and 4 new dog friends once they’d reach the fenced area in which he could run free. By the time he came back up to Dani and laid his head on her knee, silently asking to go back home and cuddle with his lion, even Dani was feeling worn out from all that Dodger had enjoyed on the walk.

The trip back took a little longer than the way there had, partly because Dodger didn’t have as much energy for this half of the walk, and partly because Dani still wasn’t looking forward to returning to an empty house. She figured there was about an hour left before Chris should be home, but was hoping that maybe Dodger had worn her out enough that she could sneak a nap in to keep her thoughts from wandering to Chris.

As the house came into view, Dodger let out a happy bark and suddenly regained all the energy he’d used up earlier. Dani did a double take, because standing there on the porch, watching them walk up the road, was Chris.

The Time She Needed Someone Else

“Dodge - you knew I just needed to keep busy, huh? Ok, that was such a good boy. Go ahead.” She reached down to let Dodger off his leash, and he stopped, looking back up at her, almost as if he was trying to make sure she would be ok. She rubbed his head and chuckled, “It’s ok, Bubba. Go get daddy.” And with that, Dodger took off towards his dad.

“Woof! Woof woof!”

Dodger’s loud, clear barks rang through the house as Chris sat in his office, working. The last time Chris had been in their room, Dani was watching something on TV while Dodger was curled up at the end of the bed, snuggling with his lion. Chris guessed the barks meant that Dodger had grown bored with whatever Dani was watching and was ready to play.

Chris had only gotten through a couple more work emails before Dodger started barking again. This time he didn’t sound like he was looking to play, but more that he expected someone to immediately come find him. Chris wondered if maybe Dani had fallen asleep watching tv and Dodger had managed to get himself stuck in the bathroom or something, and decided it would just be easier for everyone if he were to go let the pup out.

When he got to the hallway leading to their bedroom though, he noticed Dodger sitting in the doorway to their room. Dodger was looking back and forth between the bedroom and the hallway. The second he saw Chris coming, he ran to his dad, leading him straight back to Dani. As Chris came into the room, he found the love of his life sitting on the edge of the bed, her head in her hands and her cellphone laying next to her.

“Darlin’, what’s the matter?” he asked cautiously, stepping into the room and kneeling down in front of her.

“It’s just - everything. My work sucks, and you’ve been working so hard, and I’m so proud of you, I really am, but it doesn’t mean it’s easy on me, and then -” He could feel the tension in her shoulders, and he definitely saw her glance at her phone.

“Your family?”

She could only nod as the tears started again. It killed Chris to see her this way, and if he could just snap his fingers and make everything ok, he would do it in a heartbeat. He took her hands in his, just as he felt her breath quicken. He cupped her cheek in his hand and wiped the tears away with the pad of his thumb.

“Dani, look at me. You are incredible. I don’t know how your family doesn’t see that. But you know what? We’re your family now. Me and you and Dodge. Really, we have been for a while. We’re the ones that will be in this together forever. We’re the ones that will get through anything together. Even Bubba knew you needed us today.”

Dani sniffled, trying her hardest to get the tears under control. “That’s sweet, Chris. And yeah, Dodge could tell I was crying. But -”

“No. No buts today. Just your cute one, putting on your softest pjs ” he teased with a sparkle in his eyes “and finding the sappiest movie you can find on tv. Even if it’s one of those vampire movies you love so much. You and Dodge and I are gonna stay right here all day, and we will supply you with endless love and cuddles and snacks. And then we’ll get that Italian place you love to deliver dinner, and by the time we’re done, you’ll remember just how much we love you. I know it won’t fix everything. But we need you to know that no matter what, you aren’t in this alone.”

She smiled softly, “Thank you. You two always seem to know exactly what I need.”

As if on cue, Dodger hopped up on the bed and planted a sloppy kiss right on her cheek.

Because this isn’t the reader insert I normally write, I will reblog this in the morning with my tags. For now, I’m gonna let Dani enjoy it!

#Dani x Dodger #Dani x Dodger Evans #Dani x Chris Evans #Chris Evans x OC #tw: family issues #fallinforevans #Merry Christmas to the sweetest little lovebug ever!!!!#Dodger Evans is the best boy

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assembledherethevolunteers · 4 years

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Future Management Chapter 10

A/N: Hi everybody! Thank you so so SO much for all your love for this story. This is probably going to be the last chapter. I know, but I’m thinking I might do another one shot or some headcannons? Maybe you guys can let me know what you think. Anyway! Love you guys and hope you continue to enjoy!

