#simon russell

[my-shadow-and-my-valley]

Little Red Riding Hood by Simon Russell

[doodlesimss]

Simon pulled into their driveway, his grandson chattering excitedly away in his carseat behind him. He had made the drive over to Brindleton Bay to pick Noah up so he could stay with them for the weekend, giving his daughter and her wife some much needed alone time. Upon setting Noah down just inside their front door, he laughed as his grandson ran straight into Joy’s waiting arms, hugging her tight and kissing her on the end of her nose. 

“Hey buddy! I’ve missed you! Oh, those are lovely kisses and cuddles for grandma.”

Noah giggled, bobbing up and down in excitement. “Guess what grandma! I sleeping here!”

“You never are! You’re such a big boy!” Joy scooped Noah up, snuggling him in close.

Back in Brindleton Bay

The two women strolled arm in arm along the pier outside the restaurant as they waited for the shout that their table was ready. 

“It’s so peaceful out here. The waves, the breeze, no whining toddler,” Mallory said softly, looking up at her wife.

“Ahh yes, the lack of complaining does make a difference”.

Stopping, Penny pulled Mallory close to her and wrapped her arms around her waist. “He might be a lot sometimes, but I wouldn’t change him for the world”.

Leaning her head against Penny’s chest, Mallory nodded gently in agreement. Hearing the call for their table, the pair walked hand in hand back up to the restaurant.

Towards the end of their meal, Penny could see Mallory getting restless, and reached out across the table to rest her hand over the top of hers. “You ready to go home?”

“Yeah. This might just be the romantic atmosphere in here talking, but you’re looking particularly irresistable in that shirt.”

Penny laughed, raising her eyebrows slightly in suggestion. “I could say the same about you and that skirt.” 

Laughing, Mallory called for the waiter so they could pay their bill and head home, somewhere a little more private.

Sim spice warning for under the cut!

[doodlesimss]

🤍🌴✨🌺

[doodlesimss]

“Hey kiddo, good to see you!” Joy wrapped her daughter in a tight hug as soon as she walked in the door.

“Hey, mum, good to see you too,” Mallory replied, smiling. “Although, you might wanna loosen that hug, I just had a baby remember?”

“Haha, I’m just excited to see you. Now, where is my grandson, grandma needs some cuddles.”

Penny walked in behind her, holding Noah’s carseat, which she passed over to Joy.

Around half an hour later, they had exhausted most conversation topics, and Mallory was starting to get a little sleepy, she had been up with Noah most of the night.

“Erm, mum, do you think I can have my baby back yet?”

“Aww, but he’s so cute, I could just steal him.”

Simon laughed, gently nudging his wife. “Honey, you might want to give the baby back, she’s small, but I wouldn’t underestimate her.”

Penny stood up, and Joy handed Noah back to her. Penny settled back on the sofa with her son, and Mallory lay down, resting her head on her wife’s lap. Within a few minutes she was snoring quietly, it looked like they weren’t going anywhere soon.

[doodlesimss]

Hark, how the bells, sweet silver bells

All seem to say, throw cares away

Christmas is here, bringing good cheer

To young and old, meek and the bold

Ding dong, ding dong, that is their song

With joyful ring, all caroling

One seems to hear words of good cheer

From everywhere filling the air

Oh, how they pound, raising their sound

Over here and there, telling their tale

Gaily, they ring while people sing

Songs of good cheer, Christmas is here

Merry, merry, merry, merry Christmas

Merry, merry, merry, merry Christmas

[doodlesimss]

Later that evening, after Mallory and Penny had left, Joy called the family around the table. 

“So, kids. Your dad and I have some exciting news.... Penny is going to propose to Mal on Winterfest.”

Blaire’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Erm guys. I promised Mal I would keep this a secret, but she’s also planning on proposing. On the same day…”

Ty burst out laughing. “Should we tell them?”

“Of course not!” Joy exclaimed, slapping his hand across the table. “I think it’s best to leave them both in the dark. Then it will be an even more special day for the two of the them.”

Simon piped up, a mischievous look on his face. “Plus, it’ll be really entertaining to watch when whichever one of them proposes first.”

[doodlesimss]

Later on Winterfest Eve, family began to arrive to spend that night at Mallory and Penny’s place. There were plenty of hugs and smiles going around.

[doodlesimss]

Once she was sure that Mallory was out of earshot, Penny pulled Joy and Simon over to one side. She sat down opposite them at the dining table, and took a deep breath.

“So, there’s something I want to tell you. Ask? No, tell.”

“Of course! What is it?

“Erm, I’m planning on proposing to Mallory. On Winterfest. I’m not asking your permission, I just wanted to let you know before I do so. I love Mallory with all my heart and even though we haven’t been together that long, I know that this is right for us…”

“Honey, you don’t have to explain yourself! We know Mallory loves you and you love her. Seriously, her face lights up even if your name is mentioned. We support you in this 100%.”