Venus laughed and stroked his back. Zane, you’re always so nervous. I just got stuck in traffic.
Zane wiped his eyes and smiled. I almost passed out from worry. I thought you were going to leave me again.
Before he could finish, he cupped her face and kissed her. The priest’s loud cough echoed through the church. Everyone burst into laughter.
Even Venus shook her head, grinning. Zane, not yet. The ceremony hasn’t even started, the priest said, his voice half amused, half scolding.
More laughter followed as Zane scratched his head, clearly embarrassed. Sorry, father, I couldn’t help it, he mumbled, prompting another round of chuckles from the guests. Venus leaned in and whispered to him, don’t worry.
The wedding’s happening, and later, you won’t have to hold back anymore. At her words, Zane almost jumped from joy. Kyle, watching his parents, could hardly contain his excitement.
A few months after the wedding, Zane and Venus moved into their dream house, a wide, elegant home with a view of the mountains and a lake. It was the same place they had dreamed of when they were young, and now it was finally theirs, with Kyle by their side. One morning, Venus surprised Zane while he sat on the porch.
She quietly approached, holding a small box, and placed it on his lap. What’s this? Zane asked, glancing up at her. Open it, Venus said with a bright smile and sparkling eyes.
Zane opened the box slowly, inside were two tiny pairs of baby shoes. He stared at them for a few seconds, trying to understand, then his eyes widened. Don’t tell me, he started to say, but Venus nodded.
Yes, I’m pregnant, we’re going to have another baby, she said joyfully. Zane nearly fell out of his chair from shock. He shouted with glee, then immediately pulled Venus into a tight hug, almost lifting her off the ground.
I’ve waited so long for this, we’re having another baby, no, twins, he said, his hands already cradling her belly. Venus laughed, glowing with happiness. Yes, twins, Zane.
But soon after the excitement, Zane became overly protective. One time, Venus was in the kitchen, frying eggs, when he appeared out of nowhere, and gently pulled her away from the stove. Zane, it’s just eggs, nothing dangerous, Venus protested, but he insisted she sit at the table.
No excuses, I’ll do the cooking, I don’t want you breathing smoke or slipping, Zane replied, serious as ever. Venus and Kyle exchanged amused glances while Zane busied himself with breakfast. Venus couldn’t help but tease him, she hugged him from behind.
You’re really sweet when you’re like this, I feel like a queen, she said. You are a queen, Venus, and you deserve to be spoiled, he replied, kissing her on the forehead. From then on, Zane hardly left the house, he told his management he would be working from home, so he could personally take care of Venus and their baby.
As Venus’ belly grew, Zane’s protectiveness only intensified. One day, while Zane worked on his laptop, Venus crawled into his lap. You haven’t left your laptop, I miss you, she murmured, running her fingers along his neck.
Zane smiled and wrapped his arm around her waist, I’m always watching over you, I’m not going anywhere. Their eyes met, and slowly, their lips touched in a warm, passionate kiss. Their arms wrapped around each other tighter as they forgot everything else, until a knock on the door interrupted them.
Mom, someone’s here to see you, Kyle called from outside the room. Venus and Zane froze, she chuckled while Zane groaned and rubbed his forehead in frustration. Kyle, tell them to wait, we’re busy, Zane said.
But Miss Lucy said it’s important, Kyle insisted. Zane sighed and turned to Venus. There’s always something, huh? Venus smiled and stroked his cheek.
Make it up to me after I give birth, okay? Zane grinned, stealing one last kiss before she stood up. I’m counting on that. As they went downstairs, they were stunned to find two unexpected visitors, Venus’ parents.
Venus froze, her body going cold. It had been years since she last saw them. Now they stood in front of her, eyes filled with regret and sadness.
She slowly stepped forward. How did you find me? She asked softly. Her mother didn’t answer, tears spilled from her eyes as she pulled Venus into a tight embrace.
My child, she said over and over, voice trembling, arms refusing to let go. Venus was caught off guard, she never expected that kind of embrace from her mother. We’ve been looking for you for so long, her mother sobbed.
Since you left, not a day passed that I didn’t regret pushing you away. I should never have done that. Venus turned to her father, seeing tears forming in his eyes too.
We’ve searched for you all these years but couldn’t find you, he said quietly. This year, we saw you on TV with Zane and Kyle, that’s when we knew where to look. We didn’t hesitate, even if you can’t forgive us, we just want the chance to make things right, her mother added.
Venus couldn’t stop her tears, she had always thought they gave up on her, that they had moved on without her. But now they were here, asking for forgiveness and longing to reconnect. She slowly reached out and held her mother’s hand.