Pairing: Ben Hardy x fem!Reader

Summary: You and Ben Hardy had been together for the better part of a decade. After hitting a rough patch, the two of you decide to end things. However, one small surprise keeps you two connected more than you thought.

Warnings: I’ve written a lot of fluff in my day, but damn. This one may take the cake.

Catch Up: Prologue (https://assembledherethevolunteers.tumblr.com/post/188795655663/future-management) Chapter 1 (https://assembledherethevolunteers.tumblr.com/post/188846514968/future-management-chapter-1) Chapter 2 (https://assembledherethevolunteers.tumblr.com/post/188923255568/future-management-chapter-2) Chapter 3 (https://assembledherethevolunteers.tumblr.com/post/189095339763/future-management-chapter-3) Chapter 4 (https://assembledherethevolunteers.tumblr.com/post/189199837403/future-management-chapter-4) Chapter 5 (https://assembledherethevolunteers.tumblr.com/post/189300488163/future-management-chapter-5) Chapter 6 (https://assembledherethevolunteers.tumblr.com/post/189442099338/future-management-chapter-6) Chapter 7 (https://assembledherethevolunteers.tumblr.com/post/189800039798/future-management-chapter-7) Chapter 8 (https://assembledherethevolunteers.tumblr.com/post/189937325478/future-management-chapter-8) Chapter 9 (https://assembledherethevolunteers.tumblr.com/post/190017663658/future-management-chapter-9)

Taglist: @lovebirdy93 @jonesyaddiction @im-an-adult-ish @taylorroger-s @springholland @stassaurus @hahaboop @tcnystqrks @bloatedandlonly @doctorwhatwhenandwhere @amy-brooklyn99 @mercurycrowley @shineedrmgrl @yourstateofdreaming @annamikyska @bensakindofmagic @imfollowingawhiterabbit @queenlover05 @annihrdy @iamthebeth @beepbeephardy @hardforbenhardy @this-little-queenie @httpfandxms @blushingwueen @culturefiendtrashqueen If I missed you I’m sorry! Please let me know if you want to be added.

ONE YEAR LATER-CHRISTMAS

“Mommy, can we open presents now?!” Eliza asked as soon as you walked through the door after Church. The house mostly only had Christmas decorations left in it. You had slowly started moving things to London over the past couple weeks. You’d officially be moving shortly after the first of the year.

“No, Lovebug. We’ve got to call Daddy first.”

Eliza threw her head back, but waited for you to FaceTime Ben. The two of you sat down on the couch.

Ben answered, and it looked like he was driving a car.

“Good morning, loves,” Ben grinned at you.

“Merry Christmas, Daddy!”

“Merry Christmas, Birdie! Have you opened your presents yet?”

“No! Mommy said we had to call you!

Ben laughed at the annoyance in Eliza’s tone and in your face.

“Where are you?”

“On my way to Gran’s,” Ben smiled like he had a secret. “Can you wait about ten minutes, Liza? Gran would like to see it too.”

Eliza sighed dramatically.

“God, you’d think her parents were actors or something,” you stroked her hair as she rested her head on your shoulder.

“Why don’t you tell me about Grandma and Grandpa’s last night?” Ben asked.

Eliza started telling Ben about going to your mom and dad’s last night and it worked. She showed him some of the presents she had gotten and he showed her as much enthusiasm as he could. You loved that about him. No matter what Eliza showed him or told him, he made her think it was the best thing in the world.

You watched as Ben got out of the car and kept talking to Eliza.

“Just a couple more seconds, then you can open your presents, sweetheart.”

“Yay!”

Suddenly there was a knock at the door. You cocked an eyebrow and told Eliza to stay there. You walked over and opened the door to see...

“BEN!” You threw your arms around Ben and buried your face in the crook of his neck. You felt tears come to your eyes.

“DADDY!” You heard Eliza yell and come running towards you both. You both picked her up and Ben smothered her with kisses.

“What are you doing here?” You asked, wiping your eyes.

“I wanted to surprise my girls,” Ben responded with a soft smile.

“Daddy, I’m so happy you’re here! Merry Christmas!”

“Oh Happy Christmas, Birdie. Are you ready for presents?”

“YES!” Eliza wiggled out of your arms. You put her down and she ran away towards the presents.

You watched her before turning back to Ben.

“I can’t believe you’re here.”

Ben pulled you into a kiss.

“Mommy! Daddy! PRESENTS!”

You pulled away and giggled.

“We better get in there before she tears the whole house apart.”

