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Tim's hands gripped the steering wheel a little tighter than usual, jaw ticking as he squinted out at the long stretch of highway ahead. The sun was shining bright as it was a typical hot summer day in California, and usually, Tim enjoyed the longer rides, taking in the prettier scenery of the state.
But today, all he could focus on was the ETA on the GPS, which had now been pushed back again, and his eyes flicked to the rear mirror, where he looked at his daughter bouncing her feet while Zoe sang rather loudly and off-key.
"Twinkle, twinkle, little staaaar….How I wonder whatchu aaaare…..Up above da cow sooo high…..Like a pancake in da skyyy!"
A loud giggle followed as she twirled her favorite stuffed bunny in her arms, Mr. Wigglesworth hitting the roof of the car before plopping down.
Tim shot a sideways glance at Lucy, his lips twitching despite himself. "Did she just add a cow in there?"
Lucy, sitting in the passenger seat with her feet propped casually on the dash and one hand gently resting on the swell of her belly, didn't even glance up from her phone. "She's working on the remix. Old MacDonald might sue, but I think she's onto something."
"Oh, Daddy," Zoe piped up from the backseat, clearly listening to their conversation. "I'm making it better."
Tim raised an eyebrow, watching her through the mirror again. "Better, huh? I don't remember cows flying, Zo."
"Mine does!" Zoe insisted, puffing her chest and rolling her eyes. She is a magic cow, and her name is Sprinkles, and she eats glitter. And pancakes!"
Lucy laughed, finally looking up from her phone. "Sounds perfectly logical to me."
"You're encouraging her," Tim muttered. "We are going to listen to Sprinkles the glitter-eating pancake cow all ride now."
"I need practice," Zoe interjected helpfully. "Aunt Genny said I could sing at the wedding."
Tim's eyebrows shot up in surprise, wondering if his sister knew what she was in for. "Did she, now?"
"It was supposed to be a surprise," Lucy bit her lip to suppress a laugh.
"Oh, I'm surprised, alright," Tim said, rolling his eyes playfully. "Can't wait to see the look on Genny's face when Zoe sings about magical livestock at the ceremony."
"It's romantic!" Zoe declared passionately, bouncing slightly in her booster seat. "Sprinkles is gettin' married too."
"To whom, exactly?" Tim questioned, genuinely amused despite himself.
Zoe thought carefully, twisting her face into a serious expression. "Hmm…a dinosaur."
"Obviously," Tim huffed, and Lucy's eyes sparkled with delight.
"Zoe, honey, does the dinosaur have a name too?" She looked over her shoulder, and Zoe nodded eagerly.
"Mr. Bubbles," Zoe replied immediately, then launched right back into her song, even louder than before. "Twinkle, twinkle, Sprinkles cow…..Mr. Bubbles, say your vow….cake and glitter everywhere….let go married by the waaaaaaay!"
Tim sighed, shaking his head as Lucy's laughter filled the car, his eyes flicking back to the GPS.
"We were supposed to be there by five," he groaned lightly. "And it's two pm now and we're not even halfway there."
"I already told you we should have flown," Lucy interjected and nudged his shoulder, Tim reaching up to pinch the bridge of his nose.
"Well, maybe if we hadn't stopped five times in the last two hours…."
"It's not my fault your other daughter likes to practice her boxing on my bladder," Lucy interrupted, rubbing a hand over her belly as a little kick followed, making her skin bulge. "And to be fair, two of them were Zoe."
Tim glanced pointedly in the rearview mirror at Zoe, still happily humming about her magical cow. "And what do you wanna bet the next one is…."
"Daddy?"
Tim exhaled through his nose, eyes momentarily closing in resignation. "There it is."
There was a pause, and Zoe leaned forward in her car seat, clutching her bunny tightly, her expression thoughtful. Tim braced himself, expecting yet another urgent request, so he had already switched lanes.
"Daddy," Zoe repeated softly, clearly working through a solemn thought. "Do fishies get thirsty?"
Tim's eyebrows shot up, completely caught off guard. He glanced into the rearview mirror, finding Zoe's big brown eyes staring back at him earnestly, bunny pressed tightly to her cheek.
"What?" He asked, and Zoe tilted her head.
"Do fishes get thirsty?" she repeated, louder this time, as if perhaps volume had been the issue. Lucy snorted a quiet laugh, her shoulders shaking softly in amusement. Tim shot her a look, but she just grinned, clearly leaving him to handle this one alone.
