snacks– Hot Cheetos, seaweed, rice cakes, pretzels
music genres– Reggaetón, pasillos, classic latinx artists, alternative
season– Spring
book genre– Comic, Manga, tech
animal– cats
candy– Sour patches
BIOGRAPHY
Luna was born in San Francisco, California and has no plans of ever leaving. She’s a proud Californian who always tries to put her best foot forward. She’s the youngest child of four (2 brothers and a sister) and being the baby of the family, she is often treated as such which she hates. Only exposed to Spanish as a developing toddler and with siblings a lot older than her, Luna went into the school system speaking only one language and had difficulty adjusting. She faced plenty of discrimination and bullying because of it. Feeling casted out, Luna buried herself in books especially of the comic variety and became fascinated with everything about them. She longed to be as strong and fearless as Wonder Woman and as quick and intelligent as Batgirl. Soon enough, she became fluent in English thanks to all that reading and expressed an interest in art while in elementary school.
She’d go to almost every San Diego Comic Con from the moment she was 10 until the present time. The only difference is now she organizes them. She’s been a head organizer for about 8 years now, after interning while in college for several years. Luna lives, eats and breathes comic conventions and her art. With all the time she dedicates to her profession, she hardly finds the time to date which a lot of her friends scold her about on the daily. That and the fact that she’s been unlucky in love don’t exactly give her the confidence she needs to pursue anyone. Luna adores her family and her many nieces and nephews and wishes to someday settle down and have a family of her own. IF she ever learns to put herself out there.
After seeing a casting call advert at her company bulletin, she decided to give it a shot. It would be the boldest thing she’s ever done and hopefully when all is said and done, she’d no longer be a hoepless romantic.
"So you're asking that I build enough of a case before even considering bringing this to authorities. Mmm hmm." Luna smiled as Ximena began hugging her, wanting to be fed. "Yes. I'll keep writing any instance where this user signs into my lives. Again, they're obviously using new usernames and IP addresses. No, they've done nothing major but I figured I'd do something before it's too late. Yeah, got it." Luna looked over to Khamani and shook her head. "You too. Bye." She hung up the phone, ending the conversation with the representative from Twitch, and sighed. "Well, that got me nowhere..." @detkhamani
How do people deal with online bullies? Long story short, there is someone that keeps finding a way to get into my Twitch and their IP address changes every time so I'm assuming they're using some sort of VPN. This person has been pretty vile and I have to kick them off but now I'm wondering if it's just some foolish kid. If you guys join my live tonight, you might encounter them. do I just ignore them?
Featuring: The Smith family with mentions of others
Location: Khamani & Luna's home
Time Frame: Late afternoon, Father's Day 2024
Notes: A look into how Lumani and their kids spent Father's Day!
LUNA
"I can do it!" Cannon began climbing the kid's kitchen stool Luna and Khamani had purchased for him so that he could help with prepping certain dinners and with baking. It was just another favorite activity of his and he was extremely helpful. Ximena was down for a nap with Khamani after waking up at the ungodly morning hour. She had kept Luna and Khamani up so with it being Father's Day, Luna insisted that Khamani put her down for her nap and join her. Cannon was full of energy and she felt it would be the perfect timing to get the planned menu going for their favorite big guy.
"You can do it, huh?" Luna smiled when Cannon pulled the loaf of bread from the bread basket and his kid's safety knife. She had already prepped some cheese empanadas as well as beef and chicken ones. There were some appetizers in the oven and she was about to start the smoothies when Cannon came up with the idea of his menu, wanting to show his dad that his peanut butter and jelly sandwiches were the best in the business. With Luna's help, he uncovered the peanut butter and the jelly and went to work with spreading them onto the pieces of bread.
"Yep! I'll make one for you, for me and for daddy. Ximena can have some yummy stuff too but not peanut butter because that's dangerous." he looked up at his mom with a proud smile and Luna bent her head to kiss Cannon's cheek.
"That's right. Daddy and hermanita will be up soon so we have to start bringing all these goodies to the backyard. Did you get daddy's gifts together?"
"Mm hmm! and Abuelo too! He said he was coming tonight to see me and Ximena. Is that true?" Cannon topped the second sandwich before beginning the last one.