The two of you walked, hand in hand, to the living room so see Eliza sorting the presents.

“Mommy! You have some too!”

“Thank you, sweetie,” you looked to Ben. “Do you want a coffee or anything? I can make it while she’s sorting.”

“I’d love one, thank you,�� Ben kissed your nose.

You walked into the kitchen, your heart finally slowing down. You were so excited to see him. You and Ben had talked about him coming to New York for Christmas, but he had just started a new project and they needed him the day after (which would be about the time you would be celebrating). You wanted to ask him, but figured you should let Eliza open her presents first.

You walked into the living room with Ben’s coffee and handed it to him on the couch, you cuddled into his arms.

“Daddy, all of yours are in London,” Eliza looked up at Ben with wide eyes. “You don’t have any to open!” She started looking at some of her boxes and placed some in front of him. “Here, you can have some of mine.”

Your heart swelled. She was honestly the sweetest little girl you’d ever met. You still weren’t sure how you’d gotten so lucky. You had your daughter and the love of your life. There was nothing more you needed.

“Oh no, Birdie, you can have your presents. I already opened mine with Gran a couple of days ago.”

Eliza gasped. “You got to open your presents early?! What about Santa?”

“He um…he knew that I was coming here so he dropped them off early,” Ben’s voice was slightly shaky.

“I didn’t know Santa would do that!”

You bit your lip to keep from laughing.

“Alright, Lovebug, why don’t you get started?”

Eliza started opening her presents and she was just as excited every time she opened one. You and Ben matched her eagerness with each one.

Once she finished, she ran over and threw herself in your lap, hugging you.

“Thank you, Mommy!” She reached over and hugged Ben too. “And you Daddy! Thank you!”

“Of course, sweetie.”

“Now Mommy, your turn!” Eliza crawled into Ben’s lap and watched you.

“Thank you, Liza,” you told her before picking up a package and opening it. It was a candid picture of Eliza and Ben playing at the park on canvas. Your eyes started swimming. You knew you had asked for pictures, but this was more than you had thought you would get.

“Mommy, why are you crying? Do you not like it?” Eliza’s voice was quiet, like it was when she thought she might be in trouble.

You smiled at her and shook your head. “I love it, baby. Thank you so so much.” You leaned over and kissed her forehead.

“Daddy and Unkie Gil helped!”

You smiled at Ben. “I’m sure they did,” you kissed Ben’s cheek. “Thank you.”

“Yay! Daddy said you would like it.”

You opened the rest of your gifts and loved each of them. Eliza had painted you a coffee mug with a heart on one side and ‘Mommy’ on the other.

“Grandma helped me!”

“Well thank you, Lovebug.”

“You’re welcome! I think that’s all your presents, Mommy.”

“And they were all…”

“Hold on, Birdie. I think I see one more in the tree,” Ben glanced at the tree,

You squinted at it and saw there was something there. How had you not noticed that?

Eliza stood up and plucked the small box out of the tree.

“There’s no name!”

“Bring it over here, honey,” you told her with a glanced at Ben. You noticed he was fidgeting his hands and bouncing one of his legs.

“I’ll take it, Birdie,” Ben’s voice had that same shaky tone when he’d mentioned Santa.

Eliza brought the box over and handed it to Ben before sitting between the two of you.

“What is it, Daddy?”

“Well, sweetheart,” Ben cleared his throat. His eyes flickered to you before meeting Eliza’s again. “I’ve been thinking for a while now. You know that you and Mummy are going to come to London to live with Daddy?”

“Yeah! And Frankie!”

Ben chuckled. “Yes, and Frankie. And you know that Mummy and Daddy love each other?”

Eliza nodded.

“And,” Ben cleared his throat again. “Well, Daddy’s been thinking that…well, maybe,” Ben looked at you.

You finally put everything together and your brain suddenly felt fuzzy.

“Ben?” you breathed out.

Ben stood up, opened the box, and dropped down to one knee.

“Y/N, I…I know this is…well, we’ve been down this road before, and it didn’t work out the way we originally planned. But, this past year, with you and Eliza, us being a family, have been the happiest of my life and I just...” Ben’s eyes started to fill with your tears.

Or maybe that was yours. At this point, you couldn’t really tell.

“I never want this to end. So please, Y/N, will you marry me? Again?”

Your heart was thumping. You couldn’t believe that this was happening. You had thought that maybe the two of you would live together for a while and then maybe you and Ben would get married again. You’d talked about it in passing, but nothing really substantial. How long…?

