INARI PLEASE

018. Hey, We're Having Babies

Chapter Eighteen, Hey, We're Having Babies

The warm summer sun beamed down upon the cozy suburban neighborhood as Joe and Inari's families began to trickle into the couple's modest backyard.

The scent of sizzling burgers and grilled vegetables wafted through the air, mingling with the upbeat melodies spilling out from the outdoor speakers.

This was no ordinary family gathering - today, Joe and Inari had something monumental to share with their loved ones.

As the guests arrived, Inari and Joe greeted them with wide smiles and open arms, ushering them inside to partake in the bountiful feast they had prepared.

The couple had gone all out, determined to make this barbecue a memorable occasion.

Platters heaped high with juicy steaks, skewers of tender chicken, and an array of vibrant, charred vegetables covered the long table, accompanied by an assortment of flavorful sauces and fresh, crusty bread.

Inari had spent hours meticulously planning the menu, ensuring there would be something to delight every palate.

Joe, meanwhile, had been tasked with manning the grill, his brow furrowed in concentration as he expertly tended to each sizzling morsel.

As the guests mingled, refilling their plates and glasses, a palpable air of excitement and anticipation began to build.

Joe and Inari exchanged a knowing glance, their hearts racing with a mix of joy and trepidation.

This was the moment they had been eagerly awaiting, yet also dreading. After all, not everyone in their families was as enthusiastic about the prospect of the couple expanding their brood yet again.

Joe and Inari remembered in the past when they announced their previous pregnancy. The news of adding another pair of babies to the already bustling household had elicited a range of reactions from their loved ones.

Some had expressed genuine delight, showering the couple with congratulations and offering to lend a hand with the inevitable chaos that would ensue.

Others, however, had voiced their concerns, questioning whether Joe and Inari were truly prepared to handle the demands of raising four young children, let alone six.

Nonetheless, the couple had remained steadfast in their decision, their hearts overflowing with the desire to expand their family.

They had always envisioned a home filled with the laughter and energy of multiple children, and the prospect of welcoming another set of twins only added to the excitement.

As Inari watched her older children darting around the backyard, their laughter echoing through the air, she couldn't help but imagine the pitter-patter of tiny feet and the sweet coos of newborns joining the symphony.

Finally, as the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow over the gathering, Joe cleared his throat and stepped forward, drawing the attention of the guests.

Inari stood by his side, her hand clasped firmly in his, as he delivered the news that would forever change the dynamics of their family.

"Inari and I have something we'd like to share with all of you," Joe began, his voice wavering slightly with emotion. "We are thrilled to announce that we are expecting... twins!"

The revelation was met with a cacophony of reactions, ranging from squeals of delight to stunned silence.

Inari's mother, a petite woman with a kind, weathered face, rushed forward to envelop the couple in a tight embrace, tears of joy streaming down her cheeks.

"Oh, my darlings, this is wonderful news!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling with excitement. "I can't wait to welcome two more little ones into our family!"

On the other side of the yard, Inari's father, a stoic man with a gruff exterior, stood with his arms crossed, his brow furrowed in a mix of bewilderment and concern. "Twins, huh?" he mumbled, shaking his head slowly. "You two sure do know how to keep things interesting, don't you?"

Joe's parents, on the other hand, beamed with pride, their faces alight with pure joy. "This is fantastic!" his mother gushed, already making mental plans for the nursery and the baby shower. "We're going to have our hands full, but I wouldn't have it any other way."

As the initial shock wore off, the guests began to swarm around the couple, offering their congratulations and well wishes.

Some even joked about setting up a babysitting rotation to ensure the new parents had a chance to catch their breath.

Inari couldn't help but feel a twinge of relief at the outpouring of support, though she couldn't ignore the underlying undercurrent of unease that seemed to linger in the air.

Throughout it all, Inari observed the reactions of her family members with a keen eye, her heart swelling with a mix of emotions.

She understood their concerns - raising eight children, would undoubtedly be a daunting task, both physically and financially.

The chaos and stress that would inevitably come with such a large brood was enough to make even the most seasoned parents quiver in their boots.

Yet, Inari couldn't ignore the deep, unwavering desire that burned within her to nurture and love these new lives.

She had always envisioned her home as a bustling hub of activity, filled with the pitter-patter of little feet and the joyful sounds of laughter.

The prospect of welcoming two more babies into the fold, of watching their family grow and evolve, filled her with a sense of purpose and fulfillment that she couldn't quite describe.

As the evening wore on, the guests gradually bid their farewells, some with genuine enthusiasm, others with a hint of reluctance.

Joe and Inari stood in the now-quiet backyard, their arms wrapped around each other, basking in the afterglow of their momentous announcement.

"Well, that went about as well as we expected," Joe murmured, a wry chuckle escaping his lips.

Inari nodded, her gaze sweeping over the space, the remnants of the feast they had prepared scattered across the tables. "I know some of them are worried, but I can't help but feel excited, you know?" she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. "I've always dreamed of having a big, vibrant family, and now we're one step closer to that reality."

Joe tightened his embrace, pressing a tender kiss to the top of Inari's head. "I know, love," he murmured, his own heart swelling with a mix of excitement and trepidation. "And I promise, no matter what challenges come our way, we'll face them together. As a family."

Inari couldn't help but smile, her mind already racing with visions of their newest additions joining the rambunctious fold.

Though the road ahead may be paved with obstacles, she knew that with Joe by her side, and their ever-growing family to support them, they would weather the storm and emerge stronger than ever before.