May 2019

Keeley sat on the couch, her swollen feet propped up, diligently finishing her research paper on successful clinical trials with rabbits. It was nearly ready for publication in DOMA's medical journal—just in time. She was eight months pregnant with their third child, and Aaron had been fussing about her working since she reached the five-month mark. Honestly, she couldn't have chosen a better time to stop.

Once their new son was older, she could resume the clinical trials with dogs. Dr. Butler didn't mind her taking time off, thanks to Aaron's generous donations. Meanwhile, Shawn would work as a research assistant for Erica, a doctor with more schooling than Keeley (including post-doctoral work). Things had worked out perfectly.

Coincidentally, Keeley's child would have several close-in-age friends. Nova had given birth to Liam, her and Aiden's first child, six months prior. Jennica's second son, Logan, was two months old. Alice was four months pregnant with her second child with Roger.

Despite her rosy outlook, Aaron had been paranoid lately. The date of his death in their previous life was approaching, and he felt something bad was going to happen. She wanted to dismiss his worries, but his anxiety was unsettling. Why did he have to invite trouble?

Life was wonderful. They had two—almost three—lovely children, successful careers, and great friends. Why worry about something that probably wouldn't happen? After all, Keeley's father had survived his original death date. Lacy was deceased, Gray was imprisoned, and Max had married a Boston socialite over a year ago, moving to Massachusetts and away from his New York memories.

All parties involved in the previous car accidents were gone. Aaron had nothing to fear, but his stress was stressing her out.

She sighed, heaving herself to her feet and placing a hand on her stomach for balance. This baby hadn't kicked as much as the twins. If she had to guess, knowing their personalities, it was probably Kaleb's influence.

Speaking of Kaleb, it was time to pick up the twins from preschool. Only a few weeks remained before she'd be entertaining them full-time, a prospect she dreaded. How would she manage two five-year-olds and a newborn?

At least both children were excited about their baby brother. Kaleb had been thrilled from the start at having another boy to play sports with (Violet disliked sports). Violet was initially apprehensive about sharing her family's love, but everyone else's enthusiasm won her over.

Keeley wanted them to feel it was their baby, so they voted on a name. They chose Oliver. She liked the sound of Oliver Hale.

When she picked up the twins, they (mostly Kaleb) chattered about their "mouse ear hats" for show and tell and the family's Disney World trip for their fifth birthday. She smiled, remembering how much they'd loved it.

It took months of begging to convince Aaron to take them. They argued that five was an important age and that Kaleb's friend Andrew had gone for his fifth birthday. He finally relented, but hated every minute. It was hilarious seeing his shock and disgust; he'd never been to a Disney park in either life and was unprepared for the atmosphere.

Keeley spent much of the trip laughing at him, enjoying herself despite her pregnancy limiting ride options. The twins were too young for rollercoasters anyway. She enjoyed gentler rides like "It's a Small World" with them.

Aaron hated that ride! He said the song still haunted him. She felt sorry for him, but it was too funny. He was completely out of his element.

Keeley bought matching T-shirts and mouse ears with their last name embroidered on the hats. They took many pictures.

Despite his complaints, she noticed a softer expression when he saw the children's enjoyment. The trip wasn't a total waste. She knew his family was his weakness; he'd do anything for them.

On the last day, they went to the beach, which Aaron enjoyed more than Disney World. Swimming wasn't restricted for pregnant women, so Keeley had fun, too.

"I wanna go to Disney World again, Mommy!" Violet pleaded. She loved the princesses and getting pictures with Elsa and Anna.

Another trip so soon might kill her husband. "Let's wait until Oliver is old enough," Keeley suggested. "We can go other places once he's a few months old."

Her daughter pouted. "I hate waiting! I wanna do fun things now."

Five was an impatient age. Unfortunately, they wouldn't be going anywhere soon; Keeley was too pregnant to travel, and then the baby would be too young. This summer vacation would be rough.