"Well…," Tim said slowly, mind suddenly spinning for a good answer, "I don't think so, squish. Fish live in water, remember?"
"But, Daddy," she scrunched up her nose. "I live in air, and I get thirsty."
Lucy burst out laughing, covering her mouth quickly as Tim cast another helpless glance in her direction. She shook her head, silently mouthing, "Good luck."
Tim cleared his throat, trying, well, more like failing, to hide a smile as he returned his attention to Zoe. "I guess that makes sense, Zo. But fish... they're built differently. They don't need to drink like we do."
Zoe seemed unconvinced, and her little eyebrows crinkled.
"Hmm," she said thoughtfully, her tiny fingers stroking the bunny's ears in contemplation. "Do they get thirsty when they eat crackers?"
Lucy let out another peal of laughter, gripping the handle on the door for support, looking over to her husband, who was a little stumped by her question, "Answer your daughter."
Tim sighed dramatically, shaking his head as his lips twitched into a reluctant grin. "Baby, why would a fish eat crackers?"
"Cause they're yummy," Zoe answered matter-of-factly. "I love crackers. Fishies may love crackers too."
"Well, if they eat crackers, I guess they might need water," Tim conceded, a genuine chuckle escaping now. "But luckily, they're surrounded by plenty of it."
Zoe giggled, clearly pleased she'd managed to coax her dad out of his grumpy mood. Tim's heart softened at the sweet sound, and he reached behind the seat to touch his daughter's leg. "You got any more fish questions?"
"No, Daddy," she paused and put a hand on her tummy. "But I gotta go potty again."
Tim's smile faded slightly, replaced by disbelief. "You just went like twenty minutes ago."
"I really gotta go," she insisted, dragging out the word "really" as severely as possible. "My tummy said 'blub blub,' and Mommy says that's go time."
Tim shook his head gently, amused frustration creeping back in. "You sure your belly didn't just miss the gummy bears we didn't buy you at the last gas station?"
"Noooo, Daddy," Zoe gasped, tiny fingers flying to her cheeks. "It's potty time. For real life!"
"Tell her she doesn't need to go again," Tim whispered to Lucy, who just shrugged her shoulders.
"Babe, if her belly said, 'blub blub,' we're on borrowed time," Lucy answered, and Tim groaned rather annoyed, shaking his head as he took the next exit. "You two are conspiring against me."
Tim pulled the truck into the next gas station parking lot, tires crunching over gravel as he eased the vehicle to a stop. He let out another exaggerated sigh, drumming his fingers against the steering wheel in mock irritation.
"Alright, ladies," he said dryly. "Your chariot awaits."
Lucy unbuckled her seatbelt, suddenly feeling a sharp little kick against her bladder. She winced slightly, placing a gentle palm on her belly, as a few more taps followed.
"You know," she confessed sheepishly, "I think Zoe's little sibling is practicing tap dancing in there. I'm actually gonna need a bathroom break, too."
Tim tilted his head, giving her a pointed look, "I swear, Lucy, you two are gonna turn this eight-hour drive into twelve."
"I warned you," she leaned across the seat and kissed his cheek lightly. "You knew what you signed up for."
"Yeah," Tim said, his eyes softening despite himself, "and I regret it now."
Lucy laughed warmly as she climbed out, moving around to the back door to get Zoe. As soon as she opened the door, Zoe held up her bunny eagerly, bouncing impatiently in her car seat.
"Potty time, Mommy!" She exclaimed, and Lucy chuckled, helping her daughter down. Zoe immediately grabbed her mother's hand, tugging urgently toward the station's convenience store.
"Daddy's grumpy again," Zoe whispered, glancing over her shoulder at Tim still sitting in the driver's seat, rubbing a tired hand over his face. "Is he mad?"
Lucy squeezed Zoe's hand reassuringly, bending down a little so they could walk together at Zoe's pace. "No, squish, he's not mad," she explained gently. "Daddy's just a little grumpy because it's such a long drive, and you and me…. we're making it even longer."
Zoe stopped for a moment, looking at Lucy with a mix of curiosity and seriousness. "Is that a bad thing?"
Lucy smiled, touching her daughter's soft curls tenderly. "Not at all, Zo. Daddy might pretend to complain, but he'd stop a hundred times if we needed him to. He loves us too much to be really mad."
