“I’m going to have you father speak to you about that behavior, son.” Turning back to Kosuke, I acknowledge his brother’s words with nod.
“Yes, I am having another baby and not just one two.” Patting my the roundness starting to peak through the simple shift dress I’m wearing I smile at the boys who both wear shocked expressions on their faces.
Giggling, I watch as they look at each other.
“But-but you said there are too many men in this family.” Keito’s lay mischief has given way to an accusatory glare.
“Well, it’s good that we are giving you sisters.” Comes a deep baritone behind me, making me eep and the boys collapse over themselves with laughter. They must have seen him coming and thought their daddy surprising me would be funny.
Screwing him a mean look, I scooch over to make room for him on the blanket.
Like he waved a wand the boys’ behavior changes to a more amenable interaction.
“How are you feeling?” His hand is heavy yet pleasant as it spans my growing bump.
“Good.” Cupping his firm jaw I lean to let him kiss my lips then my brow. Smiling slightly at the boys little gasps at the display of affection from their austere father, I look over to them. “We are going to need your help, guys.”
Their faces immediately take on the same seriousness they have whenever are given a task by their father.
Acknowledging their bows, I say solemnly. “Your father and I have decided that you should take on the honor of naming your sisters.”
Watching and wonder and excitement removes any lingering negativity they may be experiencing of not being the only kids. I remind myself to thank Flower for the suggestion. She faced this same dilemma with her son Asa when she had her second child.
“Your baaba has given us access to the family library to help you pick.” Takashi tells them.
“When can we start?”
“Yes, when?” the boys ask almost simultaneously.
“Right now, if you wish.” Answering I move to rise but my husband is already on his feet helping me stand.
“You can go ahead, boys. I will help your mother.” Hanging back, I look to Takashi. He’s not changed in the years since we found our way back to each other, but has gotten more intense, if that is even possible.
“Everything okay?” I ask. He’s always checking on me. It took me some time to realize that he needed to be checked-in on too. Men like him often face the world for their families, never thinking of themselves.
“I’m good, my little vicious one.” My body clenches at his words. I can’t run from him anymore — he won’t allow it now that I’m pregnant again but there is still a lot I can do to meet his need to dominate and conquer.
“Really?” Snatching my arm back I quirk a brow and scoff. “Seems like becoming a father again has made you a little soft.”
Flouncing. I actually flounce leaving him to gather my blanket and snacks as I head to the house.
Grabbing my nape he stops me in my tracks.
“Say that shit when I put you through the floor, tonight, wife.”
I can’t help the giggle nor the little squeeze low in my tummy at his words.
“I look forward to it husband.”
Prosper
The Gift ???
Tsuyoshi Tatsumoto
Long strokes upon the rice paper canvas. Part of me wants to rip the creation from the wall while the other sane part whispers the words of my long gone, Okasaan. “Give it time, Tsuyoshi let it breathe a little.”
My gentle, beautiful, vibrant mother, taken from me too soon, leaving only the gaping wound in my heart and the other love of my life. My younger sister, Mei.
