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The soft morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a warm, golden glow over the room. Scott and Rory's shared bedroom was a haven of tranquility, a stark contrast to the chaos they had faced in the past. Scott was nestled beneath the covers, his face partially buried in the pillow, mumbling incoherently as he clung to the last remnants of sleep.

"Just a few more minutes, please," Scott murmured, his voice thick with drowsiness. "I promise I'll wake up soon."

Rory smiled gently, her fingers lightly grazing Scott's arm. "You always say that," she whispered, leaning in to press a soft kiss to his cheek. "But you know the day waits for no one."

Before Scott could muster a response, the door swung open with a burst of youthful energy. A little girl, around four years old, dashed into the room. Her tousled hair and bright, curious eyes mirrored both her parents' traits. She clutched a stuffed bunny to her chest, her face lighting up with a radiant smile.

"Mommy! Daddy!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement.

Scott's eyes fluttered open, and he turned to see the source of the commotion. His gaze softened as he saw his daughter standing in the doorway. "Good morning, Jane," he said, stretching out his arms. "You're up early."

Jane bounced over to the bed, her little feet barely making a sound as she climbed onto the mattress. She threw her arms around Scott's neck, giggling as he pulled her into a warm embrace. "I wanted to see you before Mommy goes to work!"

Scott's heart swelled with love at the sight of his daughter, and he glanced over at Rory with a look of wonder. "You're such a good girl for coming to see me," he said, his voice filled with tenderness. "What would you like to do today?"

Jane's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Can we play a game, Daddy? I want to play hide and seek!"

Scott grinned, setting Jane down on the bed as he began to stretch his muscles. "Absolutely. But we have to be very quiet so Mommy can get ready for work."

As Rory slipped out of bed and started her morning routine, she watched with a heart full of love as Scott played with Jane. Scott was pretending to search the room, while Jane hid behind a pile of pillows, her giggles echoing through the room. The joyful noise was a welcome contrast to the silence that had once filled their lives.

"Found you!" Scott exclaimed with a triumphant grin as he pulled back the pillows to reveal Jane's beaming face.

Jane's laughter filled the room as she leaped into Scott's arms. "Daddy, you're the best at this game!"

Scott looked at Rory, his eyes reflecting his love and gratitude. "I never thought my life would turn out like this," he said softly, his voice laced with emotion. "I thought I'd always be caught up in the battles and leadership."

Rory, now fully dressed and ready for the day, walked over to the bed. Her eyes were filled with affection as she watched Scott and Jane. "Sometimes, life surprises us in the most beautiful ways," she said, her voice tender. "I'm so glad it brought us here."

Scott's gaze remained fixed on Rory as he held Jane close, their family moment feeling complete. "Me too," he said, his voice full of sincerity. "I can't imagine my life without you both. Without this."

Jane, now sitting between her parents, tugged at Scott's hand with a hopeful look in her eyes. "Daddy, let's play more! And then we can have breakfast together!"

Scott laughed, lifting Jane up and spinning her around playfully. "Alright, let's play some more! But remember, we have to be quick before Mommy leaves."

The morning continued to unfold with a natural rhythm, a blend of playful energy and gentle affection. Scott and Jane were fully immersed in their game of hide and seek, their laughter filling the room like a sweet melody. Rory, watching from the edge of the bed as she finished up her preparations, couldn't help but feel her heart swell with every shared glance and touch between Scott and their daughter.

Jane clung to Scott's side as he pretended to be a pirate searching for hidden treasures, his exaggerated movements and playful grunts making Jane's laughter more infectious. Scott would occasionally peek over at Rory, his eyes softening as he saw her smile with such contentment. He knew that their lives had been shaped by trials and tribulations, but moments like these made every challenge worth it.

Rory walked over to the bed, smoothing out her skirt as she prepared to leave. "Alright, you two," she said with a gentle laugh, "I have to get going soon. But I'll be back for lunch. Promise."

Scott turned to Rory, his expression filled with a mix of affection and gratitude. "Are you sure you don't want to stay a little longer? We could use an extra set of eyes to help us find all the best hiding spots."

Jane, her face flushed with excitement, looked up at Rory with hopeful eyes. "Please, Mommy! Just a little longer?"

