Married Life

Chapter 37: You okay..?

     It took a few hours, but after the long, stressful afternoon, the town's local doctor had informed the couple that Peppy was alright. During those hours, Poppy was what you call, a mess.

     She couldn't help but cry as her husband rubbed her back, telling her he was gonna be okay. There was just the thought in the back of her head that her father wasn't gonna be fine. He was getting older, and time was flying fast. The pink troll wasn't ready to see her father go.

     As the two walked into Peppy's room, they could see the light sparkle in his eyes. He smiled as the two sat on the edge of his bed.

     "H-Hey Dad.." she said, a smile forming through her tears.

     "Don't cry my daughter.. It's alright.."

     "They're happy tears dad.. I promise.." Branch smiled as he wrapped an arm around her. Poppy took her hands and held her father's right hand.

     "I'm very sorry I missed your town meeting...My child, please, tell me why you called the trolls to town..?"

     Her smile gently softened, but brightened up as she spoke.

     "Dad... we're gonna have a baby..! A little troll of our own..! You're gonna be a grandpa..!"

     The former king's weak smiled turned bright as he listened to her.

     "My daughter.. My son.. this is wonderful news..! I am so very proud of you too..!"

     Branch couldn't help but beam either at the moment. Poppy wiped her tears off her cheek.

     "Alright dad, we're gonna let you get some rest.. we'll come back soon to check on you, alright?"

     Peppy gently nodded as his eyes slowly closed and the couple walked out of his room. Poppy yawned as they both walked outside. The pink troll was ready to head home until she came to a halt. Branch looked over as her confused.

     "... You okay..?"

     "... Yeah.. C-Can we just check on the sprout really quick..?"

     "Oh, sure. I was actually gonna head over there after you fell asleep. You know, cause you seem really tired."

     Poppy quietly walked towards the tree their sprout. Her walk turned into a run as Branch tried to catch up. When he found her at the top, she was holding the sprout in a motherly embrace.

     "... You doing okay over there Pops..?"

     She remained quiet, and eventually gave him a not-so reassuring nod. He sat next to her and held her in a similar embrace as she held their sprout.

     "I know you're worried about the baby... But he or she will be alright.."

     He kissed her forehead.

     "I will protect you both..

     I promise.."