"Yes, around dinner time. Right now it's just us and we're surprising Daddy with a big meal for him and all the gifts we got him." Luna smiled at the overloaded sandwiches and then started the blender on a low setting. She glanced at the monitor, happy to see both of them stirring.
KHAMANI
Khamani had been peacefully sleeping with Ximena softly snoring in the cosleeper. He didn't nap often but when he did, it was usually with one or both of his kids. With today being Father's Day, he was happy to spend it with his family. He knew there were dads who liked spending Father's Day away from their families going fishing or golfing or just not having to engage much with the people who made them fathers. And while he didn't judge them for it, that wasn't how he found himself wanting to spend what would be his second time celebrating the holiday as a father. Kendra and Tyla would celebrate him as an uncle and father figure, and he knew he would see them later that day, but this time with his family wad valuable to him. Even if he'd spent an hour or so of it sleeping.
It was Ximena's growing restlessness that stirred him awake and told him she would be awake soon too. He opened his eyes and watched her go through her waking routine of turning her head side to side and rolling from her side to her stomach before getting in the push-up position with her sleepy face gearing up for cries. He heard her panting and some distressed whines escaped her lips before he reached out and effortlessly lifted her from the co-sleeper. "Hey there, Sleeping Beauty." Khamani rolled onto his back and held her to his chest as she sleepily blinked and settled down from her initial crying. "You weren't ready to wake up yet, huh?" He chuckled and kissed her dark head of hair before sitting up with her held in his arms. She cuddled against his chest, nearly scrunching up like she did as an infant. When his hand cupped her bottom for support, he glanced down at her. "Well, stay dry probably woulda let you sleep longer, huh?" He chuckled a little and got off of the bed, walking over to his and Luna's dresser where some diapers, wipes and a few of Ximena's clothes sat. He took what he needed and then returned to the bed, gently setting Ximena on her back to change her.
Once Ximena was changed and situated in her day clothes again, Khamani picked her back up and opened the bedroom door. The aroma that hit his nose piqued his curiosity but it had been relatively quiet. Brows furrowing, Khamani calmly called out, "Babe? Cannon?" He was walking toward the kitchen but the glass wall that overlooked the backyard gave him insight into the whereabouts of his wife and son. He smiled seeing them and then kissed the top of Ximena's head. "Let's go down and see what mama and brother are up to, hm, mija?" He walked downstairs and, after slipping on some shoes, made his way to the backyard. "What've we got here?" He asked.as Ximena lifted and turned her head, quickly breaking out in a bright smile at the sight of her mother and brother.
LUNA
After pouring the smoothie into a pitcher, Luna and Cannon brought all the food outside to the backyard. She asked her son to stay in the yard so she could bring out anything that was missing including all the gifts they had for Khamani. She wanted to ensure her husband had gifts from both their children and her. Once they had set the table she sat down beside Cannon who was now adding goldfish crackers to a paper plate. "You did an amazing job." She kissed the top of her son's head and when she heard Khamani approach, Luna smiled widely, holding her arms out for Ximena. "Oh hello there! Did you guys have a good sleep?" Cannon immediately ran to Khamani and hugged his father from the side wishing him a Happy Father's Day for the hundredth time so far. When Luna took the baby from her husband, she looked up at him, asking for a kiss. Cannon took his hand to guide his dad around the table. "Mama and I made you lunch! She made empanadas and baby quiches and pigs in a blanket and taquitos and I made peanut butter and Jelly sandwiches for the main course." He was so proud of himself.
"We also made smoothies! So I hope you come with an appetite!"
KHAMANI
Khamani was still taking in all the foods as he answered his wife, "I did, yeah, and I think Ximena did too." She'd rubbed her eyes.and then reached out for her mommy. Khamani passed her to Luna and then bent to meet her lips. "Thanks for this, Sunshine," he murmured just before Cannon gave him a tour of the spread around the table. "Wow, you two, this all looks too good." He looked down to his son and said, "I hope you're gonna help me eat this." He knew the food wasn't all for him but figured the suggestion would excite the little boy. He smiled a little more and bent to kiss the top of Luna's head. "Babe, this is all great. You and Cannon really outdid yourselves with all this. Thank you two." He picked up Cannon, held him for a hug and then took a seat on the picnic bench with Cannon now in his lap. "What should we start with?" he asked, looking from his wife to their son.