I forgave you a long time ago, mom. I was just scared, I didn’t know if you’d accept me again. I was afraid of being hurt, she said.
Please forgive us, we don’t know how to make up for it, but we’ll do anything to show you how sorry we are, her mother cried. Venus finally hugged both her parents. The three of them wept together while Zane and Kyle stood nearby, quietly watching.
Zane stepped forward, gently touched Venus’ back, and turned to her parents. Thank you, he said softly, I know it hasn’t been easy for Venus, but I’m happy to see her with you again. Venus’ mother approached Zane and held his hand.
Zane, thank you, we know it wasn’t easy for you either, but you found her, and you stayed. We’re sorry for the anger we had back then, I was just so upset when I found out she was pregnant. I love my family, Zane said, and I’ll do everything to make Venus happy, you don’t need to worry anymore.
Suddenly, Kyle ran toward them and hugged his grandparents. They laughed and hugged him back. You’ve grown so big, Kyle, his grandmother exclaimed.
That night, Venus felt peace in her heart. For the first time in a long while, her family was whole, with Zane, Kyle, and now her parents. That night, she realized something.
True forgiveness isn’t just about giving someone else a second chance, it’s about giving yourself one too. Six months had passed, and Venus’ belly had grown significantly. Carrying twins made it harder for her to move, and worry was written all over Zane’s face as he closely watched over her.
Are you sure you’re okay? Zane asked gently as he rubbed her back while she rested on the sofa. I’m fine, love. What matters is that our babies are safe when I finally give birth, Venus answered, her hand tenderly resting on her belly.
No matter how many times Venus reassured him, Zane couldn’t hide his concern. Kyle sat close, laying his head on his mother’s belly, whispering softly. Babies, please be safe with mom when you come out, okay? Venus smiled and stroked Kyle’s hair.
They will be, and I know you’re excited to meet your siblings. As if on cue, a sudden kick from inside Venus’ belly made Kyle jump. They’re so active, he said, laughing.
They’re just like you, Dad, Venus teased Zane. Why do you always get the blame? Zane raised an eyebrow, amused. Why is it always my fault? He replied, clearly enjoying the exchange.
But in the middle of their playful banter, Venus’ eyes widened as she felt warm liquid soaking through her clothes. At the same time, a sharp pain surged through her abdomen. Zane, it’s time, I think I’m going into labor.
Zane froze, staring at her in shock. Zane, Venus called out again. His mouth dropped open, he didn’t move until Kyle tugged at his sleeve.
Dad, what’s happening to mom? Only then did Zane snap back to reality. Venus looked at him, as if to say, do something. But instead of panicking, she laughed through the pain.
Relax, love, I’m the one giving birth here, but you’re the one freaking out, she said between gasps. Yeah, Dad, you’re supposed to stay calm, but you look like the one about to give birth, Kyle added with a chuckle. Zane remained in a daze.
Okay, bag, hospital, car, breathe, I’ve got this. He rushed to their room to grab Venus’ hospital bag, but stopped midway down the stairs, realizing he’d forgotten where it was. Love, where’s the bag? He shouted.
It’s right beside you, Venus replied, trying not to laugh at his panic. Kyle handed the bag to his dad. Focus, Dad.
Zane was drenched in sweat as he helped Venus to the car. Venus winced with each step, but couldn’t help but laugh at her overly stressed husband. Kyle followed closely, excitement all over his face.
Faster, Dad, Kyle said, bouncing with energy. Zane revved the car and nearly slammed the garage door in his hurry. Just breathe, love, breathe, I’m here, don’t worry, Zane kept repeating.
Zane, you’re the one who needs to breathe, and slow down, we don’t want to get into an accident before we even make it to the hospital, Venus said, groaning from the pain. In his nervous state, Zane stepped too hard on the gas, causing the car to jerk backward. We’re supposed to go forward, not reverse, Kyle shouted.
Right, too much on my mind, Zane muttered, trying to refocus. As the car sped toward the hospital, Venus and Kyle exchanged glances, sighing in unison. Dad acts like it’s his first time having a baby, Venus said with a laugh.
Kyle giggled beside her. Inside the hospital, Zane, Venus, and Kyle arrived. Venus had already been in the delivery room for an hour.
Each minute that passed made Zane more anxious. He paced back and forth outside the door, constantly questioning the nurse nearby. Are you sure everything will be okay? No complications? Nothing bad will happen to my wife or babies? He asked in rapid succession, voice trembling.
The nurse sighed but smiled gently. Sir, please try not to worry, everything will be fine, your wife and babies are healthy. Zane let out a deep breath, though the anxiety in his chest didn’t fully disappear.