strip it down

“Deal.” Parker laughed, sighing. “God knows I’m not ready to start dealing with a teenage version of us with that girl.” She loved it, though. Having Riley, though unexpected and unplanned, made her see life differently and somehow, everything fell right in place. Smiling at her husband, Parker pulled him closer once more, asking for a kiss. “I’ll be right there to help you. I just need five more minutes.” She stretched her arms against the bed, pulling the covers closer as she took in the very few minutes of complete silence in the morning their baby daughter was so gracious of allowing them. Wrapping her robe around her waist as she made her way back to the kitchen, Parker started the coffee for both of them. “I can barely remember what it was like, such quiet mornings… how was life before a baby? Who knows?!”

"Mhmm. Five minutes.” Chase chuckles, shaking his head as he walks out of their bedroom. He’s already started breakfast when Parker joins him, turning to look back at her. “Mostly because we we’re sleepin’ in and sleepin’ off our hangovers.” He points out, amused. “Crazy to think that those wild kids are now mostly grown up with a baby. You know what else is crazy? That we had a kid before Cam and Val did. I always thought I'd just be the fun uncle with no kids.” Chase shrugs at that, reaching to get down a couple of plates for them. “Riley needs cousins though, so we better gently tease them about gettin’ on that.” He’s mostly joking about that, mostly because he knows better than to tease his brother about something that could be a sensitive subject. He was sure they’d have kids when they were ready. “We should have Cam and Val over for dinner soon. Y’know, whenever we both have night off.” 

“Doctors would be savin’ no lives if you didn’t get them there now, would they?” Parker’s fingers ran through her husband’s hair soothingly, her chin on his chest as she looked up to meet his gaze. Their jobs took a big toll on both of them in different ways and yet she felt it really, truly complemented them. They were both a little rough around the edges, but Chase was truly the caretaker, always putting others’ wellbeing before his. She was the type to act first, think later. “I don’t know how we’re supposed to discipline her when she starts pulling off some of the things we did. It’d make us complete hypocrites.” The brunette laughed, loving the idea of watching their little girl become her own person and make them go gray prematurely. She really wouldn’t have it any other way. “It’s a good thing she’s so cute, isn’t it? Definitely takes after her mamma there. And with your eyes? She’s going to be unstoppable. You better not lose your sniper skills anytime soon, daddy. They might come in handy.”

Pressing his lips to Parker’s forehead, Chase hums quietly, wishing that he could see himself the way his wife did. Sure, he had come a long way, but there was still a part of him that still saw himself as the kid who couldn’t do anything right. “How ‘bout we cross that bridge when we get to it? Or at least wait ‘til Miss Riley is talkin’!” Chase chuckles, shaking his head. The thought of their daughter growing up was both an exciting and terrifying thought. “Please. We both know that my skills are as sharp as ever. Can’t say that much about me in the kitchen though...so I should probably go get started on breakfast if you want time to eat before Riley wakes up again.” 

“It’s just nice to change from boots all the time… except I immediately regret it.” Her job didn’t exactly allow her too many glamorous options when it came to her outfits. She did try when she was off duty but quickly realized comfort was better when she had to juggle a baby everywhere now. “It kinda is to me.” The brunette shrugs. “You know, saving lives and all. So hot.” Parker added, grinning as her fingers brushed idly through his chest, snorting at the memory. “It was exponentially better than the one a few years ago. You weren’t back yet but, trust me, it was a busy night for 9-1-1 responders.” Many of her friends had gotten hurt one way or another and those who weren’t had to take action while wearing their best night gowns. “Who says Nashville is boring?” Parker had moved soon after her first divorce in an effort to start over and away from home. She thought perhaps the distance would help but in truth, she carried it with her everywhere she went. “I promise next mom and dad only outing will not require fancy ties and high heels.”