LUNA
"Aw, good." She kissed her husband, a giant smile forming on her face. "Well, the best dad in the world deserves the best day in the world." Luna giggled softly when their daughter reached for her, swinging her a bit in her arms, enjoying the giggles that came from Ximena. Cannon was excited to help Khamani eat all the food that had been spread out for them. Immediately, he reached for a baby quiche and placed it on a paper plate but waited for his father to make his choices. "You're welcome, babe. Cannon is very proud of his PB and J!" Luna pretended to attack her daughter's cheeks and blew little raspberries onto them, laughing along with her. "You had a nice nap with daddy? Yes!" When Khamani sat down with Cannon on his lap, Luna moved to sit beside them and tore apart a cheese quiche for Ximena to much on. "Empanadas!" Cannon answered his dad. "And quiches!" Luna smiled at Cannon's reply and reached for the fruit smoothie pitcher to pour into cups for everyone. "Good choice, bud! You're going to love them, babe."
KHAMANI
Khamani raised both brows while smiling to his wife, "That's high praise right there. Thanks, Sunshine." He watched Luna and Ximena for a moment and then set his focus on Cannon while he went through the different foods on the table. In truth, Khamani had been hungry; breakfast held him over until right about now so the timing was perfect. He looked at the very filled sandwich and feigned surprise as he looked to his son, "You made that? For me?" He gave Cannon a little hug with his arm around him while he sat in his lap, and his free hand reached for a plate. "Well then I gotta start with that. He picked up the sandwich and added some empanadas and quiche to his plate but asked Cannon in a conspiratorial manner, "Do you wanna share some of the PB and J with me?" He pulled the sandwich apart and with the uneven split, gave the smaller portion to Cannon while he took a healthy bite of what was left in his hand. Once his mouth was cleared of enough peanut butter he said, "I think this is the best pb& j I've had, little man. When school starts up, you might have to help mama and me with lunches." He took another bite and over the top of Cannon's head, winked to wife. "What kind of empanadas did you make, babe?" It didn't really matter to him since he was going to eat them regardless but he'd been curious enough to ask.
LUNA
"Some may say we're biased but I like to think the Smiths are just an honest bunch." Luna grinned and chuckled as Cannon nodded in agreement with his mom. Cannon kept bobbing his head to respond to Khamani, a giant smile pulling at the corner of his lips. He was so full of pride. "Yea! Mama only helped me with reaching the utensils" Luna smiled softly as she bounced Ximena on her hip and watched her two boys. Cannon bit into his quiche and offered a tiny piece to his sister who then began smashing it with her fingers. "Yes, please!" Cannon answered his dad and took the piece of the sandwich. He bit into it and then smiled even wider. "I'm a good cook, right dad?" The prospect of helping his parents with school lunches excited him. Luna kept her eyes on Ximena as she brought her pie crust-filled fingers to her mouth and then wiped her lips. "I made cheese ones earlier and just took the beef and chicken ones out of the fryer so they're nice and warm." She reached for a chicken one and pulled it apart, letting the shredded meat fall to the plate in front of her so that Ximena could try some too. "Okay, amorsito, let me grab your bib." Luna reached for the food catcher bib and then placed it on her daughter. "And the taquitos are chicken and ground beef. I saved some for our guests tonight if they're hungry later." She grabbed some pigs in a blanket and arranged them on her dish and away from Ximena. "Tell me what you think!"
KHAMANI
"That's facts," Khamani smiled and then chuckled with his wife. He was happy to see his son so proud of himself. "You did a good job, C. You'll have to tell your aunt and uncles about it when they come over later." He took another bite of the sandwich and then reached for one of the warm, beef empanadas. "Yeah, little man, you're a good cook. You were generous with your peanut butter which is how I like those sandwiches. So thank you." He hugged Cannon with one arm and then bit into the delicious empanada. After his mouth was cleared again, he turned to Luna, "And thank you, Sunshine. This has been a great Father's Day." He pecked the side of Cannon's head and then winked to his wife before chuckling at Ximena attacking the remnants of quiche in her hand. "How much did you get in your mouth, baby girl?" He reached for his smoothie to take a steady gulp and then said, "I think this was a great idea. And I know when the others come over later, they'll be hype for the extras."
