**Chapter 22: Daily Life, New Beginnings
The days passed peacefully for Simon and his family. Life had settled into a routine, though there was an undeniable undercurrent of excitement in the air. Simon found himself enjoying the calm moments, the ones that allowed him to step back from his intense past and simply live.
He woke up early, as usual, with the sun rising behind the mountains, casting long shadows across the house. Gigi was still asleep when he left their room, but he took a moment to watch her before he made his way downstairs. He found himself taking in the small, familiar things—like the smell of fresh coffee brewing in the kitchen or the sound of his family moving around in the house. It felt like life was settling into a rhythm, and for the first time in a long while, Simon allowed himself to just be.
His morning routine had always been methodical. After a quick shower and a moment of quiet reflection, he stepped into the kitchen to prepare breakfast for the family. The kitchen had become a special place for Simon—where the world seemed to slow down, where he could focus on something simple like making a meal for those he loved.
As he flipped pancakes, he caught sight of Khloe and Alex walking down the hallway. They were laughing, something Simon hadn't seen Khloe do in a long time. Alex seemed to have that effect on her, and Simon couldn't help but feel a twinge of relief. His sister had been through so much, and seeing her genuinely happy meant more than anything.
"Morning, big bro," Khloe said, giving Simon a quick hug as she entered the kitchen.
"Morning, little sis," Simon replied with a smile. "Sleep well?"
Khloe nodded. "Yeah, I slept great. Alex and I are going to grab coffee later. He's pretty cool, Simon. You'll see."
Simon shot her a knowing look. "I'm sure he is. Just... be careful."
Khloe laughed. "You sound like Mom now."
Simon paused for a moment. "I'm just looking out for you. You know that."
"I know," she replied with a soft smile. "But I can take care of myself."
Simon didn't argue, knowing she was right. He had always tried to protect his sisters, but they were growing up, learning to navigate their own lives. Still, part of him couldn't let go of that older brother instinct. It was who he was, and it always would be.
The rest of the family filtered into the kitchen, and the house filled with laughter and conversation. Even Kanye and Travis seemed to be on their best behavior, though Simon kept an eye on them. He hadn't forgotten his warnings, but he also recognized that life was moving forward, and there wasn't much more he could do beyond watching and waiting.
After breakfast, Simon spent some time in the study, catching up on work. There were always things to do—paperwork, reports, and contacts to keep up with. Though he was on a break from the field, he knew that a part of him would always be connected to his former life. The discipline and focus he had honed over the years didn't disappear just because he was home.
Gigi came in with a cup of coffee, her presence always a welcome distraction. She set the cup down on the desk in front of him and leaned against the wall.
"You know, you could take a break," she said, her voice gentle but teasing. "You've been working nonstop since we got back."
Simon looked up from his computer, his gaze softening as he met her eyes. "I know. I just... it's hard to turn off sometimes."
Gigi smiled and sat down next to him. "You don't have to turn it off completely. Just take a little time for yourself. For us."
Simon exhaled slowly, leaning back in his chair. He had always been someone who focused on the mission, but he knew Gigi was right. He needed to find a balance.
"You're right," he said, rubbing his temples. "I guess I'm just not used to this... normal life. After everything that's happened, I can't help but feel like I need to be ready for anything."
Gigi placed a hand on his shoulder. "I get it. But you don't have to carry that weight alone anymore. We're in this together, Simon."
Her words were a reminder of the life they had built together—the partnership they had forged in both the chaos and the calm. And as he looked at her, Simon realized just how much he needed her. She had brought a sense of peace to his life that he never thought he would find.
"Thanks, Gigi," Simon said softly. "I'll try."
Later that afternoon, the family gathered outside for a barbecue, a rare moment of relaxation. Simon sat by the fire pit with Kanye and Travis, sharing stories of their pasts. They were more subdued now, respecting the boundaries Simon had set. As the conversation turned to lighter topics, Simon allowed himself to let go a little more.
The evening passed with laughter, music, and easy conversation. For a brief moment, Simon felt like he had found a new sense of purpose—something beyond the war and the chaos he had known for so long. It was in the way Khloe teased Alex, in the way Gigi smiled at him across the fire, and in the way his family had come together despite everything they had been through.
As the night wore on, Simon stood up and walked over to Gigi, who was leaning against the balcony railing, looking out at the view. He wrapped his arms around her from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder.
"Is this what it's like?" he asked quietly, his voice filled with wonder.
Gigi turned her head slightly to smile at him. "Yeah," she said softly. "This is what it's like."
For the first time in a long time, Simon felt a deep sense of contentment. Life was good. And for now, that was enough.
To be continued...