CHAPTER XXIX

Thierry looked at the ring on his finger, shining under the faint light coming from the window. Marrying the man he loved... After all the stress from the last months, it was a paradise in the middle of the raging storm. He was daydreaming when he felt the babies kicking. It was the first time he felt it. He hurried to wake Dev.

"Dev, Dev, wake up".

"What?" he asked, still half asleep.

"The babies are kicking!" He said happily, his hands in his stomach.

"What?!", He jumped awake, staring at Thi. When he got up, Thierry took his hand and put it on his belly. Dev felt the babies' movements, and smiled. It was their children, they were moving. "That's amazing. Our children..."

"Our children", Thierry repeated.

A little later, the kids stopped kicking. Totally awake, Dev sat and held Thi's hand. Everything was going so great. Dev laid his head on Thi's shoulder.

"Ah...", Dev sighed.

"What are you thinking?".

"I don't know. I'm just thinking. When are you going to tell your parents?"

"About the wedding?"

"I was thinking about the babies. But yeah".

"I was thinking about calling my parents today. And Émile is coming tomorrow. I was going to lunch with them to reveal the news. And you? Do you have anyone you wish to tell?"

"I'll tell Yeonwoo, Yuwei and Henrik later". They were some friends who shared common interests, mostly related to movies. Thierry was his closest friend, and he had cut ties with his family. Dev had many friends, but few people that were close, and he would normally keep people at arms length. Thi wondered if he might feel lonely sometimes, but Dev was quick to reaffirm that everything was alright.

"About the wedding... Do you have something in mind?"

"I don't know... I don't want anything fancy. It just needs to be about the two of us and how we feel about each other. For me, we could just register our marriage with two witnesses and that would be enough".

"I agree. I never like how public those weddings are. We just end up tired. Especially with the kids. And I don't want to have a ceremony before the babies are born. Still, I wished to just marry you as soon as possible".

"You do?"

"Yeah. Hubby". He kissed him.

"We could go to the register office after tomorrow". He said, impulsively, and a little teasingly.

"We could", He said and kissed Dev again, who was surprised that he agreed. "We have people we could call to be our witnesses... Émile and Hunter will be here.".

"We also have to tell the kids".

"Yes. About the wedding and the babies. What do you think they will feel about it?"

"I don't know. I hope they feel happy about having two younger siblings", Dev hugged Thi. "And I hope they feel happy for us. I can only hope".

"We can tell them after the wedding. Give them one news at a time".

"Agreed".

"Now. Let me call my mom before they leave for work". He got up to get his phone. "I better put on some clothes or my mom will complain".

After putting on some clothes, he called Angèle.

"Hi, Thi, how are you? Calling this early in the morning?"

"Hi mom. Is dad still at home?"

"Yeah. She is drinking some coffee in the next room. Let me call her".

He could hear his mother shouting Mari in the background while holding the phone down. Soon, his dad was showing on the screen.

"Hey kiddo. Why are you calling so early?"

"Mom asked the same question. Can you sit down for a second. I have some news to share".

"Good news, I hope". Mariel said.

"Good news, yes".

"Okay". Mariel and Angèle sat down. "What do you want to share?"

"Me and Dev are getting married". He said, showing the ring. He decided to start with the less shocking news. Even when they were just friends, his parents would teasingly say they would get married someday.

"For real?" Mariel questioned, surprised.

"That's so good!", Angèle said. "When are you holding the ceremony?"

"We are thinking of only registering in the office. It's hard to have a ceremony right now".

"Why? I thought everything was solved with the end of the Delaney's case". Mariel said.

"It's nothing like that, dad. I said that it was all good news, haven't I? I'm expecting. Five months along".

"Congratulations, baby!", his mother said before Mariel could say anything.

"Why are you only telling us that now? You had five months to tell us and only now you are saying something?"

"These babies are really special to us, so we wanted to wait until we knew that everything was alright before telling. For a long time Dev believed he was infertile. These babies are our little miracle".

"Babies, plural?" Mariel questioned.

"We are having twins". Thierry said happily.