You must’ve been quiet for a little too long.

“Mommy? Are you okay?”

That brought you back to reality. You glanced at her and wiped your eyes again.

“Yes, baby, I’m okay.” You looked back to Ben and smiled wide at him. “And of course! Of course I’ll marry you!”

Ben stood up and wrapped his arms around you. He picked you up and spun around with you.

“Daddy! I wanna spinny too!”

You and Ben laughed and picked her up, spinning around with her.

Eliza giggled when you stopped and Ben gave you a kiss.

A couple hours later, Eliza had fallen asleep with her head in your lap (the rest of her body over Ben’s) as the three of you watched Elf. You examined the ring and played with it.

“How did you get this back?” You whispered. It was the same ring that you had offered him back after the divorce. The one that had belonged to his family that he’d told you to keep.

“When Joe was here helping you pack things up, he may or may not have also been on a spy mission.”

“Joe stole it?!”

“I wouldn’t say steal it, I’d say he nicked it.”

“Shut up,” you rested your head on Ben’s shoulder. “You realize how ridiculously cliché it was for you to propose on Christmas, right?”

“Well,” Ben started, resting his head on yours. “I was planning on waiting until you were back in London, but I just…I couldn’t. I wanted to ask you as soon as I could and once I thought about surprising you here, it came to mind. Gwil may have helped a little with the planning.”

“Speaking of, do we need to call anybody?”

“We can in a little bit. For now,” Ben stroked Eliza’s hair. “Let’s just enjoy the rest of Christmas, yeah?”

“Don’t they need you on set?”

“I asked for an extended holiday.”

“So when do you need to go back?”

Ben sighed. “Too soon.”

You were quiet then. You knew that meant that he probably only had today and maybe tomorrow to be with you and Eliza. You closed your eyes, deciding that you’d just enjoy Christmas with your daughter and fiancé.

3 years later

You walked down the stairs after helping Eliza get the crayons down so she could make Ben a birthday card since his birthday was in a couple of days. She wanted to make it totally by herself and so you left her alone in her room. 7 years old and she was already so independent. You could hear Ben muttering in the living room.

“...And that’s Tottenham. We don’t like them either. Matter of fact, if it’s not Arsenal, we don’t like them. When you start talking, Daddy will teach you the song.”

You chuckled to yourself and leaned against the doorway, watching him rock your 8 month old son. Ethan looked up at his dad with those big green eyes, but you could tell he was barely awake.

“You know, you probably should let the kids pick their own teams.”

Ben looked over at you and smiled.

“They’re more than welcome to like whomever they want,” Ben looked down at Ethan. “But if you want Daddy to love you, you’ll like Arsenal,” he cooed, making Ethan smile. “Yes, you will.”

You rolled your eyes but walked into the living room, closer to your boys.

“I think you’re being a tad ridiculous, but whatever.”

“Eliza likes Arsenal.”

You rolled your eyes and kissed his cheek.

“Eliza loves her Daddy and her daddy likes Arsenal.”

Ben chuckled.

“Where is she?”

“Upstairs, she’s making somebody a birthday card,” you watched as Ethan blew a raspberry at you and then giggled. “Are you ready for your nap, little man?”

Ethan reached for you and you took him in your arms.

“Tell Daddy nini. We’ll see him soon.”

Ben leaned over and kissed Ethan’s head. “Daddy loves you.” Then he kissed your cheek. “And I love you.”

“Love you too,” you grinned at him before going upstairs to lie Ethan down.

“Mummy,” you heard hissed from Eliza’s bedroom after Ethan was snug in his crib.

“Yes, Lovebug?”

She gestured you into her room and she quickly shut the door when you were inside.

“Here’s Daddy’s card!” She handed you the card she’d made.

On the front it said “HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY!” You smiled, and opened the inside. Inside was a picture of your family. All four of you. Ben was on one end, Eliza and Ethan were in the middle, and you were on the other end.

“I know Ethan can’t stand yet, so I pretended.”

“This is beautiful, sweetheart. Daddy will love it.”

“Can we give it to him now?!”

You gently ran a hand through her hair.

“In a couple days. Remember? We’re making Daddy breakfast and then we’re going to relax and then Gran is going to come get you.”

Eliza nodded.

“And you and Daddy are going to dinner.”

“That’s right, baby. And then you’ll stay the night with Gran and Mommy and Daddy will come get you in the afternoon. Do you want to come downstairs watch football with Daddy?”

“Yeah!”

A few days later, you applied your lipstick to finish getting ready.

