[55]
“Are we there yet?”
It hadn’t even been five minutes since I covered her eyes with a handkerchief. Oh my gosh! Her lips were already making so much noise. But I finally understood one thing. Anya never played around when she said she was afraid of the dark. Not because of the darkness itself, but because she was afraid that when she opened her eyes, I wouldn’t be there beside her.
Her grip on my hand was tight. So, I whispered, “I’m right here, Joice. I won’t leave you.”
Her breathing gradually steadied, but her lips couldn’t stay still. I paid close attention to each step. I didn’t want any debris left behind, but my fear was justified. If Anya were to fall, it wouldn’t just be dangerous for her, but also for Baby. They were my top priorities in life now. To put it simply, my life and death revolved around the two of them.
“Cedric,” she said with a slightly trembling voice.
“I’ll always be beside you.” I whispered softly.
“Where are we going, anyway? It’s really surprising!”
Anya; strict, blunt, assertive, and chatty. Perfect.
I released her hand to open the door, but she stopped me.
“Don’t you dare let go of my hand!”
I was sure her expression was one of shock. It was a shame her eyes were covered, but I could imagine it. “I won’t go far, Joice. Just a moment.” Instead, I positioned Anya close to me, so she could still feel my presence. Besides, I wouldn’t be able to live without Anya.
Every night, I was accompanied by the most beautiful woman in my eyes; not only beautiful but also sexy. Stern and adorable at the same time. Who would want to leave her? No one. Only a fool would have such intentions.
“Ready?” I asked half-whispering. She wore soft pink lipstick, and her face seemed even more beautiful. According to my mother, it might be due to pregnancy hormones. I don’t know. All I know is that Anya was beautiful before, and now she’s even more beautiful. And her body was becoming fuller. Seriously, I was so happy! The doctor said Anya’s weight gain was significant, and it had a positive impact on Baby, who was healthy and growing well.
Anya was fully dedicated to Baby. She followed the doctor’s advice without hesitation. During her free time, she read articles about pregnancy. On weekends, she discussed pregnancy with my mother. What else could I not be grateful for in my life? Nothing. Everything that’s happening in my life now, I’m extremely grateful for.Property belongs to Nôvel(D)r/ama.Org.
“For what?”
I grinned. Slowly, I uncovered her eyes. Once Anya took in her surroundings, she used her hand to cover her mouth. She was amazed.
“This is our home, Joice.”
“It’s amazing!”
I chuckled.
“I’m serious, Cedric. It’s really amazing.” Her smile, oh my! So happy!
“Home tour?” I offered, extending my palm. There was no doubt she’d accept my offer. When our skin touched, I held her hand so tightly. My heart promised that this was just the beginning of many happiness’s I would fight for, for Anya.
Getting her to accept it was tough! I couldn’t handle being ignored for just three days. What more if she actually got really mad? I couldn’t even imagine it.
Actually, I designed everything in this house. As for the furniture, I’ll discuss it again with Anya, as not much has been finalized yet. The construction took three months, and as I predicted, by the time Anya gives birth, we’ll already be living in our new home. It may not be perfect yet, but it’s already livable.
Even if we’re not ready to move in because there are still some things missing, it’s not a problem. The most important thing is that the building is completed. However, Papa and Mama don’t agree that we move in immediately. They want us to be close to them during Anya’s maternity leave. I don’t mind, it’s all up to Anya. If she’s comfortable, I’m fine with it. Besides, I see their interactions are very good. When I ask Anya about my parents, she has no complaints. In fact, her eyes light up when she talks about this and that.
Even Krystal. My sister has been coming home together with Anya a lot lately. She says it’s actually fun to have someone to talk to like Anya. But I know they’re still talking about work. And with Papa too. They’re all incredible together.
“Where’s the master bedroom, Cedric?”
We’re in the backyard garden. I transformed the part of Mom’s flower garden-I changed it to something more child-friendly for our future children. I intentionally left it empties for a while, as I don’t want to buy anything without asking Anya first. She might pout later.
“It’s upstairs, Joice. Can’t wait, huh?”
She pouted. “Can I decorate it however I want?”
I smiled, kissing the top of her head. Ignoring some people who were still busy tidying up the parts that were still messy. “Of course. Go ahead. It’s your home.”
