Marshall

Bittersweet

I was still under joy even after days. I couldn't believe it! We were going to be parents. There was nothing that could ruin my mood!
I've always taken care of Charlotte but from now on I always wanted to be in her shadow. We were being playful , lively and we were giggling like two little kids. Finally something nice. I only hoped it won't end ....well, you know .

- I can't wait to know the gender! I'm so excited Charlotte! Life is so good and I couldn't be happier with you.
- Haha. You're so cute. What do you want?
- I don't mind either as long as they're healthy. I'll treat them with love.
- You're so adorable. I'm so happy that we did it. Suddenly, I feel like picking names. What you say?
- So soon?
- Yeah. Why not?
- Shouldn't we share the news with our friends?
- We can but let's wait a little more. Soooo. Tell me the names you'd like.
- Mmm..let me think . For a girl, Estella would be cute. You can call her Stella or Ella too. I think.
- I don't know ..  Roxane would be cute too. Or Charlotte.
- You want to name her after yourself?
- Aw yes. Imagine. Two Charlottes
- I don't really think I'd like to name him Marshall.
- Then what? Clayton sounds nice
- Eh.. Like your tutor? I pass. Sorry.
- Rude. Then your pick?
- Maybe..Ethan? Ian. Like you said before.
- Aw. Or Percival. Sounds cute. Perci.
- I don't like..
- Grrr...!

It was so delightful to have this mood. No stress, no argument. We were cuddling, being all lovey dovey. Charlotte wanted to announce the pregnancy to our friends when we got to know the gender. Well, to be more precise, Charlotte got to know. She kept it as a secret even form me.
We decided to have a pregnancy-gender reveal party.
She was due to next year February. It was now October. Her belly wasn't showing that much and the layers of clothes it wasn't really visible. She was still meeting up her friend, but I doubt even they noticed.

Charlotte's POV

Even the pregnancy couldn't stop me from seeing Clayton. As long as it was safe to have sex, we met up. He had no shame when I told I was pregnant, not like I had . I was still a free woman.

- I'm surprised it's not mine. From what I see, we've been doing it more often than you and Marshall.
- Hush. It's his. So we can't meet once I give birth.
- So I stay as a secret? A damn affair? You cheat on him, even though he knocked you up.
- Oh God, why can't you be happy for me? And not like I can now leave him, right?
- You could before this happened. I'm not doing to wait for your pretty face forever.
- Are you sure?
- You decide.  But I'm telling you, sooner or later, you'll be back to me.
- So confident. Let's see.

I wanted them both. Sex with Clayton was bomb, but Marshall loved me and I loved him as well . And the baby was in the way. Even if it wasn't his..

Marshall's POV

It was time for the party. Almost all of our friends showed up. Except Carmen and Mrs Rosa. I understood the last one, she was old and she just wanted to live the rest of her life in joy and peace.  She sent us her congratulations nonetheless. But Carmen ..? She only called me, saying she can't make it but she was happy for me. What about Charlotte? She was the pregnant one.
Stephan was almost we excited as me. He was so hyper, acting like a big child.

- I can't believe I'm going to be an uncle!
- Uhmm...you're not Marshall's brother, neither mine.
- I know but still. I'm soooo excited!
- Can't he be the godfather ?
- Oh well, fine by me. And Willow can be the godmother.
- Did you guys tell your parents?
- Not yet, we'll in the weekend.
- And I invited Dr Sanchez and Dr Rivera, sadly they're not around this week but once they're back, we're telling them.
- Babe..why don't we tell Daniel too?
- Really?
- Why not? He was your friend, your brother. I'm sure he'd be happy.
- Thank you.. it means a lot to me.

We had some non alcoholic drinks ,had cake and some snack. And Charlotte's moment came finally.

- Dear girls and boys! Please pay attention! It's tiiiiime!

Everyone became silent. I was so excited I couldn't conceal it.
Girl?
Boy?
Doesn't matter. I couldn't wait for them.

- I'm saying it's a boy.
- Naaaah. It definitely is a baby girl.
- Tell us! Quick!
- What do you think my love? What our baby be?

I needed a moment. Not like I had preference, yet deep inside..I felt something like almost 100% certain.

- Come on Marshall! Say something! We're waiting!
- Yes!
- Alright, alright. I think.. we're going to have a baby girl.
- Aww!
- Now let us know!

Charlotte kept the tension for a little longer, giggling and gently rubbing her belly. Primping her hair with grace, she finally said it

- It's. A . Girl!!
- Oh yes!!
- Oh my Gosh!!
- Congrats you two!

I was overwhelmed with joy. I hugged and kissed her . This girl was making me so happy. I kept thanking God for putting her in my life.

- Did you two find a name for her?
- Well.. we're having two names in mind.  Either Estella or Roxane.
- Aw. Roxane then!
- I like Estella more.

The guests kept "fighting" over the better name. We had so much fun. I really, really couldn't wait till this little princess will be part of our lives.
After the party, Stephan called me over. He was overjoyed too.

- Man, it's so great . I'm so happy for you buddy. It's been so long since we bumped into each other.
- More like you bumped into me, but yes.
- I just knew we'd become best friends. You'll always have me.
- Thank you . You're a great friend. Therefore, I'll make sure you'll be the godfather. Aaaand..I have other news for you.
- Actually...me too. But go first. I'm curious.
- Are you sure?
- Yes. What I want to say it's not even that important. It's...just a little thing about the past. It's your day. Go ahead!
- Alright. But don't forget your words.
- Don't worry.

Since things were going well, I had some plans and I wanted to share it with my best friend.

- It's a secret, no one knows and you shall keep your mouth shut too.
- Got it!
- So...now that we're having a baby soon, I was thinking about to propose Charlotte. And maybe in 2 years if we're lucky, we can get married. I mean..it won't be that late.. I'll be only 29-30 max.
- Jesus Christ!! Hell yes!!
- Sssh...
- Okay, sorry but you seriously got me excited! What an absolutely great idea!
- I'm glad. I'm planning to do it after her parents and my "dads" hear the news.
- Aw. I'm about to cry. I hope one day I can have someone who loves me too.
- Of course you'll have someone. I just got lucky. I think it's Life's gift after Death taking my loved ones away.
- What a bastard. But I really am happy for you. If someone then you really deserve it.
- Thank you.  How about we go to have a last party ? Since I won't be free when the baby will be here.
- Gosh yes!! Let's party! I pick someone up! Where we go?
- There is this nice bar, like 10 miles away. I heard it from a friend of mine at work. It's not expensive and they have good music and cheap drinks. Pretty fine for me. Unless you want somewhe else.
- Nah. I'm fine anywhere. Let me know when we're going.
- Don't worry and thank you for being my company.

The party was slowly fading away , it was time for us to call it a day. I couldn't believe that a little before my 27th birthday I'll be a father.