"Aw, c’mon. The doctors do the life savin’...I’m just one of the guys that make sure they get there.” Chase shrugs, though he does smile at Parker’s comment, lips pressed to the top of her head. “As long as we’re together, life ain’t ever gonna be boring. We’re always gettin’ into trouble and keepin’ each other on our toes, even now that we have a kiddo of our own. Hell, she’s the one keepin' us on our toes these days, ain’t she?” The brunette asks, chuckling quietly. Being a dad was certainly something Chase had never thought he’d be, but having Riley was one of the best experiences of his life. “Just wait ‘til she starts wialkin’ and talkin’. Then we’ll really be in for it!”

“I can definitely wait a few minutes with this company.” Brooke looked straight into her husband’s eyes with a smirk. She loved Chase’s eyes. Her daughter had those same enchanting blue eyes that drove her crazy and bent her to their will. Her weakness. “I did. My feet, though, are killing me. I hadn’t worn high heels since… my first trimester.” The brunette pouted though she didn’t complain much about it the previous night. She was too distracted to pay attention to that. “It’s a good thing I find you just as attractive in your uniform as I do when you’re wearing a tux but, I gotta say, a suit and tie really, really looks good on you.” Her hand moved idly up and down his chest, his arm, kissing his lips. “How about you?”

"Well you know I don’t care too much about what footwear you’re wearin’, babe. Wear flats next time if ya want, I don’t mind.” Chase admits with a shrug, grinning softly back at Parker. He loved his wife in whatever she chose to wear, honestly. She looked beautiful in everything. “Oh’ c’mon. My uniform ain’t that sexy.” The brunette snorts, quieted by the kiss to his lips. “Oh, you know those events aren’t really my thing, but it wasn’t so bad compared to others we’ve been to. Remember that one where the speaker spoke for like, an hour? It was so bad!”

“I’ve won the lottery!” Parker cuddles closer to her husband, grinning as she wraps an arm around his waist and rests her head against his chest. “He’s hot and he’s the best baby daddy I could’ve asked for!” She was so lucky to be on this parenting journey with her best friend. Even after all the years and the distance between them, or the fact that none of this was panned, the brunette truly had the family she always dreamed of. Three divorces later, he was the one she had been waiting for, looking for, all along. “French toast?” Parker answered after thinking what she wanted for breakfast for a moment but her arms didn’t loosen from around his waist. “And bacon. I like the sweet and salty. It can wait another few minutes, though… right? I’m not letting you go anywhere.”

"That’s me.” Chase grins, leaning in to press a kiss to the top of Parker’s head. “French toast and bacon it is...in a few minutes.” He confirms with a chuckle, tucking some hair behind his wife’s ear. He had no complaints about waiting a few minutes before starting breakfast., happy to spend the time in bed with Parker. A quiet morning in was rare now that they were parents, and they both knew it. “Did ya have fun last night? I know I don’t really get dressed up like that often, but it’s nice to every once in a while.” 

Chase had kept his word. Parker didn’t wake up all through the night though she was sure her daughter must have, and when she finally opened her eyes in the morning, she couldn’t believe she had slept as late as she had. Her first instinct was to panic a little, then mild guilt, but since there was no hysterical baby cries, the other part of her, the part that had not slept like this in what felt like a lifetime now, just snuggled in bed for one more minute until she heard footsteps approaching. Smiling through half-closed eyes, Parker turned towards Chase. “Good morning, husband.” Her voice was raspy but not tired. She was sure her entire face was glowing right now with this beauty sleep. “I promise I will make this up to you but right now, I really don’t want to leave this bed yet. Does that make me a terrible mother?”

Chase was already awake, but had gotten back in bed after feeding Riley and putting her back down, the baby monitor sitting on the nightstand beside him. "Mornin’.” He murmurs, leaning over to press a kiss to the side of Parker’s head. “You don’t have to make anything up to me, babe. I’m Riley’s father, it’s my job to look after her. It ain’t all on you.” Chase says, shaking his head. “She’s been fed and is already back asleep, I say we have a couple of hours before she’s up for the day. What do you want for breakfast? I’ll bring it to ya in bed.” 

