Fire in our hearts | Portgas D. Ace x OC

16. Future

- For the thousandth time, no, I am not pregnant! - I raised my voice trying to be clear - I'm only 24!

Everyone seemed extremely disappointed - the only hope they had was pinned on Marco, who could give his medical endorsement. The crew members looked at him expectantly.

- Guys, really... Penelope is not pregnant.

A buzz of disappointed "ahhh" began to dissipate as the interested parties moved away to go about their business on the Moby Dick.

Ace as usually left the room half-asleep, approaching me for a good morning kiss before heading to eat his breakfast in the kitchen.

- Good morning - he murmured in my ear, hugging me from behind - you know, last night was...

- Incredible - I added - we should do it again tonight - I smiled mischievously.

- This way you'll give them what they want - he smiled - although that's what I want too.

- Everything in its own time, Ace. - I smiled before kissing him again.

He pulled away and I went back to concentrating on the book I was reading. But not for long.

- Grace-yoi - Marco sneaked up to me - when are you going to tell them the truth?

- I want to wait a few weeks. I don't want them to get their hopes up, especially Ace - I pointed out - he would suffer a lot.

- Well, I already told you that you are super healthy and totally prepared - he looked at me -but if you think it's necessary, I respect your decision-yoi.

- Thank you, Marco - I hugged him - you are the best doctor in the world.

- Always there for you, Grace-yoi.

Marco took his distance and I stopped to think about everything that had happened in the last few years. The loss of Izo was, of course, one of the worst things. But amazing things had also happened - my father was healed, Ace and I got married, or almost married. And now there was one more piece of news. I shuddered at the thought of everything else that could happen from now on, but at the same time I felt completely fulfilled.

I decided that, besides myself and Marco, there would be one more person that I would like to be aware of my situation.

I knocked on his office door three times before I heard his deep voice telling me to come in.

- Dad, I... have something to tell you. I am...-

- You are pregnant.

- How did you know?

- I just had a feeling.

We looked at each other for a few moments before I went towards him to hug him.

- Thank you. For everything.

- Thank you. Finally I will have a grandson or granddaughter! GAHAHAHAHA

I smiled capturing his healthy, happy, smiling image in my memory.

I now had everything I wanted, everything I had been searching for for several years of my life. I had an older sister, who loved me and protected me from all the evil in this world. I had a family on board, who was always ready to defend me and also to make me laugh. A home, with siblings and an incredible father to call my own.

And a love. And this particular love was all I ever wanted.

Could it get any happier than this?