“I thought about it.” He concedes, “However, taking your choices has gotten me nowhere. I think we should try trusting each other, Hai?”
“Hai,” bowing a little, acknowledging my words, he pivots, gripping the box tightly in his hands.
“Allowus to present our beloved sons, Kai and Takeru.” Riyu says, holding a baby his arms as Ev beams, holding a twin bundle beside him.
We all seem to coo together as the mop of curls become visible. I little tawny fists reaches behind the swaddles, which draws more murmurs of approval from everyone gathered.
A family-only event and a Takeda tradition with only parents and siblings in attendance, we all find ourselves back at the Takeda manse where the second half of our journey began.
Who would have thought running away would lead to a happiness I could have never imagined.
Watching as Evangeline takes the seat of honor with one baby as Riyu stands sentinel at her side, holding his son to show off Takeru and Kai to family.
Ev’s parents approach first, as Takeda tradition dictates. Riyu flew them over a few months ahead of time to prepare for their grandsons appearance with her sisters and brother, all of whom are still in college arriving after the birth two weeks ago.
“Adorable.” Charity, one of her sisters, squeals as her other sister, Celeste, agrees. Their younger brother, Jonathan, seems just as delighted despite trying to act tough in front of the men present.
He needn’t have bothered. Every eye is on Kai and Takeru, the newest additions to the Takeda Legacy.
After his mom is presented the babies, Akricho, Flower, Asa and their new baby girl, Emi go greet his nephew, followed by Kiyoshi, Krie and their new son, Koreyoshi.
My eyes drift over the group assembled. Warm strong hands cup mine. “We’re next Takashi murmurs helping me to stand.
Together we traverse the expanse of the receiving room to where my best friend sits like a queen with her husband looking every bit the Samurai warrior at her side.
Her eyes search mine as I approach and the love and acceptance I see within her gaze makes me hold my head a little higher. Even though Takashi assures me it not the case I can’t help but feel like there is a scarlet letter emblazoned on my chest for choosing to remain childless.
In the months that’ve passed since Ev discovered she was pregnant I’ve gotten to witness the beauty the experience first hand. Still, I have no desire to have kids right now.
His strong hand is at my back we draw near. Glancing up at him I see the sheer love and pride he has for his brother. Riyu stands with Takeru totally vulnerable in a way I have only seen the men in this family exhibit on rare occasions like this. Ev is beside him with Kai looking so open and happier than I have ever seen her.
Yet, there is hunger in my husband’s stare as he looks down at our nephews. I know how much loves me and that is nevermore evident than as he stands by my side not having pressed me one time since told him all those months ago that I was not ready.
“Bridget.” Ev beams at me. “You are more than a friend, you are a sister to me. You would honor us if you would be Takeru-kun and Kai-kun’s godmother?”
“Takashi, you are my mirror, the very best of men, the twin part of my soul. You honor me if you would take the role of godfather to my sons.” Comes the intense somber tones of Riyu, which are only made more so by the intensity of his gaze.
“We would be honored.” Bowing we intone the words. Rising we step forward, a smile plays across my lips watching the awe in Takashi’s face as Riyu hands his twin his baby boy.
“You’re going to be the best auntie ever.” Ev whispers to me, letting me hold my godson.
Nodding I look over to her. “I am”
5 years later…
“Okasaan!”
“Yes, baby?” Looking up from the book, I’m annotating I watch my son run over to me with his younger brother by one minute trailing behind him at a much more leisurely pace.
Kosuke’s little stern face is so much like his father’s and uncle’s right now. I know his more mischievous twin, Keito has done or said something to rile him. They remind me so much of their father and Uncle Riyu. We often find ourselves shaking our heads at the similarities.
“Okasaan,” breathing heavily from his run over to where I am sitting in the garden with my snack and water he pulls himself up to take me in with an accessing glance to rival his father.
“Keito says you’re having a baby.” His mouth form into a disapproving frown he tightens his little fist plating them at his sides.
“Oh?” Turning to my other son I ask, “Where did you hear that Keito?”
“Yesterday when I was hiding in father’s study. When you both came back from the doctor.”