Zoe smiled brightly, clearly relieved. "Okay, cause I really gotta go potty, Mommy. My belly is yelling."
Lucy laughed softly, guiding Zoe gently toward the door marked "Restrooms." "Then let's hurry before your belly starts screaming."
It took longer than Lucy anticipated, because Zoe had very urgently informed her it was going to be number two this time, and, true to Zoe's fashion, she'd kept up a running commentary in the bathroom stall about her belly and its funny noises, loud enough for everyone to hear.
By the time they finally emerged from the bathroom, hands thoroughly washed, Zoe was already tugging her mother toward the brightly lit shelves of the convenience store.
"Mommy, look!" Zoe exclaimed, eyes wide as she pointed eagerly to a familiar orange package. "Goldfish!"
Lucy smiled softly, shaking her head. "Squish, you've got plenty of snacks in the car. Daddy even packed your favorite animal crackers, remember?"
Zoe's small shoulders slumped slightly, bottom lip jutting out as she tugged Lucy's hand harder. "But Mommy, it's important!"
"Important?" Lucy tilted her head, gently brushing a curl back behind Zoe's ear. "Why is it important?"
"It's not for me," Zoe said seriously, her brown eyes big and earnest. "It's for Daddy."
Lucy softened immediately, her heart squeezing gently at the sweetness of her daughter's intent. Zoe was looking up at her with such sincerity that there was no way Lucy could say no.
Zoe leaned closer, stage-whispering urgently, "Daddy said fishes might get thirsty if they eat crackers. But he likes crackers, and he likes fishies. We buy fishy crackers, he'll be happy!"
Lucy felt warmth bloom deep in her chest, despite the logic not really tracking, but when Zoe put on her best puppy dog face and jutted out her lower lip, Lucy knew she couldn't say no.
"Okay, Zo," she said softly, squeezing her hand reassuringly. "Daddy will definitely love that."
Zoe's eyes lit up, her mood instantly shifting to delight as Lucy picked up the small bag of goldfish crackers, paid at the register, and handed them directly to Zoe's waiting hands. The little girl hugged the packet to her chest, clearly proud of her mission accomplished.
As they stepped outside, Tim had left the car and was stretching his legs, rolling his shoulders, and looking considerably less grumpy after a little fresh air. Zoe spotted him instantly, and without a moment's hesitation, she sprinted straight toward him.
"Daddy!" Zoe squealed, tiny feet barreling across the pavement.
Tim barely had time to brace himself before Zoe collided into his legs, arms wrapping around him in a fierce hug, still clutching her prize of goldfish crackers. He immediately scooped her up, holding her close against his chest as her laughter rang in his ears.
"Well, someone's happy," Tim chuckled, pressing a kiss into her curls. "Did your belly finally stop yelling?"
Zoe nodded eagerly, then suddenly grew serious, holding up the bag of crackers like a treasured gift.
"Daddy, I got you fishies."
Tim raised an amused eyebrow. "You got me fish?"
She nodded firmly. "You're grumpy 'cause of all the stopping. Remember you said fishies might get thirsty from crackers? I think that means crackers make you happy, so I got fish crackers to cheer you up!"
Tim's heart melted entirely, the last remnants of his irritation dissolved completely as Zoe beamed proudly at him, her eyes shining with anticipation. He glanced over at Lucy, who was watching with a tender, knowing smile.
"That's...," he cleared his throat softly, genuinely moved, "really thoughtful of you, Zo. Thank you."
Zoe hugged him tightly again, burying her face against his neck. "Am sorry we make it so long," she whispered softly, suddenly sounding serious again.
Tim held her tighter, brushing a reassuring hand over her small back. "Hey, you listen to me. This is my favorite kind of long drive, okay? As long as it's with you and Mommy, I'll stop as many times as you want me to, even if I'm a little grumpy."
She giggled again, content and relieved, nuzzling her cheek against his shoulder. Tim caught Lucy's eye again over Zoe's shoulder, his gaze softer, filled with warmth and gratitude. Lucy winked at him playfully, one hand resting lightly over their growing baby, feeling grateful and impossibly lucky.
"Come on," Lucy teased lightly, stepping closer and bumping Tim gently with her hip. "Let's get back on the road. Only nine more potty breaks till Tahoe."
Tim chuckled, holding Zoe tighter as they walked back to the car together. "And probably three more bags of goldfish."
