The Merger

Twenty Four

First and Khaotung celebrated their first anniversary as a family and Tay's third birthday all in one huge party. The celebrated with friends from Khao's island, their co-workers, company friends and all who loved and supported them.

Their little family lived a mundane life, boring but happy. They worked hard, family time was an absolute and Tay grew big and strong.

At first, First wanted them to be co-C.E.O.'s as before but Khaotung wouldn't have it. Khaotung felt no ship should have two captains, one must lead and one must follow. First should lead was Khaotung's view.

The new division, the hospitality arm from which the newly built hotels would be run, the devision responsible for the hiring of the new chefs, the initiative First had started two years ago, which led to him finding Khaotung again after he had disappeared, this division would be run by Khaotung. The restaurant he had started on the island would be overseen by Earth, Khaotung's longtime friend.

For the first month or two Khao had to travel between the island and mainland constantly. First stayed with Tay. It was a tough time but their teamwork was what pulled them through in the end. Now they could finally settle down and enjoy the life they had built.

First never worked late anymore. Every evening Tay would wait at the front door, welcome First with a juice box and a huge hug. This was bonding time for father and son. Khaotung cooked most evenings and he was right there with Tay, making sure First shook of his boss persona as soon as he entered the front door. From that moment he becomes daddy Fir- Fir.

Tonight was no exception. They had dinner together, watched half of '101 Dalmatians ' before Khaotung reminded little Tay of his bedtime. Tonight was Khaotung's turn to be in charge of bath-time and First's turn for storytime. They swopped these two 'chores' between them every week.

First finally got Tay to settle in his own bed and his own bedroom. They were still struggling to make Tay stay in his own bed for the whole night.

First lay down next to Tay on the bed. "Little man," said First. Tay looked at him with one eyebrow raised, " yep daddy Fir?"

"It's daddy Khao's birthday next week. What do you think we should get him for his birthday?". Tay scrunched up his nose. He folded his arms across his chest stubbornly and said, " I think we should get him chocolate and get pizza for dinner. Daddy Khao would like that." First chuckled. " I said for daddy Khao, not Tay's favourite things."

"Which story are we reading tonight Tay?" asked First. "I want Toomass, daddy Fir." "You mean Thomas, the tank engine? Ok let's read. " Ten minutes later Tay was fast asleep.

"Is you little prince sleeping sir?" asked Khaotung. "His highness is fast asleep but for how long?"answered First. "We got to have patience First. Eventually he will stay in his own bed for the night. He's been through a lot and it will take time. He still gets anxious when he wakes up alone," answered Khaotung.

"I know, I am patient, it's just that , well it's kinda embarassing when he walks in on us while we're....you know....." came First's reply. "While we're what? " laughed Khao. "That only happened once and his eyes were half closed. He probably saw nothing."

First slipped his arms around Khaotung. He kissed Khao's neck and whispered " does that mean tonight you and I can ......" First winked suggestively. "We can what? Review the quarterly report and then get some sleep. I have an early meeting," said Khao. " You are such a spoilsport Khaotung."

Khaotung laughed out loud this time. He pulled First closer, "You want to take a bath together?"

Morning as usual was a mad rush. Between dressing themselves and getting Tay ready, there was always many chaotic moments. Adi wasn't picking First up in the morning anymore, he now picked up Tay.

He dropped Tay off at daycare and proceeded to the office where he met up with First again. This may seem an odd arrangement but the reason for it was that Khaotung and First just couldn't leave Tay at his daycare. More often that not they ended up bringing Tay along to the office. Seperation anxiety is worse in parents.

First and Adi had a quick meeting discussing First's agenda for the day. Today they were discussing one extra event, Khaotung's birthday. First was planning a surprise ceremony for Khao, a wedding ceremony.

It's been a year since First and Khaotung renewed their relationship. Tay was Khaotung's priority and as such before they became a family legally Khaotung wanted to make sure Tay and First build a good relationship as father and son. Also for First and Khaotung to grow more confident and comfortable being parents, so the wedding was put on hold.

First had proposed over a year ago and he thought they were finally ready to take the next step. So for Khao's birthday First planned a surprise wedding ceremony and a honeymoon for three on Khao's island, the island of Koh Kood.

Adi had been sent ahead to make final preparations and today he was reporting to First.

"Is all done boss. Dinner prep, two nights at the hotel, surprise ready even your baby sitter organised and ready. Tickets booked via private airline, limo reserved and jeep in garage as you requested. All you need do, First, is to find a reason for Khaotung to accompany you to Koh Kood. Well for Khaotung it would be work, what's your excuse First. You better make it a good one or your surprise will be ruined. Of course if you make waste of all my hard work
I will be mmmmm .... Let's say, extremely annoyed. You can pull off a surprise dinner right First? Oi. I really am the brains and the beauty around here..." said Adi with one breath.

First chuckled," I think I can handle that Adi. Okay then friend. I'm trusting this company to you for the next two weeks. Please don't call me unless it's an emergency. I'm going to pick up my boyfriend and two weeks from now, when we return, I'll be calling him husband. I'm off then."

Adi could only smile as he watched First leave the office, seeing him in such a happy state of mind. " Be happy my friend," Adi whispered to himself.

🌹🌹🐈‍⬛🐈🌹🌹

🌹join me for the wedding in Koh Kood. See you there. 🤗