Among all the things that made me tired from dividing my thoughts-about the café, Anya’s overly spoiled nature, the house construction-I was rewarded with her sweet smile. It’s like a ton of sugar couldn’t compete. Exaggerated? Maybe, but it doesn’t matter. Let it be my heart’s business.
We climbed the stairs slowly. Anya’s belly had grown so much. Occasionally, I caressed her stomach with affection. It’s an activity that never gets boring for me. I purposely placed all the rooms upstairs, except for the guest room. I was certain it wouldn’t be used. Maybe later, I could turn it into a gym. We’ll see, it’s easy to arrange.
As soon as Anya entered the master bedroom, she was once again amazed. I know Anya likes to read books on the balcony. Maybe it’s because of the peaceful atmosphere or something, I don’t know. So, I created a room that slightly protrudes, and it’s clearly visible from the main bed, facing the spacious balcony. I made the balcony like a wooden deck, with a small table and chairs. Or if Anya’s not comfortable with those two items, we can put some small cushions. It can be used for lounging there. Whatever makes Anya most comfortable.
It’s also perfect for afternoon naps.
“I really love this spot,” she said. Anya stood in front of me, trying to come closer, but her belly reached me first. It made her pout, but I just laughed.
“I’m glad you like it, Joice.” I fixed her hair that was touching her cheek.
“I love everything, Cedric.” Her teary eyes were gazing at me. Ah… I’m weak to this. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” I took both her hands and kissed them gently. “For me, you’re the home I come back to, Joice.”
I spoke the truth. I don’t care if people say I’m too in love with my wife or whatever. Or even if they say I’m still a younger’ in this marriage and experiencing domestic life. Banana moments haven’t arrived yet. Yeah, no problem, I don’t mind.
For me, this relationship is worth fighting for and is at a stable point. Of course, there’s no guarantee that our relationship will always be smooth sailing. We often argue, well… Anya isn’t a foolish woman. Her logic is highly regarded, and I feel like she might have been created with a male-like setting. Her logic often outweighs her emotions. But when her heart gets touched, oh… I’d better apologize frequently. It’s brutal.
“Getting more and more skilled with those sweet words, huh?”
“I’m serious, Joice.”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah.”
I smirked. Anya’s habit is always like this when she’s praised or when she uses a slightly flirtatious language, she always reacts like that. But actually, I rarely use flirty words because what I’ve learned for a person like Anya, is actions. Assuring her that my heart will always be there for her. Strengthening her that I won’t leave her. Giving her endless attention, understanding, affection, and above all… love.
Yes, so that Anya won’t look anywhere else but at me. Like now. Her round eyes are gazing at me with happiness. Her lips curl into a smile that I always miss. Not to mention her body language always wanting to be close to me.
I placed a long kiss on her forehead. “Are you happy with me, right?”
What did I get in return? A little pinch on my waist! Oh my gosh! When does my wife ever stop teasing?
“If I’m not happy with you, ever since you barged into my life without permission, I would have kicked you out a long time ago.”
Now it’s my turn to burst into laughter. I was half kneeling, and this time it’s right on her pregnant belly. I caressed it gently, and like I did to her mother earlier, I gave it a long kiss, hoping that Baby inside can feel it.
“Daddy loves Baby. Thank you for being in Mama and Daddy’s life.”
Amazing! I’m always surprised whenever Baby responds to my affectionate words! Inside there, he/she moves! So lively. When I looked up and locked eyes with Anya, my wife was beaming.
“Baby knows how to appreciate Daddy’s love.”
I was elated.
“What about Mommy?”
The smile on her lips vanished. “Don’t you feel that I also love Daddy and Baby?”
Once again, my laughter resounded. Oh, goodness, who said I don’t feel the same? I know that a certain Anya Joice has already fallen under my charm. Starting with her behavior, which is far from good, then she started softening even though I haven’t told her my true identity yet. I’m convinced that my name is already in her heart.
Proof of that is, she still wouldn’t let Kelvin or Dewa approach her. At that time.
But then, I knew my laughter wouldn’t last. Because Anya was looking at me with a grimace that turned into a painful scream. I panicked!