LUNA
"Yes!" Cannon cheered at the idea of his uncles and aunt knowing about his skills. "You're welcome, daddy. We love you." Cannon reached for some taquitos and then took a sip of his smoothie. Luna was making sure Ximena was comfortable with the quiche crumbled in her fingers before her gaze met Khamani's. She smiled at her husband's gratitude. "You're welcome! We really wanted to make you feel special today. Cannon made a few things for you and we have a bigger gift in the living room once we're done here." Luna smirked as Cannon's smile widened. She knew that her son was busting to tell Khamani what his gift was but he was doing such a good job at keeping the secret. "And Ximenita here thinks you're the best daddy too." Ximena was kicking her little feet as she enjoyed her food. Luna bit into her empanada, enjoying the weather and her time with her family. "I can't wait to see everyone later! I'm glad we decided to have them over."
KHAMANI
"I love y'all too. Always will." He drank some more of his own smoothie and then listened to his wife, his smile lingering on his lips. "Mission accomplished. All of you made this a great day for me. I'm glad I'm getting to spend it with my family." Khamami had gotten used to treating Father's Day like any other day for the longest time, up until last year. Now, it was a day he looked forward to because it meant he was reconnected to a family of his own--something he hadn't really had for most of his life. He and Kendra had been each other's family for most of their lives, and Tyla was an incredible addition when she came along. But having his wife and his son, and now his daughter was still special but just different. Cannon and Ximena made him a father. Luna wasn't just his wife in name only. They were friends, lovers, and partners in parenthood and beyond. They made a home together that was filled with love, music, warmth and kindness. Their family dynamic was a stark contrast from the one he and Kendra grew up with and he couldn't be more thankful for that.
"Do you, baby girl?" Khamani asked, pretending to sound surprised as he bent to blow a raspberry to Ximena's cherub cheek. He followed it with a quick kiss and smiled when she giggled from it all. "Me too. It won't be anything too crazy which sounds like a good way to finish out the day." He polished off the empanada and then reached for one of the mini quiche for himself. "Since that'll be later. Do yall have something else planned before then ir do you wanna do something chill, like watch a movie in the living room or go for a walk later on, before it gets dark?"
LUNA
"Yay!" Cannon cheered and smiled brightly at his parents. "Told ya, mama. Daddy loved it." Luna reached over to massage his chin and flashed her husband a smile. She was so proud of her son and was glad that Khamani could take a nap with their daughter making it easy to get a few things done around the house. Getting into a rhythm with her family made her happy. She was able to balance her work life and be present in their lives and Khamani was doing an amazing job at doing the same. Sitting together, enjoying a meal in their yard, and celebrating her husband felt like a dream.
Ximena giggled when Khamani blew raspberries to her cheeks. It was one of her favorite silly things that her dad did. "Agreed." Luna loved having company and hosting their families. She was excited to see Kendra and Roman together and to see Tyla play with Cannon and Ximena. Seb and Leo were always a welcomed addition. "We have gifts but we can wait until after. A walk sounds really nice. If we wrap up here, I can get Ximena ready and Cannon would just have to get his sneakers. Cannon noded as he continued eating and then tapped Luna's thigh. "Can we do presents and THEN go for our walk?" Luna chuckled and looked up at Khamani. "I think that's a great idea. What about you, babe?"
KHAMANI
Khamani watched the exchange between his wife and son while reaching for a taquito to eat. Cannon slid off of his lap and sat in between him and Luna on the table bench, helping himself to another pig in a blanket. The intimate time with his family was priceless for him, and he was looking forward to their other family members coming over for a little while later too. But for the time being, he was enjoying the food and his wife and kids. After suggesting something else to do after, Khamani nodded to his wife and then smiled at Cannon's suggestion. "That's a good idea, C. When you're all done eating, I'll open my presents, alright?" He stuck the last bit of taquito in his mouth and then reached for his smoothie, as well as another empanada to enjoy. But in between eating and drinking, he bent his head towards Cannon and loudly whispered, "You wanna help me open my presents?"