“Love! My Mum’s here!” Ben yelled ay you from downstairs.

“Alright!” You called down to him. You looked yourself over one more time before coming downstairs.

“…games and there’s milk and toys in the bag. Ethan just ate, so he will probably need his bottle at…”

“Ben, sweetheart, I know. I have watched them overnight before.”

You laughed as you walked into the room. You loved your mother-in-law.

“Y/N, don’t laugh. It just encourages her,” Ben rolled his eyes before he looked you over. “Wow, you look beautiful.”

“You do, Mummy!” Eliza peeked around Ben from her seat at the island.

Ben’s mother was holding Ethan. He smiled and reached for you when you walked in. You took him and kissed his forehead then looked to Ben.

“Thank you, both. Ben, we should probably get going. We don’t want to be late.” You looked at Ethan. “No we don’t. And you’re going to go with Gran. Yes, you are.”

“Alright, dears, you should get going.”

“Daddy, can Frankie come to Gran’s?” Eliza asked. You hadn’t noticed that she’d gotten down and was petting the Beagle’s ears.

“No, Birdie, Mummy and Daddy will be home tonight, so she can stay here tonight.”

Eliza pouted, but gave Frankie a kiss on the head. “I’ll be home tomorrow, Frankie.”

Frankie barked quietly at her name.

Eliza and Frankie had become the best of friends over the past couple years. She even started to feed Frankie when Ethan had just been born without being asked.

You and Ben said another round of goodbyes and helped get the kids into your mother-in-law’s car. After they left, you and Ben went to his car. He gave you a kiss before he opened your door and gestured you inside. You gave him one more peck over the door.

“Happy birthday, Benny,” you whispered before you got into the car.

Ben smiled to himself before he walked to the other side of the car to get in. The two of you talked about your upcoming projects. Yours would be filming just outside of London, so you would be home every night. Ben was in talks for a new film that would take place in Ireland, so he would be able to come home on the weekends.

You pulled up the restaurant and Ben handed the keys to the valet.

“I can’t believe you go us reservations here,” Ben muttered in your ear.

‘Oh I got us more than that,’ you thought as the maître d lead you the back of the restaurant.

Sitting at a table, waiting for you and Ben, were six people you knew he’d be incredibly excited to see.

“BEN!” They all stood up and shouted. Ben jumped slightly, making you laugh.

Gwil, his wife, Carryl, Joe, his wife, Viv, Rami, and Lucy all came to you and Ben for a big group hug.

“Careful!” Joe declared. “You’ll squish The Fourth.”

“I told you not to call the baby that,” Viv rolled her eyes.

“Wait, does this mean you’re having a boy?” Lucy clapped her hands together.

“We don’t know until the day after we go back.”

“It’s a boy,” Joe replied, slapping Ben on the back.

Ben rolled his eyes. “Trust me, mate. You won’t know before she does.”

“Two kids and this guy thinks he’s an expert,” Joe joked as you all sat down.

“You’ve certainly come a long way from hiding in your trailer to not play a drum a solo,” Rami smirked.

“Oh shut up,” Ben gave him a playful punch to the arm. He then looked around the table. “Seriously though, thank you all for coming out tonight. You really didn’t have…”

“Stop,” Gwil immediately cut off Ben. “Of course we did. When Y/N came up with the idea, we all agreed right away. We all haven’t been together since your wedding.”

“That can’t be true,” Carryl frowned as if she was trying to remember.

“What about LA last year?” Joe threw out.

You shook your head. “Ben was in New Zealand.”

“Oh, that’s right.”

“I’m offended you don’t remember I wasn’t there,” Ben put a hand on his heart and pouted at Joe.

“You were there in my dreams, baby,” Joe winked at Ben.

The whole table laughed.

“The important thing is we’re here now,” Viv grabbed Joe’s hand just as the waiter came over.

The rest of the night was the eight of you catching up. It had been about three years since you had all been together. Yes, you’d met some of them here and there, but there was just something different when all of your were together. It was like a family.

Halfway through the night, while everybody was listening to Rami tell a story about one of his new costars, Ben leaned over to your ear.

“Thank you for this,” he whispered. “Thank you for everything. This, Eliza, Ethan, giving us a chance again, all of it. I love you.”

You felt like you were going to cry. If somebody had told you when you and Ben were going through your divorce that you’d get back to this point. You were remarried. The two of you not only had Eliza, but now also Ethan. You were out with your best friends to celebrate Ben’s birthday. This was perfect. It was exactly where you wanted to be.

“I love you too.”

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