Rory crouched down, brushing a stray lock of hair from Jane's face. "I wish I could stay, sweetheart. But I have a few things to take care of. But I promise I'll be back soon, and we'll have a special lunch together."

Jane pouted playfully, but nodded understandingly. "Okay, Mommy. I'll wait for you."

Rory stood up, glancing at Scott with a knowing smile. "Take good care of her. And don't let her win too easily."

Scott chuckled, wrapping an arm around Jane and pulling her into a close hug. "Don't worry. We'll make sure to save some fun for you when you get back."

Rory gave them one last affectionate look before heading toward the door. She paused, looking back at the scene of Scott and Jane playing together. The sight was a testament to the love and happiness they had cultivated, a stark contrast to the struggles they had faced in the past.

As Rory left for her work, Scott and Jane continued their playful antics. Scott's laughter and Jane's joyous shrieks echoed through the school, creating a vibrant atmosphere of love and joy. It was clear that their family had found a new rhythm, one that was built on the strength of their bond and the shared experiences that had shaped them.

The morning gradually transitioned into afternoon, with Scott and Jane making the most of their time together. They played various games, had a mini picnic in the kitchen, and shared stories that made Jane's imagination run wild. Each moment was a reminder of how far they had come and how precious their time together was.

"Will Uncle Logan be visiting soon?" the young girl asked her parents during lunch, her eyes wide with curiosity and excitement.

"Of course, darling," Rory replied with a warm smile, knowing how much Logan enjoyed spending time with their daughter. He had always had a soft spot for her, and Jane's bubbly personality and love for everyone reminded him of Jean in some ways. Even their names carried a certain similarity, which seemed to deepen his affection for the little girl.

Scott glanced at Rory, a fond smile playing on his lips. "Logan's always been a bit of a wanderer, but he's promised to visit whenever he can. Jane, you know how much he loves seeing you. I think you're one of his favorite people."

Jane's face lit up at the thought. "I hope he comes soon! I want to show him the new game I learned."

Rory nodded, chuckling softly. "I'm sure he'll be thrilled to see what you've been up to. He always loves hearing about your adventures."

As they continued their lunch, Jane's excitement about Uncle Logan's visit became the centerpiece of the conversation. The topic seemed to bring an extra layer of warmth to their meal, a reminder of the extended family that had become so important in their lives.

Scott and Rory exchanged glances, their hearts full as they watched their daughter talk animatedly about her favorite things. The presence of family—both immediate and extended—brought a sense of completeness and joy to their home. Even though they had faced many challenges, these moments of simple happiness made everything worth it.

"Well, how about this," Scott said, reaching across the table to take Rory's hand. "Let's make sure we have something special planned for when Logan does visit. Maybe a little family gathering, something fun for everyone."

Rory squeezed Scott's hand and smiled. "That sounds perfect. We could use a little celebration."

Jane clapped her hands excitedly. "Yes! And we can have a picnic in the backyard and play games!"

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When Rory finally returned, the warmth of the day was still present, and the house was filled with the aroma of a simple but delicious lunch she had prepared. Scott greeted her with a loving smile, and Jane ran to her with open arms, eager to share the excitement of their morning.

As they sat down for lunch, the conversation flowed easily, filled with laughter and love. Scott and Rory exchanged tender glances, their hands occasionally brushing against each other as they served food. Jane recounted their morning adventures with enthusiastic gestures, her eyes sparkling as she spoke.

The afternoon sun cast a gentle glow over their home, and as they shared their meal, Scott and Rory realized that this was the life they had always dreamed of—a life filled with love, laughter, and the joy of family. Each moment they spent together was a testament to their strength and commitment, a celebration of their journey and the bright future that lay ahead.

As the day drew to a close, Scott and Rory tucked Jane into bed, their hearts full of gratitude for the family they had built. With soft kisses and whispered goodnights, they promised to always cherish and protect each other.

The night settled over their home, bringing with it a sense of peace and contentment. Scott and Rory, now alone, held each other close, their hearts united by the love they shared and the dreams they had for their future. They saw each other eye to eye, even through Scotts Optic Lenses.

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