LUNA
Luna was so excited about the giant present in the living room that she hoped Khamani was too busy coming out to the yard to notice. She had a few smaller presents too but the big present had her smiling and anticipating. She was glad to see Khamani enjoying the food and Cannon as excited as she was. When Khamani posed the question about helping him with presents to their son, the little one nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! Mama has a big present in the living room but I'll get the small ones from me, Ximena, and Mama." He kissed his father's cheek before running toward the screen door where the presents had been lined up. He gathered them all and returned skipping with a big smile on his face.
"He has been waiting for two weeks and I know he's about to explode with joy. Look at that face." Luna gestured toward Cannon as he skipped back tot he table.
"Okay!" Cannon took a deep breath. "Open this one first! It's from me and Ximena!" He pushed a blue bag with Max and Goofy on it and grinned. "Mama found that bag for you."
KHAMANI
Khamani cast his son and then his wife a quizzical expression when Cannon said that Luna had a big surprise for him in the living room. He’d only briefly glanced in there when looking for his wife and son earlier, but he hadn’t looked all that hard considering it was clear that they hadn’t been in there. Now though, he was curious to know what he’d missed. When Cannon took off from the table, he smiled a bit but looked at his wife again and shook his head a little, “Yeah, he loves surprises. Wonder where he gets that from.” His expression became pointed as soon as he said this.
Once their son returned with the gifts, Khamani set down the remainder of the taquito he’d bitten into and started with the gift bag Cannon instructed him to. He smiled at the bag and then said, “Did you pick out the gift bag, little man?” He reached inside and took out the card, opening it and chuckling softly at the sight of the Bluey card. After reading it, he said, “Thanks, C,” and then leaned over to kiss Ximna’s cheek. “Thanks, baby girl.”
After propping the card up on the table, he reached inside the bag and took out the book. He set the gift bag down long enough to thumb through the book and then said, “This’ll be a good addition to the bedtime books.” He continued through with the gifts, enjoying each of the keychains, as well as chocolate bars. By the time he finished reading the backs of each bar, he was grinning softly. He placed the items back inside the gift bag and opened his arms for Cannon. “I love all of these. Thanks, Cannon.” And after dropping a kiss on the top of his son’s head, he held an arm out for Ximena to hold her and give her a couple of ‘thank you’ kisses too. He pretended to whisper to Cannon, “You wanna help me with those chocolate bars when I open ‘em?”
LUNA
Luna tucked her lips in when Khamani glanced at her and their son. She couldn't help but chuckle a bit, feeling a bit silly about the whole thing. She was so excited for him to see what was waiting for him in the living room. As she watched Cannon return with all the bags, she bounced Ximena on her knee, an innocent expression replaced her amused one when Khamani spoke about Cannon. It was nice to see that their son had acquired a lot of her personality traits over time.
She watched as Cannon interacted with Khamani and Luna reached for her phone to snap several photos of them and one when he kissed Ximena's cheek. "Mama found it for me! I told her I wanted Max and Goofy and we searched everywhere." Luna smirked and then mouthed "everywhere" as well. After Khamani had looked through all his gifts, Cannon leaned in for a hug and Luna let Khamani take Ximena into his arms. At the question of helping him with the chocolate bars, Cannon's eyes widened with excitement and he nodded. "Yep!"
After taking a few more photos, Luna took a moment to cover all the food and pitcher so that they could gather inside for the last gift. "I have a couple of gifts from me and a big one in the living room!" She excitedly stood up and gestured toward the inside of their home. "Come on!" Cannon was also jumping up and down as he pulled his dad gently.
KHAMANI
Hearing that there was a real search for the Max and Goofy bag, and catching Luna quietly affirm this made Khamani grin. "I'll take good care of the bag since Mama looked for it for you." He knew Cannon would happily help him with the Hershey bars and could only smile at the way his son’s face lit up at the offer. "Alright, as long as you make sure you keep brushing your teeth on a regular, you can help me with them when I open them."
After opening the gifts and thanking his family, Khamani lifted his brows a bit at Luna's comment. "A couple of gifts, in addition to what's in the living room?" He stood at Cannon's insistence, Ximena still in one arm, but his eyes were on Luna. "Babe..." He was curious and a little wary at the same time, already feeling plenty loved and appreciated by his wife and children. But once they were back inside the house and returned upstairs, Khamani saw what he'd missed before. "For real? A new TV?" His smile was broad as he looked from the new television to his wife. His eyes were reading the information on the box but as he did so, he asked Luna, "Do we wanna mount this or install the stands it came with?" He was looking forward to watching some games as well as some movies and shows on the new screen. "Wait, what do you wanna do with the old one?"