Keeping to his word, Chase didn’t disappoint. The good thing about everything happening so fast for them, Parker thought, is that they were still halfway through that honeymoon stage even if they were already married with a kid. In many ways, they were still rediscovering each other, both as individuals and as a couple. The night had the perfect ending but, exhausted as she was, Parker couldn’t fall asleep. Resting on top of her husband, her chin lightly on his chest as her fingers traced idle patterns on his shoulder and arms, she smiled. “I know I should try to sleep before Riri wakes up but I can’t.”

Parker’s body pressed against his is a familiar feeling, though it’s one Chase knows he’ll never grow tired of. Humming quietly, Chase gazes back at his wife, brushing his fingers along her arm lightly. “I’ll make extra coffee in the mornin’.” He promises, pressing a soft kiss to Parker’s cheek. “And I can take Riley when she wakes up if you wanna sleep in. I don’t mind.” 

“Maybe we should call in a favor from Uncle Cam and Aunt Val more often.” Parker grinned, pushing herself away from the door as Chase started walking out of the room, wrapping her arm around her husband’s waist as they started towards the bedroom. “For more selfish reasons.” She added, lips pursed, wiggling her brows. Brushing her hair out of the way, the brunette nodded at the man’s offer, turning her back on him to help with the zipper. “I actually think we don’t have to worry about a baby interrupting us anytime soon.” If you know what I mean. Turning to face him, Parker let her dress drop, pooling around her feet, her arms wrapping around his neck. “Use your time wisely, Mr. Olsen.”

"I’m done talkin’ about my brother now.” Chase drawls, his gaze moving over Parker’s body appreciatively. Quickly following suit by unbuttoning his shirt, he lets it fall to the floor, reaching for Parker’s hands to pull her back to their bed once he’s finished undressing. “Oh, you know I’ll use any time we’ve got in the best way possible.” He murmurs, leaning in to press a kiss to his wife’s lips. 

Their kids were born with their parents reputation hanging over them, for better or for worse. As much of a handful as they had been growing up, both Parker and Chase had grown up to vindicate themselves. She laughed, though, knowing they were more likely to end up paying up all their mischief through their kids while still hoping they were one of the few who got away with extremely well-behaved children. Saying their goodbyes was easy but still took them a while before they were finally able to leave the ball, and then some to chat with Cam and Val before walking them out together. She was still in her dress when she walked to Riley’s room, leaning against the doorframe to watch Chase check on their sleeping baby. It never really ceased to amaze her, seeing him in his role as a dad. It both melted her heart and turned her on in a very inexplicable way. “I think she’s good for the night.” Parker said quietly, not wanting to wake Riley up. “We should ask Val and Cam to babysit more often. They’re good.”

After walking Cam and Val out to their car, Chase heads back inside to check in on Riley, smiling at their daughter asleep in her crib. “I think so too.” He whispers, taking the baby monitor with him as he walks out of the room, shutting the door quietly behind him. “I dunno what they did that tired her out. Maybe she just behaved better ‘cause they’re not mom and dad..” Chase says jokingly, pressing his lips to the side of Parker’s head as they walk back to their bedroom, loosening his tie on the way. “You want me to unzip you?”

“I don’t trust those Olsen genes… little troublemakers they’ll be growing up together wrecking havoc all over town. They’ll have this entire ball room going after them.” Parker grinned. Even if they had gotten themselves in their fair share of trouble growing up, Parker liked to think they turned out alright. She knew their daughter would too. They would be there to make sure of it every step of the way. “I better be.” The brunette tilted her head, her eyes closing softly as Chase kissed her forehead. Parker liked to play difficult with him but they both knew he melted at his words, his touch, his kiss. She loved this man in ways she wasn’t able to explain, defying time and distance and logic. “How about we go home?”

