As they sat together, basking in the news of their growing family, Fang suddenly looked around. “Where’s Peem?” he asked, glancing at Phum.
Phum chuckled and leaned back against the couch. “He had a class today. He’ll be back later. Don’t worry, I’ll pick him up after you guys leave.”
Fang nodded, his curiosity satisfied. Marc, who had been playing with some toys nearby, toddled over to Phum and tugged on his uncle’s sleeve. “Bye-bye, Uncle!” Marc said cheerfully, waving his tiny hand.
Phum laughed, scooping Marc up into his arms. “Not yet, little guy. You’re still here for a while.”
Tan stood up and stretched, glancing at Fang. “We should get going soon. It’s getting late, and you need to rest.”
Fang agreed, slowly getting up with Tan’s help. “Thanks for watching Marc, Phum. And for everything.”
“No problem,” Phum said with a wink. “Just make sure you take care of yourself and those two little ones in there.” He gestured toward Fang’s belly, earning a small laugh from Fang.
Marc clung to Phum for a moment, clearly reluctant to leave. But as Tan picked him up and kissed his cheek, Marc giggled and waved goodbye again. “Bye-bye, Uncle!”
Phum waved back, watching as the small family made their way to the door. “Drive safe!” he called out.
---
As they drove back home, Fang rested his hand on his belly, feeling the warmth of Tan’s hand over his. Marc sat in his car seat, happily babbling to himself.
“You okay?” Tan asked, glancing over at Fang.
Fang smiled softly. “Yeah. Just thinking about everything. Today was a big day.”
Tan nodded. “It was. But it’s all good, Fang. We’re going to make this work.”
“I know,” Fang replied, his voice filled with quiet determination. “I just… I can’t wait to meet them. Our girls.”
Tan smiled, his heart full. “Me too.”
When they arrived home, Tan carried Marc inside while Fang took the ultrasound pictures, carefully placing them on the living room table. Marc, still full of energy, ran around the room, laughing and playing.
“Bath time for you, little man,” Tan said, scooping Marc up as he giggled in protest.
Fang watched them with a fond smile, his heart swelling at the sight of his family. Despite the challenges ahead, he knew they were ready for whatever came next. Together.
The next morning was peaceful. Sunlight streamed through the curtains as Fang stretched lazily on the bed. He could hear Tan humming softly in the kitchen, likely making breakfast, while Marc babbled to himself in the living room. It felt like a perfect morning.
Fang rubbed his growing belly, whispering, “Good morning, my little ones.”
He climbed out of bed and made his way to the kitchen, where Tan was flipping pancakes. “Good morning,” Fang greeted softly, leaning against the doorframe.
Tan turned and smiled. “Morning. Sleep well?”
“Better than expected,” Fang replied, sitting at the table. He watched as Marc toddled over to him, holding his stuffed toy.
“Dada!” Marc called, climbing into Fang’s lap. Fang chuckled, stroking his son’s hair.
Breakfast was calm and uneventful, but that peace didn’t last long.