LUNA
"I promise!" Cannon didn't know if he was more excited about the prospect of having chocolate or about his dad seeing the big surprise in the living room. Luna followed the boys and Ximena. a giant grin pulling at her lips. "I'm not saying anything until you see it." She made her way up the stairs right behind them and when Khamani noticed the box, she gently took Ximena from him so that he could appreciate it. "Yes! We can mount it or whatever you want! The display is gorgeous. I really cannot wait until you see it." She bounced the baby on her hip, smiling as Cannon looked on with his father.
"Well, we can put it in our bedroom or see if any of our friends or family need it. Do you think Tyla needs a television?" Their old one wasn't completely outdated and Luna was sure someone would appreciate it. "What do you think?" She then walked to the couch, crouching slightly to reach for the gift bag that contained the jersey and some smaller gifts for Khamani. "And here is the last of it!" Luna placed a hand on her husband's back. "We love you, dad. Thank you for everything you do for your family."
KHAMANI
Cannon's joy was something Khamani always cherished, whether it was from learning something new, spending time with Luna or in this case, the prospect of getting chocolate. His happiness was so genuine that it was easy for Khamani to enjoy witnessing it. And when Luna kept quiet about the surprise in the living room, it only raised his suspicion more, despite the smile forming on his lips. Seeing that it was a television had certainly surprised him though. While he and Luna knew there wasn't anything wrong with the one they had, this new one was unquestionably nicer, not to mention bigger. "Babe," he said again, still reading the side of the box. He grinned some more and then said, "Yeah, I like the idea of mounting it. We wouldn't have to worry about somebody's fingerprints ending up on the screen someday." He said this as he approached Luna and lifted one of Ximena's hands to kiss her fingers.
Hearing her ideas on what to do with their old living room TV had him thinking a bit. "Eh, probably not. She's usually watching stuff on her tablet or phone, but we can ask my sister about it first." His hands were on his hips, thinking about them possibly moving the TV into their bedroom or considering which fi their friends might need a television, when he saw the gift bag Luna picked up. "There's more? Jesus, woman," he smiled, accepting the bag and bending to kiss her full in the lips. "Thank you, Sunshine." He opened it and grinned brightly at all it's content. And after putting it back inside, he heard his wife and said, "Thank you," again . He picked up Cannon and enveloped him in a bear hug, and then brought an arm around Luna, kissing her cheek as he hugged her. "I love you guys. And I'm glad for our family." He kissed Ximena's forehead and then dropped a kiss on Cannon's temple. "How about you get your shoes on while I put my gifts away, C man. When we get back from our walk, we can work on the TV situation and put on some Bluey til everybody gets here."
LUNA
Luna's smile grew at Khamani's 'Babe'. If was as if he was amused by the excitement she was portraying. "So, I went a little crazy." She chuckled and nodded her agreement. "It's definitely safer if we mount it." Luna watched as Khamani read the side of the box and Cannon behaved like an old man observing the box as well. She pulled out her phone from her back pocket and took a quick photo of them. Ximena giggled when her daddy approached and Luna grinned. "Esta bebisita is all about daddy today, huh?"
When Khamani went through the contents of the last gift bag, Luna took a few more pictures and one big selfie with all of them. She moved Ximena to the pack and play so that she could help Khamani put his gifts to the side and put a small bag together for their walk. She made sure to get a bottle and some teething rings and diapers and wipes. Cannon excitedly rushed to get his shoes and when he returned with them on, they were all ready. Luna stole a few more kisses from her husband, wrapping her arms around him and smiling up at Khamani. "Happy Father's Day, handsome." She was glad to see him so happy.