"Goin’ after them? More like on their side!” Chase chuckles, shaking his head. They looked after their own. Chase knew their kids would be too. As nice as it was to be with Parker’s coworkers and the like, her suggestion to go home pleases him, nodding quietly at her words. “I think that’s a grand idea.” He hums, slipping his hand into hers as they walk off of the dance floor. “Let’s say our goodbyes an’ make a run for it.” 

“I’m sure if they had to look after Riri for a whole week and knew how little they’d be able to sleep and how different it is from having her just a few hours one day they’d reconsider the whole baby thing.” Parker shrugged, smiling as she looked at her husband. “We don’t get a choice. We’re stuck with our baby girl for life now and I’ve already accepted my dark circles will live with me forever. Cam and Val still have a chance, though!” She teased. Even if Riley had been an unplanned pregnancy and she wasn’t sure how everything would pan out for them when she first learn that she was expecting a baby, she didn’t regret any of it. She couldn’t believe their life half of the time, even now as they took on the dance floor, surrounded by so many other couples, his eyes on hers, his arms around her, her face resting lightly agains this chest. She loved this man, always had, even when she was sure there was not a chance left for them. “I was never a big fan of Disney princess movies and this sounds like a cliché but that’s just how I feel right now.”

"Aw, c’mon. Not that it’s really any of our business or anythin’, but it would be nice for Riley to have some more cousins.” Chase points out, shrugging his shoulders. He knew his brother and sister in law wanted kids and he was sure they’d have them whenever they felt ready. Keeping Parker’s body closer to his, Chase sways gently to the music, smiling back at his wife. “Movie or not, you’re always gonna be the queen of my heart, babe.” He murmurs, pressing his lips to the brunette’s forehead lightly. 

“I don’t think you’ll complain too much.” The brunette grinned, rolling her eyes playfully at her husband’s teasing. They were used to each other’s jabs and, to be honest, Parker wouldn’t have it any other way. “We’re so lucky we made such a cute baby that everyone’s so happy to look after her. If we make another one some day far, far away, poor kid better be just as cute if not cuter or else we’re going to struggle for babysitters!” Parker laughed, nodding at Chase’s suggestion anyway. They still had some time and she was more than happy to stay back for a few more dances. They looked too good that evening to cut it short, no matter how badly she wanted to rip that shirt off him. “Let’s make everyone jealous, Olsen.”

"Mhmm. Plus Cam and Val need the practice if they’re gonna be startin’ their own family.” Chase points out, knowing that that wasn’t the only reason. His brother and his wife were happy to watch Riley whenever they needed them to because they were family. Chase was so grateful to have mended his relationship with his brother. His thoughts aren’t really focused on what’s going on back home though, chuckling quietly as he offers Parker his hand. “But of course.” He says teasingly, leading Parker over to the dance floor, starting to sway along with the music with her. 

“Expensive, though, and it takes forever to put on this make up and twice as long to get it off without me looking like a very distressed Britney Spears but it’s definitely worth it!” The brunette laughed, still happy they got to have these little rendezvous just the two of them every now and then even after having Riley. Theirs was a very anachronistic relationship so far, doing everything seemingly in reverse, but Parker intended to enjoy her now husband as much and as often as she could to make up for all the years she couldn’t. “Hopefully our baby is asleep, though, so I can get my way with her daddy.” 

"Oh is that what you wanna do with me. hm? Have your way with me?” Chase asks teasingly, stealing a quick kiss from Parker’s lips. He, of course, had no problem with that, but he still liked teasing Parker a bit. They had always teased each other and none of that had changed as they grew older. “I think that can be arranged. Riley should be sleepin’ by the time we get back. I can always text Cam before we head out, let him and Val know we’re on our way home.” He suggests, shrugging. “I might keep ya for a few more dances first though. We don’t get to do this too often, we might as well enjoy it.” 

