Hundred and Forty-Six

VALERIA

With my hands on my hips, I took a step back to look at the decorations. After a few seconds or so, I had to admit that the decorators had done a pretty good job. I had as well. Jayden had his superhero theme decorations all in blue, his favourite colour. Jane had her favourite Princess whatsername theme also in bright yellow.

I grinned, reflecting on how very different children's birthday parties were from those of adults. The entire living room area was a clash of yellow and blue, and then there were the balloons also, covering large sections of the floor.

"And what are you grinning about?"

I felt myself relaxing at the sound of Dimitri's voice, leaning back against him until his arms went around me. He repeated his question.

"I was just thinking that the whole place looks like a rainbow exploded in it," I murmured.

"Mmm. I think I rather like the look of the place. It's an improvement if you ask me."

I snorted. "Having kids have made you soft. There was a time when you woul