"I hope you enjoy it all!" Jade replied and then grinned a bit, "Honestly, no but we did set the menu. I think we would have done a sampling beforehand if anyone other than Fresh Start had been handling the food today. But I trust my crew wholeheartedly." She was so deeply grateful for all of them having a hand in the food and dessert for the day, and being so willing to be there to work, keeping the four dozen or so guests fed with good food. She smiled brightly while dancing with Luna who had already made her feel welcomed in the family long ago. Her hips swayed to the beat of the music and grinned a bit bashfully at the shower of praise. "I'm just really glad that Rodrigo and I have a day to remember for the rest of our lives--surrounded by the people we both wanted here, and everyone enjoying it all with us from start to finish." She glanced down at herself and then looked back up to Luna. "Thank you so much! I really owe it to my dad for getting it to me at the last minute."
"Your crew did an amazing job at my wedding so I'm not surprised this food is incredible." Luna had great pride for her new cousin. Ever since catching a few glimpses of Rodrigo and Jade chatting at her wedding, Luna knew there was something there and when Rodrigo had fretted over Jade falling ill, Luna was convinced it was more than friendship. She couldn't believe how quickly time had passed and how in a short year, Rodrigo and Jade had fallen in love and were now married. "That's what it's all about! I always had such a good feeling about you two since my wedding." She winked at Jade and then smiled." Luna admired the dress some more. "He is amazing and found the perfect dress not only for the theme but for you. I cannot wait for the wedding pictures. They're going to be so stunning."
Jade beamed at Luna and Cannon, and also giggled at the young boy darting off to hang out with the older boys. She then waved to Khamani as Luna came to dance with her. "Okay, but you will certainly have to fix a plate after we're done. There are some very delicious appetizers and entrees that I'd hate for you to miss out on." While holding one of Luna's hands, she twirled her new cousin and swayed her hips in the process. "Thank you for the welcome! And the compliment on the wedding! It's so nice to see everyone enjoying themselves."
"Don't have to ask me twice! I'll make sure to get all the goodies! And I can't wait for the main course! Did you guys do a taste test before your wedding because you both chose the most amazing looking foods!" Luna twirled when Jade spun her and giggled softly, dancing along with Jade. It was nice to have a girl cousin added to the mix especially when there were already so many boys in the family. "Of course! I'm not just saying it because you're family. You should be proud of this night. All your hard work paid off and Jade, this dress..." She smiled as she took a good look at every detail. "It's you."
Any tips on keeping playrooms semi walkable? I stepped on Duplo block and a a mini Chase from Paw Patrol. I'm going to need new feet soon! Ximena is already pulling herself. Before I know it, I'll have two walking and running menaces! lol
"Yeah, I think it is too--different for us, but it should be a good time." He smiled and dropped a kiss on the back of her neck. "Oh yeah? Well, then if you wanna do it then we'll do it. We're going to keep it pretty small, right? Not that I'm opposed to a big party but I'm wondering if it'll make her first birthday feel less special if we go big on a half-birthday." He smiled to her and returned the peck. "Being your husband and our kids' father are the greatest joys in my life." He rubbd her shoulders bit and then said, "There's a couple more things I've got as part of your Valentine's Day. The first is running you a nice, hot bath to relax in."
"Oh no, it'll just be us celebrating her. We can do a little photoshoot. Maybe Nichelle can take some shots for us. A little smash cake. Her first birthday will be a lot bigger." She reassured her husband with a smile. Khamani was more than just her husband. He was her best friend, her anchor, her everything. He always knew the right things to do and the right words to say. "That sounds very nice and cozy." She peppered a few more kisses against his jaw and grinned. "Come on.."
Jade was completely elated, making her way around the dance floor. Her dress was bustled in the back and sh was loving the brassy sounds of the live band. "We have to share at last half a dance before tonight's over," she said, extending both hands and grinning up at the person before her. "Have you gotten plenty to eat?"
Luna was dancing with Cannon by their table when Jade approached them. She had been wanting to grab the bride's attention and when she came up to her, Luna giggled as Cannon went off to chase after Henry and Leo. "Oh my goodness, Jade! Welcome to the family, cuz!! I love, love, love everything about this wedding!" She leaned in to kiss her husband on the cheek and then went off to dance with the bride. "I haven't yet but I promise I'm tackling those appetizers in one minute. First, we dance!"