Parker’s eyes twinkled under the ballroom’s light, her arms wrapped around her husband. She couldn’t remember a day she didn’t love him, even before she knew what love was or even after he broke her heart in a hundred million pieces. She was so proud of him even when he wasn’t hers to be proud of. “I’m not worrying.” The brunette grinned. Parker trusted Chase. She trusted him with her heart even knowing he was the one person who could break it apart. “I’m definitely looking forward to that part of the night, too, that’s the fun part of dressing up after all.” Parker pressed her fingers lightly against the back of his neck, humming. “I’m sure we can come up with a good excuse soon enough. After all, we have a baby waiting for us back home. No one has to your brother is taking care of her for us…”

"I mean, I’ve always been partial to more casual clothes, but dressin’ up every now and again ain’t too bad.” Chase teases with a soft laugh, shrugging his shoulders. He always liked going out with Parker, no matter what they did. Even work functions were fun when they were together. “Oh, is that so? You’re thinkin; of sneakin’ out already? Usually we’d go out for a drive. Now we’re just headin’ home to our baby. Look at us being all grown up now.” 

Parker chuckled as she watched her husband kick back the rest of his drink, moving a hand to his shoulder and another to the back of his neck as he took her to the dance floor. “As long as you don’t get too drunk tonight…” The brunette shrugged coyly. “You’ve seen the dress but not quite what’s underneath.” She whispered into his ear with a grin as she pulled back. She was being a tease but Parker Olsen née Rose was not exactly known for playing fair half of the time—a little bit of devil in her angel eyes. 

"Mm...no more, I promise. I’m drivin’, after all.” Chase points out, raising a brow at his wife’s teasing. “I’ll be fine to get behind the wheel...and to take your back to our bedroom, don’t you worry.” Though he used to be more of a heavy drinker, he really wasn’t anymore. Especially not since Riley was born. Chase knew he had to be present for his family, and he couldn’t do that without a clear head. “As much fun as dressin’ up and goin’ out is, I definitely like goin’ home and gettin’ out of these fancy clothes more.” 

“Eesh, I’m sorry! I’m glad to see they didn’t scare you away!” The brunette scrunched her face though the dimples on her cheeks remained intact, smiling into the kiss. There were a lot of familiar faces in the room, coworkers, officers from other departments and stations. It was a good opportunity to network, which Parker liked to think she had enough for the night. Now all she wanted to do was enjoy her husband. “We’ll have to finish these drinks first and then, mister, I believe you owe me a dance!” She winked, taking a sip from her drink. “Are you having fun?”

"It’s all good, babe. I got ta show off pictures of Riley, so.” Chase says with a shrug, taking a sip from his drink. He always loved talking about his daughter. Even though schmoozing wasn’t really his thing, he made a bit of an effort with Parker’s coworkers for his wife’s sake. “Oh I do, huh? Well I’d hate to disappoint ya.” He teases with a smirk, swallowing back the rest of his drink. “Shall we dance?”

“Sneak out? Sounds rebellious. Count me in!” The brunette smirked, looking at her husband up and down teasingly as they moved along to finish getting ready just in time for Cam and Val’s arrival. They managed to make it to the ball not too early, not too late either, both of them familiar with many of the guests so that it was easy to mingle and make small talk here and there before the official ceremony began. Parker wasn’t sure at what point they had parted ways, she believed it had been one of those going for a drink situations and the other wandering off from their meeting point without meaning to, but the moment she was able to excuse herself from conversation, she made her way to find the man. “There’s my husband and my drink… I’m not sure which I’m more happy to see.” Scrunching her face, she wrapped her arms around his neck, silently asking for a kiss. “You do look so good in a suit, I might just have to steal you away later and get my way with you, handsome.”

Chase had wandered off to get them both fresh drinks when he had gotten stopped by one of Parker’s co-workers, stopping to have a chat with them as to not be rude. Eventually he excuses himself, finding his way to the bar to actually get the drinks, turning around in  time to see Parker walking up to him. “Hey. Sorry, one of your co-workers cornered me.” He chuckles, leaning over to press a soft kiss to his wife’s lips. “Oh, is that so? I won’t have any objections to that.”