When the Flower Falls (Fitzmael 7) - COMPLETED

27: When She Shows Up

MY SMILE STRETCHED WIDE THE MOMENT I saw Lilac and Zius with their three kids happily waving at us.

"Belated happy birthday, Ren!" they immediately greeted me before pulling me into tight hugs.

"Uncle Ren!" the kids called out.

I sat down and hugged them tightly.

After a moment, I stood and looked at Rain.

She stayed quiet, smiling as she watched us.

I slightly tilted my head and offered my hand. "Come here," I said softly.

She nodded and took my hand. "Hi, you must be Lilac," she said sweetly, though I could feel her hand trembling a little.

"And you must be Rain," Lilac replied with a small smile.

Rain looked at me, happiness clear on her face. She turned back to Lilac. "Yes. I'm Jealrain Martinez, Ren's girlfriend."

My cheeks warmed instantly. She was so proud of me, and I liked it—no, I loved it. It felt so good to know I was hers.

"Welcome to our home, Rain," Lilac said, then glanced down at Arsenic, who was poking her hand. "Yes, baby?" she asked as she knelt.

"I'm so happy, Mother," Arsenic whispered. "Are they going to marry each other?" His whisper was loud enough for all of us to hear.

Zius chuckled, shaking his head. He was about to speak, but Rain beat him to it. "Yes, I'm going to marry your Uncle Ren."

The three kids squealed and hugged each other. "Did you hear that, Cad?" Arsenic shouted happily.

"Yes! I'm so excited!"

"Uncle is not sad anymore!" Krypton chimed in.

"Aunt Rain is pretty!" Cadmium added.

"And their names almost sound the same!"

We burst into laughter as I knelt down and opened my arms.

They ran toward me and hugged me again.

I carried them all and walked into Lilac's house. They were heavier now. I'd only been away for a few months, but they'd grown so much.

"I'm Erazius Gomez, Lilac's husband. Nice to meet you, Rain."

"It's a pleasure, Zius."

Zius' phone suddenly rang. He excused himself before answering. "Yes? What?! Tonight?" He shook his head. "I almost forgot that our parents-in-law love organizing parties... Alright. How are you? Come visit us. Tell your wife not to keep you all to himself! We'll wait for you. Bye, Eli. Love you."

"E-Eli?" Rain whispered to me.

I looked at her. "That was Elisha," I said with a smile. "Zius' twin sister, and her husband is my twin brother."

She gasped. "You have a twin? An identical twin?"

I shook my head slowly. "We're not identical. Catmint and Lilac are identical twins. Cedar and I are fraternal."

"Do they have kids now?"

"Elisha is pregnant and due this month. Both of them are carrying twins."

"Your family is huge," she said in awe.

"Let's add more," I chuckled.

"Triplets..." she whispered. "I want triplets, Ren," she said as she watched the baby elements playing happily.

"Okay. Triplets then."

"Mommy Flower will throw a birthday party for you," Zius began. "They already know you're here. The party's tonight. Is that okay with you? I can talk to them if you don't want it."