"Probably," Khamani replied honestly with a smile. "But you never know. Ximena could end up being short too and just making us think she'll be tall." When Luna shared she'd never been to Napa and offered the boat as an alternative, he told her, "We could do both. There's the Napa River we could look into a dinner boat ride or something." He'd get on his phone and start looking later. "If you don't go back to work until May, we don't have to worry about your hours considering our anniversary's in March, right?" His massage didn't end until Luna turned to face him and sit in his lap. "Half birthdays are a thing?" he asked, genuinely clueless. His hands rested low on her hips and near her butt as he looked in her face. "I didn't know that. But, uh, yeah, sure babe."
"That's very true." She smiled thinking about both their kids and how much she adored them. She couldn't believe Cannon was growing so much and Ximena was reaching six months. Time was passing right by them. It was beautiful watching them both get bigger. Luna listened to her husband's suggestion for their anniversary. "I really love that idea. It's different and I think it'll be so much fun for us both. I'll be happy to have my man and with me and get to spend time with him while he's looking all cute for our dinner boat date." She smiled and then chuckled softly at his question. "Well, for some people, I guess. It's getting super popular now. Ximena's first taste of cake." She loved being in this bubble of happiness with Khamani. Luna then leaned in to peck his lips. "I love you so much, Khamani. Thank you for this thoughtful gift, for being an incredible father to both our kids, and being the best husband a woman could ask for."
A golden retriever? That's a new description for me haha. I'm very excited, and I don't think I could be happier about getting married soon, or more in love with Rodrigo. Then again, he has a way of making me feel like I've fallen in love with him all over again sometimes lol. Thank you, Luna! I have my final fitting for my dress coming up and I know it's going to feel even more real then.
lol it fits him. Ahhh stop this is so cute! I completely understand. I feel the same way about Khamani. We just match each other so well and he's my best friend, you know? I can't imagine life without him. Ahh! that's amazing. I'm really excited to see you in it. I just know you're going to be one of the most beautiful brides I've ever seen.
"You learn something new every day." She started to smile but then quickly frowned at Khamani's words. "No way. I will carry him even when he towers over me. Sorry. Non-negotiable. What's a shoulder? I have two." Luna smirked. "I was watching old episodes and reminded myself of my cringe era. "One year? Oh my God. That's truly crazy even though sometimes it feels like we're an old married couple." She smiled, closing her eyes and enjoying her message. "We can do something different, maybe go away for a day trip? What do you want to do?"
"Sure do," Khamani agreed with his wife, all while tending to her shoulders. But he paused for a moment and leaned around to look at her. "I know damn well that you will not be carrying that boy when he inevitably becomes taller than you. His behind is gonna have to start paying you back by carrying you." He chuckled and then bent forward to kiss her shoulder. "Mm mm, I asked you because I wanna know what you wanna do. A day trip sounds like it'd be good. We could go up to Napa for a day, or down to Monterey. Or to Santa Cruz. Or take a boat ride out to Angel Island." Lightly rolling his thumbs along her neck, he said, "We've got options."
Luna giggled softly at Khamani's response and looked over her shoulder to steal a kiss. "Oh God I just know he's going to be tall like you and I'll just be the shrimp of the family, it's fine. Even Ximenita is going to be long!" She smiled and sighed. "Fine, he can carry me to the supermarket." She sighed happily at the kiss to her shoulder. "All of those sound amazing, baby. I've never done Napa, we can do that! Or the boat ride." She lolled her head again when Khamani found a good spot along her neck. "We can go on one of my remote days so my boss accepts the time off right away. " Luna was so happy that her proposal had gone through and she'd be working a hybrid model when her maternity leave is up in May. If they went before she had to go back to work, they would have even more time. She then turned completely to face Khamani. "Also, we should do a half birthday cake for Ximena! Get a photoshoot done and everything. Next month, she'll be six months! I can't believe it." Luna then moved to straddle her husband and wrap her arms around his neck. "What do you think?"
I'm grateful for how meaningful that is for your family, including Rodrigo and Emiliana. I've heard a bit about your uncles from Rodrigo, and I'm glad to hear that your dad is nicer lol. Thank you so much! I can't wait to se you and Ximena in your matching dresses! That sounds so very cute. We'll have 2 photographers for the whole occasion and since our guest list isn't that large, I'm both confident and excited about everyone getting photographed for future memories.
Yeah...they're something lmao but my dad is a golden retriever lol. That's amazing, Jade. You sound so excited and full of love. I really can't wait to celebrate with you both and see the theme in action!