Lucy laughed loudly, snorting as she did. Zoe immediately looked up, eyes bright with delight, joining in with contagious giggles without fully knowing why. Tim smiled, shaking his head as he carefully strapped Zoe back into her car seat. Before pulling away, he leaned down quickly and blew a playful raspberry onto Zoe's cheek, sending her into another fit of laughter.
"Daddy!" Zoe squealed, hugging her bunny to her chest.
"Let's buckle up, squish. We've got a lot more miles ahead," he said and leaned over her to secure her in her seat, pressing a kiss to her cheek before he closed the door and slid into the driver's seat.
Tim settled comfortably and opened the bag of goldfish crackers before he started the car and pulled back on the highway, while Lucy gave him a teasing look as he popped a few into his mouth, crunching loudly.
"You know you're eating Zoe's thoughtful gift, right?" Lucy joked, raising an amused eyebrow.
"She said they're supposed to make me less grumpy," Tim countered, reaching for another handful. "It'd be rude not to appreciate her gesture."
From the backseat, Zoe launched into a fresh version of her remix, now inspired by their latest stop. "Twinkle, twinkle little fishies, Daddy likes to eat oh pretty…fishy crackers are so good…Daddy eats more than he should!"
Tim nearly choked, his hand frozen halfway to his mouth as Lucy burst into laughter beside him. He glanced at his daughter through the rearview mirror, eyebrows raised high. "Really, Zo?"
Zoe simply giggled and continued even louder, encouraged by her mother's laughter. "Fishies in Daddy's belly, making crackers turn to jelly! Twinkle twinkle Daddy's thirsty, drinks the water cause he not swimming!"
Tim shook his head in amusement and reached for his cup, taking a few drags through the straw. "I think her songwriting skills might surpass your drunk karaoke performances, Lucy."
"Hey, karaoke night was legendary," Lucy snorted again, covering her mouth as she playfully punched his arm before she pointed at her belly. "That's how we ended up with this one."
Tim chuckled softly, shaking his head again as he reached for his cup of water, taking a long sip to wash down the crackers. Zoe continued humming and improvising more verses from her seat, and soon the steady crunching of crackers became a rhythm of its own.
Unconsciously, Tim found himself taking frequent sips from his cup, emptying it much quicker than he intended.
It was only about an hour later when Tim shifted uncomfortably in his seat, a faint grimace crossing his features. Lucy immediately noticed, glancing over curiously. "You okay?"
Tim grumbled quietly under his breath, keeping his eyes fixed on the road ahead. Lucy leaned forward slightly, concern morphing into amusement as she watched his discomfort. "Tim, seriously, are you okay?"
He exhaled deeply, finally admitting reluctantly, "I think I drank too much water."
Lucy blinked, then immediately burst into a wide grin. "Wait, are you saying you have to pee?"
From the backseat, Zoe's ears perked up instantly. "Daddy gotta potty now?"
"Yes, Daddy has to potty." Tim's face turned slightly pink, jaw tightening as he fought back a smile. Instantly, Lucy and Zoe burst into howls of laughter, their joy echoing through the car.
"Now Daddy's belly says, 'blub blub!'" Zoe squealed gleefully. "See, Mommy? Crackers make Daddy thirsty!"
"Yeah, thanks, Zo," Tim replied drily, unable to suppress his own laughter now. "Lesson learned."
Lucy's laughter softened into gentle giggles, and she reached over to squeeze Tim's arm affectionately. "At least Zoe's theory held up."
"I'm so glad my suffering is entertaining to you both," he muttered, and Lucy leaned in and kissed his cheek sweetly.
"Always."
Zoe continued giggling behind them, happily repeating, "Daddy gotta potty, Daddy gotta potty!"
Tim sighed dramatically, shaking his head again as he spotted the sign for the next exit, pulling onto the ramp with exaggerated resignation, and Zoe's voice rose louder from the backseat once more, proud and triumphant:
"Daddy potty, Mommy too…Zoe potty, it's a peeing zoo! Lots of stops along the way…Tahoe potty holiday!"
Tim laughed openly now, feeling a deep warmth spread through his chest despite his slightly embarrassed bladder. He glanced sideways at Lucy, her eyes shining with love, one hand resting lightly over her belly as she chuckled quietly.
No matter how long this drive took, he wouldn't trade this chaos for anything.