Love At First Joke | Sal Vulcano

24

Cassie had finally surpassed the first trimester of her pregnancy, the sickness was over, finally.

Today was the day of her check-up, only this time she was actually able to find out the sex of the baby. Sal and Cassie had already discussed that they wanted it to be a surprise, but Cassie still had a strong feeling of wanting to find out.

She sat up in bed and turned to find Sal sprawled across the rest of the bed. His hair was fluffy and a mess. Adorable, she thought to herself. His mouth was slightly open, with soft snores pouring out. Cassie went to get out of bed, when she felt Sal begin to stir awake behind her.

"Morning baby" his low, rough sleepy voice spoke. That tone of voice always made Cassie feel weak inside, like butterflies were attacking her insides.

"Morning hubby" she whispered, turning back to kiss him on the cheek.

Sal returned the kiss before placing his hand across her baby bump. A smile forming on his face.

"Are you coming to the appointment with me today?" Cassie asked, as she strolled towards the door.

"I can't" Sal frowned, "Today was the only day we could record Joe's punishment."

"No worries...one more thing Sal..." She paused to piece together her words, "Are you sure you don't want to find out about the sex?"

Sal looked puzzled.

"The-the sex? Well it's been a couple months but I suppose one more time wouldn't hurt the baby." Sal innocently replied.

"No, Sal" Cassie giggled, "the sex of the baby you dope."

"Oh, I see" Sal chuckled. "I thought we agreed to leave it as a surprise?" He queried.

Cassie shrugged and proceeded to shower.

**

Cassie arrived at the doctor's office, she registered at the reception desk. She was told where to wait and made her way there. She was sat when she heard her name being called.

"Cassie Vulcano?" A small nurse called.

Cassie stood up and followed the nurse through the corridors into a dark room. She laid down on the bed and lifted her shirt to show her bump. The nurse started the ultrasound, showing Cassie how the baby was developing. The nurse paused for a second before asking,

"Has anyone ever mentioned the possibility of multiple babies? Because I'm getting two separate heartbeats here." She stared intently at Cassie.

Cassie's jaw dropped to the floor.

"I guess my auntie and uncle are twins, but I didn't realise it was possible for twins to run in the family." She smiled.

"It's very possible, indeed." The nurse spoke, as she continued the scan. "Now, would you like to know the sex of the babies?"

"My husband and I agreed to leave it to a surprise...but, if we change our mind we can ask, right?" Cassie asked, fighting back the urge to peek at the notes in the nurse's hand.

The nurse nodded in reply.

**

Cassie was greeted lovingly by Sal as she returned home.

"How did it go? How's the baby? Is it healthy?" Sal panicked.

"Sal" Cassie giggled. "It went fine thanks. The baby is healthy but there's some news." Cassie let a smile crawl onto her face, smirking at Sal.

"What?" Sal asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Have I ever told you that twins can run in the family? And that my auntie and uncle are twins?" She smiled, tears filling her eyes.

"No way!" Sal exclaimed, wrapping his arms around her waist. "We're having twins?!" Cassie nodded. "Oh babe! This is great news! Wait until I tell the guys this!" He beamed. Sal locked lips with Cassie, before grabbing his phone and texting Murr, Q and Joe.

Within minutes they had all replied.

Q: Congratulations bud! I guess your swimmers are up for anything!

Murr: Woah, 2 for the price of 1! Congrats man!

Joe: You brave soldier! Congrats buddy!

**

A couple weeks later, Cassie had another appointment, this time with Sal to accompany her.

They registered at reception and awaited to be called into the room.

"Cassie Vulcano?" The same nurse called.

They both followed the nurse into the room. Sal assisted Cassie onto the bed and took a seat to the side of her. His hand grasped hers in a tight grip, as the nurse showed them their babies on the screen.

After the scan was complete, the nurse began to pack away. Sal left to go and get some water for Cassie. As she got up, she knocked the notes onto the floor. The page fell open. For a split second Cassie could see the sexes of the babies clearly. She gasped.

Sal walked back into the room, to find Cassie with her mouth open in shock and her face pale.

"Cassie? What's wrong?" He asked.

"Okay, don't be mad...but I just kinda saw the sexes of the babies..." She squinted her eyes shut, awaiting for Sal to explode with anger.