Until I Found you

Eighteen

"Her daim kendin ol. Sen, seni anlayana mucizesin." - Cemal Süreya 

[Always be yourself. You're a miracle to those who understand]. 

_______

"You and only you," Eda whispered as they swayed to the music playing.

"You and only you," Serkan echoed. "I love you," pushing a strand of her hair behind her ear.

"I'm not sure you love me more than I love you," Eda teased him, gently kissing his cheek.

Serkan just smiled at her. "I disagree."

"You don't have more surprises coming, do you?" Eda asked, and Serkan chuckled, bringing her closer to him and kissing her softly.

"We are leaving for our honeymoon this evening. And Ryan knows, so he's got you covered for the rest of the week."

Eda rubbed her nose against his, "You simply thought of everything."

"I just wanted to give you everything that you deserve, Edacim. Nothing less."

"Giving yourself and your daughter to me isn't enough?"

"It doesn't feel like it is. Not after everything I have done lately. Kiraz, sure. But me?" Serkan whispered.

"I wish you could see yourself through my eyes, Serkan. If we are comparing each other, it is I who doesn't deserve you."

"You're wrong."

"Are you guys discussing who loves the other more? Because if that's the case, know that I love you both more, and that's it," Kiraz told them, approaching them and raising her arms so that her father would lift her and dance with her.

As he did, Eda accompanied the music and danced along with them, enjoying being an official part of this family.

***

"It's only a week, Kiki," Eda said to the child, who hugged her, begging her not to go. "Your Baba travels more than that for work. You know this," Eda said, trying to placate her. 

Kiraz whined, "But it's never both of you gone at the same time. Why can't I go with you on the trip?"

"Because they'll probably be busy in bed the whole time, Kiki," Melo whispered under her breath, earning a pinch from her mother.

"I promise that when we come back, we'll plan a trip just the three of us," Serkan assured her.

"What about the baby?" Kiraz asked in concern.

"He'll continue in my belly for a few more months," Eda explained.

"How long is a few more months?"

"Babies stay on their mother's wombs for nine months. So, neither Ceren Teyze nor I will be giving birth soon," Eda told her.

"Emir, you cannot do anything to make this go faster?" Kiraz asked her doctor, making everyone laugh.

"Well, babies need time to grow and develop. Right now, your brother is a bit bigger than your fist."

"That's so tiny!" Kiraz exclaimed. "So, I won't be able to see him until next year?"

Eda and Serkan nodded apologetically.

"You know, Kiki. Your birthday is coming up, isn't it? By then, we might be able to take a picture of your baby brother in Eda's belly. Would you like that?" Emir asked her.