You woke to the sound of a crash downstairs. You shot up in bed, looking over at your husband who was still dead asleep, his mouth hanging open as he snored.
"Travis." You poked him the bicep but he didn't move.
"Travis, wake up." This time you slapped him across the chest, startling him awake. "What? What's happening?"
"I heard something downstairs. What if someone broke in? Can you please go check?" Your stomach was in knots at the thought of a stranger in your house.
Travis rubbed your arm, reassuring you. "Baby, we have the most expensive alarm system we could get. We would have known immediately if someone opened a door or a window. Its probably just one of the dogs getting into the trash can." He rolled over on his side, trying to go back to sleep.
You held your breath, listening intently. Suddenly you heard another loud thump, followed by a metal clanging. This time Travis wasn't so convinced it was one of the pups. "I'm gonna go downstairs and see what's going on. You stay here." He grabbed an aluminum bat he hid under the bed for moments like this.
"Travis, what do you need a bat for? You're 6'5", do you really think the robber is going to be bigger than you?"
"This is just for the element of surprise. I'll sneak up on him, hit him in the kneecaps and then tackle him." He slowly made his way out of the bedroom, taking the stairs quietly.
You were a bundle of nerves after a few seconds, and decided to get up and follow your husband downstairs. You snuck up behind him, making him jump.
"Baby, I almost hit you with this bat!" He whispered, "stay close".
You both heard a commotion in the kitchen, the sound growing louder as you got closer. Travis rushed into the kitchen, flipping the overhead light on. Savannah screamed out when the lights turned on, making her drop the box of cookies she had in her hands.
The only burglars in the house were the kids. Alex was eating a slice of cold pizza, while the girls were helping themselves to a handful of Oreos.
"What are you guys doing down here?"
"I couldn't sleep, and my tummy was rumbling, so we came downstairs." Alex explained, shrugging like it was no big deal that he was up in the middle of a school night.
"I want everyone up in bed right now." You put your hands on your hips as you watched the kids sulk back upstairs to their rooms. You turned back around to Travis, rolling your eyes when you noticed him stuff a couple of cookies in his mouth. "Seriously?"
He shrugged, his mouth full. "I was kinda hungry too."
"C'mon lets go to bed. We both have to be up early too." Travis followed behind you, his hands on your lower back.
"Wait." you stopped in your tracks. "Bring the box of cookies with you."