Chapter 0421
+25 BONUS
Marcus and Valerie had agreed to share their big news with the family during dinner. To make it special, Marcus left the office early and drove home. When he arrived, he found his beautiful wife already prepared for the
announcement.
Seeing her standing there, Marcus couldn’t help but let outh soft sigh. Valerie had chosen a long, flowy chiffon dress with no straps, elegant yet comfortable. Though the dress was loose, Marcus’s eyes were drawn to the slight curve of her belly. His heart swelled with tenderness at the light of their growing little ones. How hadn’t they noticed before? he wondered. How had they thought it was just a few extra pounds?
“Hello, my love. How are you? Or rather, how are all of you” Marcus asked as he slipped his arms around her waist, pulling her close.
“We’re all fine,” Valerie replied with a soft laugh. “These tle ones have me spinning. I’m hungry, then sleepy, then hungry again–it’s a never–ending cycle. I crave sweets, then salty snacks. Honestly, I still can’t believe I didn’t notice before! All these symptoms were there, but I just blamed them on hormonal imbalances, thinking it was menopause.
Marcus chuckled, his love for her evident. “My loves,” he murmured, pulling her into a warm embrace and ⚫ kissing her passionately.
“Hey now!” Valerie teased, her voice low. “We need to take it easy, don’t you think? Our little cupcakes are baking as we speak.
They were still standing near the front door, speaking in hushed tones, when Camille walked by and caught sight
of them.
“You two,” she said, one hand on her hip. “Are you going to come eat, or should we wait until you’re done kissing/ like teenagers?”
Sharing a look of playful complicity, Marcus set down his briefcase on a side table and took Valerie’s hand. Together, they walked to the dining room, where the rest of the family was already waiting. At the table were John, Serenity, Emma, and Camille, the dinner spread laid gut and ready.
“Family,” Marcus began, his tone serious.
Everyone turned their attention to him. He was still holding Valerie’s hand, and their closeness sparked curiosity.
“What’s going on, Dad?” Serenity asked, a hint of doubt in ber expression.
Marcus squeezed Valerie’s hand gently, signaling for her to spealt
“My dear and beautiful family,” Valerie began nervously, think this dining table is going to feel a little small in the coming months because…” She hesitated, unsure how to continue.
“You’re going to be a mom!” John shouted, his eyes fixed on her belly.
All heads turned to John, startled by his sudden outburst.
“Exactly!” Marcus said, smiling. “Our dear Valerie is pregnant. And that’s not all–she’s not just expecting one baby, but two!”
The room fell silent for a moment as everyone processed the news. Then all eyes turned back to Valerie, who had tears in her eyes–not of sadness, but pure joy.
“I’m three months along,” Valerie added. “Everything seems to be going well. I just need to follow the doctor’s advice, and everything should turn out fine.”
+25 BONUS
Chapter 0121
“Congratulations, Mommy!” John yelled, running to hug her tightly. “I’m finally going to have little siblings!” “Wait, John,” Marcus asked, his brow furrowed in curiosity “How did you know your mom was pregnant?” “I dreamed it!” John exclaimed. “And besides, she’s been eating everything in the fridge. Look at her belly!” The family turned to look at Valerie’s belly. The slight curve, now undeniable, made them all wonder how they hadn’t noticed before.
“I’m so glad I’ll get to see these babies grow up,” Emma sad, rising to be the first to hug Valerie. “I didn’t get the chance to see you pregnant before, my dear. You must look stunning.”
“Thank you, Emma,” Valerie replied warmly. “You’ll get to help take care of them this time–I’ll need all the help I can get with two bables on the way!”
Emma nodded, her eyes filled with affection.
Dinner was momentarily paused as hugs and congratulations flowed freely. John embraced his parents tightly, followed by Camille and Serenity. Everyone received the news with joy. Yet the older women, though they didn’t voice it, couldn’t help but feel a twinge of concern. Valerie was so petite–carrying two babies would surely be a challenge.
