Grim joins the family

Clara arrived on earth with her little one Daisy. It was not unusual in their culture for men to be at travel for long periods of time and absent when it came to parenthood. Their planet was peaceful, but often chaotic when it came to weather.She was given the opportunity to move to earth after her own abode was taken by a sink hole, earth had mild atmosphere and few catastropic events, but the population was often dismissive and negative towards new life forms. Still, Clara thought the risk was worth it. 

She had some money saved up from her last pregnancy, to allow them to live in a good sized home and experience the earth cultural items, like baths and new food. Daisy was partial to their bed time tales and apple sauce. In their culture while absent physicially, the men were often very supportive financially.

When Clara got news that an alien gathering was taking place, she decided she was ready to be a mother again. Their mating dance was conducted in a strange earth creation called a 'bush' but it did the job, she was pregnant. 

Out on a shopping trip, Clara came upon Death, otherwise known as the Grim Reaper. Clara was no stranger to Grim, many great aliens had been taken to the next place by him.Unlike humans they did not see his presence as menacing, he was a respected aspect of their final stage of life. Grim was pleasntly surprised that she allowed him to feel the growth of new life within her. He appreciated a break from the usual screams and crying he was faced with on earth. 

They even took a moment to gaze at the sky and talk about her home world. Now Grim is only one worker of many reapers, he had never had the experience of her planet but he was fascinated by it. 

With that experience behind her, Clara continued to raise her daughter, while expecting the birth of her next child

(credit to @hatsyYT for this build!)

The birth of  her son Sky was welcome. Like with all births, it resulted in an influx of cash. They were able to move into a significantly bigger and more joyously decorated home.  Daisy turned into bright young girl. 

Childhood was treating them both well. Sometimes it was overwhelming for Clara, bouncing her baby boy on one hip and trying to help Daisy with homework at the same time, but she was managing.

Everything changed when there was a death in front of their lawn

Death moved the soul on to the next place, but he didn't leave immediately. He noticed an alien child regarding him with curiousity

The child seemed concerned, she asked why he did that. He explained he guided people to the next place when their time is up. He did not control how long they had. His time as a guide was drawing to a close, he was an old spirit and a tired one. Daisy seemed to accept this. She invited him to come join them for supper.

So, he did.

Afterwards he spoke to Clara as she did the dishes. He admitted to growing weary of his job. Another reaper could accept his place, but he didn't know how to live as her and her children did, with joy. 

Clara invited him to spend his 'retirement' with them, so that they could help him. 

Sky seemed rather puzzled by the Grim's appearance but appreciated that Grim was always available to help. He never slept, never ate, had no bodily functions and surprisingly was almost always in a neutral or good mood. 

Daisy was constantly asking questions, they had some rules. She couldn't ask about the afterlife, he couldn't advise how he came into existance, but he could discuss his other experiences, as long as it wasn't graphic. 

She surprised Grim when they became friends by gesturing for him to come down to her level, and then giving him a hug. He was shocked. Very few people expressed affection to him unless they wanted his power to pull someone back from the brink of death. A power of course he no longer had. Daisy didn't care about that, she appreciated his time and attention

If Grim could smile, he was. He hugged her back tightly.

Teaching young Sky new words was a delight. The kids were such sponges when it came to information. 

He was advised to take up something called 'hobbies' and work towards things such as 'goals'. He decided his hobby would be gardening and he would work towards becoming a collector of nature. 

Not a bad start to his new life. 

Rylie's Epilogue

Rylie was determined to find love after the contest. She still lived with Arya until she could figure out where she wanted to go. She tried a blind date, the gentleman was openly bored with her.

She tried meeting people in locations that shared her interests, she found a library with a bar, but she also struck out there

She even tried online dating, but the fellow she met was just plain rude to her

It was after another unsuccessful date Rylie went to a bar that was hosting a ghost party to drink her woes

It was then that she met Bernard. Bernard was happily married to Mimsy but he had some advice for her if she was brave enough. There was a young gentleman that could only be found at an exclusive park at night, she would have to go there and see if he showed up. And of course be prepared for a most unusual love. 

Despite it seeming pretty far fetched, Rylie went to the park he indicated and took a nap while waiting for this mysterious guy

When she woke up, she spotted a ghost, it didn't take her longer than a moment to realize this is who Bernard was trying to set her up with

Keeping an open mind, she decided to get to know him. He introduced himself as Carlos. 

The attraction was there between them almost immediately

The night ended so well she swooped him into a romantic kiss

It turns out that prior to his death, Carlos had been a fireman. Due to the dangers of his job he had saved his woohoo juice so that he could one day have kids if he ever got injured. Of course he never expected to pass away before completing his wish of having a family. Rylie also wanted a family badly, and after many nightly visits with Carlos and discussions, they decided to try to have one together even with the struggles involved. She took fertility medication and ended up having triplets, two girls and one boy. Meet Emory, Delia and Tanisha.

This did mean however that Rylie was practically a single mother, Carlos could only visit them during the evenings and would vanish as soon as the sun came up.  

This time was always precious to him and the kids, he was grateful to be able to watch them grow at all. His desire to be married was what still allowed him to be a restless spirit and continue to stay in the land of the living.

He had been helpful when they were babies, but as they grew they only saw him for brief periods before going to bed. Every night he had to bid a sad farewell to his family

Rylie worked in the science sector to try to work on a cure for her love, but she was still miles away from the discovery that would allow him to be with them. 

Finally, there was a glimmer of hope, but it came with risk. He brought Rylie to the wishing well and explained what he had heard. This well could bring a ghost back to life, but it could also send one to the next. 

Rylie was reluctant to take that risk, not with the love of her life. Carlos assured her that no matter what happened that he would be better off. He wanted to be with them, his family was worth it. He gave her a last kiss and asked her to leave the area. 

(Big thanks to @xsimsugar as this moment wouldn't happened without her gift)

It happened! The well granted him a second life

Reunited, the couple shared a long celebratory  kiss

The kids joined in the celebration with a dance in the fountain. It was still an adjustment for them all, but a much anticipated one. 

Not long after, Carlos brought Rylie to the place that his life was renewed and proposed, she was delighted to say a big YES!

They decided to say their vows in the same venue

Finally, they were a complete family

After the wedding, Rylie continued her work at the lab and Carlos became a musician. They both lived long, happy lives and they did not return as sim ghosts when they passed as they had no unfinished business. 

As for the kids, Tanisha became a teacher. She had a passion for learning and teaching others. Her nose could always be found in a romance book as she was wishful about finding true love. She also had a healthy appreciation for works of art.  

Emory grew up to be a very athletic and career orientated sim. He made a name for himself in the field of professional boxing as a man most could respect losing to. In his personal life he was a very calm and collected guy, who had a protective streak when it came to his family.   

And last but certainly not least, Tanisha would be an astronaut. She had a passion for science like her mother but she wanted to take it in different direction than just a ho-hum lab. She was determine to become a great explorer. She had a passion for the outdoors and space. She was especially close with Emory and they often would work out together as fitness was important for both of their careers.