Josephine

Episode 70: The Best Man for the Job

May 28, 1980

My 24th week was coming to a close and the 25th was soon to begin. I was getting bigger and bigger and now it was obvious that I was pregnant. But that didn't matter. I was doing everything I could to provide them a safe environment to grow and nurture them. Victoria was thrilled that she was now getting two siblings. She was also even happier than before now that she is back in public school.

She's formulated a believable story about her background as her bus stop is a mile from the palace. Her 'mother' is an aide to the Empress and thus must live close to the palace. Apparently, that story has made her pretty popular. Imagine if she told the truth? An interesting prospect to consider for sure. Actually, quite the similar to the one we tried to tell Mattéo's family. They visited the palace a couple of months ago, and they were losing their minds. They had lived on the farm their whole life, and had never visited such a large, wealthy place, much less the center of the world. 

But back to the children, I've been eating twice as much as before to make sure both of my babies are as healthy as can be.

I'm also getting moody and bitchy more, a definite change to my personality, and Mattéo knew when to give me some space. Speaking of Mattéo he's been running my office and I've been grateful but worried that he'll screw something up. He isn't exactly well versed in politics, but he goes to me when he needs help. 

Speaking of which, he's now in our room holding a platter of cookies. I look at Mattéo then at the cookies.

"What did you do?" I asked, looking right at him.

His smile dropped.

"What do you think if I just want to make my wife happy that I'm up to something?"

"Uhh, yeah!"

Mattéo frowned and took a bite out of one of the cookies while sulking.

"Well, there was something that I wanted to show you..." He grumbled.

"Oh! Mattéo I'm sorry..." I rubbed my stomach, "The twins are definitely making me more protective and suspicious. Why don't we see this thing?"

He looked at me and his grin returned.

"I can't wait to show you what I've been working on!"

Mattéo ushered me out of the bedroom and down the hall. He was excited.

"Working on? What have you been doing?"

I noticed that Mattéo had been running off every night after dinner for a number of weeks, though I could never pinpoint what. Victoria had been distracting me so his nightly escapades had been escaping my mind. Pun intended.

"Shh, shh, just wait until we get there!"

After a few more minutes of rushing down the hall, we reach a closed door.

"Mattéo what is going on?"

"Josey... Every night I've been sneaking off to work on something-"

"Yes, I am well aware..."

"Well, it's finally done!"

He held my hand as he opened the door. When I saw the inside of the room I gasped and happy tears sprung to my eyes.

"Mattéo..."

He led me inside... to a nursery...

"D-did you... build all of this?"

He nodded, "What do you think mom?"

"I... I love it! Thank you Mattéo!"

He led me over to a loveseat and sat me down next to him.

I looked over the room. The woodwork, the paint job, the carpet, everything had been done to perfection. Now I was less angry at Mattéo for sneaking off every night. He had done all of this by himself. For me and the twins. This was something only the best father would be.

If the first one hadn't died prematurely I know that man wouldn't have done anything on this level for me. 

"Josey, do you think we'll be good parents?"

"Together..." I clasped his hands with mine, "The world better watch out because our kids are gonna take it by storm!"

He chuckled and placed a hand on my ever bulging stomach.

"I can't wait to meet you two,"

Then I felt it... two strong kicks. I recoiled a bit.

"Ooh!"

It wasn't the first time they had kicked and it always made me feel even more warm and fuzzy inside... after the initial pain of course.

"I think they're ready to come!" Mattéo teased while massaging my shoulder

"Oh no no no! You two have three more months in there! Don't try anything!"

My husband laughed and pulled me close to him.

There is no other man I'd rather have with me here right now than Mattéo. He's perfect in every way and he'll be the perfect father. I know it with every bone of my body. He is the man I was destined to raise my family with... and I wouldn't have it any other way.