The conversation went well. His pregnancy this time was much better received, as his situation was also better. He was in a stable relationship, with a person he was going to get married to, and even his perspective about it was much better. And his parents liked Dev a lot, and have known him almost as long as he did. He wasn't as anxious as well. Maybe because it wasn't his first time and he wasn't alone this time. Although there was always the anxiety that revolved around all of it. He was growing two lives inside himself. It was a big responsibility. And what would it be like when they are born? They will have four kids below five to take care of. He could only pray that things work out well.

Now, it was time to tell the friends. He sent a message to Nate and Émile for them to have lunch together tomorrow. They had so much to talk about. Émile was transferring the headquarters of his company to Bgork, as a protest and a way of including more people like him in the entertainment business. Thierry understood it. In his original world, he suffered lots of mistreatment for being gay, including from his own family. Émile had the chance to give an opportunity to people like him, and if he had to change countries to do it, then so be it. He was searching for happiness.

"The twins' birthday is coming soon", Dev commented as they got ready for work.

"Two weeks from now, right?"

"Yeah".

"Are you going to talk to Cael about it? He has the right to participate in it".

"I'll. I just forgot about it with everything that's happening".

"Maybe we should postpone our marriage until after the party".

"Perhaps... But I just went to register the marriage soon. Before the babies come, and before people start asking questions".

"I understand".

"And after all we are just going to register it. No parties. Just us. Maybe Émile and Hunter. And Nate and Cael".

"You're inviting them?"

"Yeah... I think it will be good to have them there". Recently he was warming up to Cael. He trusted him, and he was a good father to their kids. And a good boyfriend to Nate, who was like an older sibling to him.

"And I'll let Nate tell him about the babies. I don't feel comfortable sharing the news directly, since we have history, but it would be okay for him to hear it from Nate".

"You really are changing, hun".

"I hope I am". He kissed Dev. "Now let's finish getting ready, 'cause we are already late".

***

"Guten Morgen!", Émile said, invading Thierry's office. He just came back from Waldland and was carrying many packages with presents. "Where are my nephews?"

"In the kindergarten".

"Afff. I wanted to see them. I miss them so much".

"You will see them later at dinner. But we have lunch first".

"Where is Nate? I have gifts for him too"

At that moment, they heard a knock on the door, and Nate opened it.

"There he is". Thi commented.

"Were you talking about me?" Nate asked, laughing. "I hope it was nothing bad".

"I brought presents!", Émile shaked the bags in his hands. He gave two of the bags to Nate with chocolates, beer and wine. Nothing really expensive, just some local products that he enjoyed. He learnt many ages ago that Nate hated expensive gifts. "Thanks", he said, opening the gift.

Thierry checked the time. 11h40. Lunch hour didn't start until 12h, but they were already here and he was the CEO.

"Since we are all here already, why don't we go have lunch early? There is a good restaurant that is a little far from here that I really enjoy, and they promised me a table at any time. If we leave now, we'll get there just in time". Thierry was excited to share the news.

"Sure!" Émile answered promptly.

"I still have work to do", Nate answered.

"And my brother is your boss. C'mon Nate. Let's eat some good food. Please, please".

"Okay", Nate laughed. "I'll just get my coat".

"Yay!" Émile celebrated, and Thierry laughed at his fool brother.

They left the office at 11h50, to a restaurant on the other side of the town. It took them half an hour to get there, with Thi driving all the way. When they arrived, they were instantly guided to their table, as Thi promised.

"Did you invest money in this place?", Émile asked after the extremely pleasant behavior from the workers.

"No, but Dev did".

"Ah..." Émile said, understanding the situation.

It was over three years ago. The twins just completed three months and they hired a nanny who could stay the night. They would have their first night out as adults after the babies were born, but since it was a last minute situation, they couldn't find a restaurant that had a free table. They started calling everyone, until a friend recommended this small restaurant that just opened and that luckily had a free table. When they arrived, the servers were polite and the food was exquisite. But there was barely anyone there. They talked to the owners who said that, although they just opened, they didn't think they would last long. Dev couldn't sit and do nothing. He did an ad for them, and talked with all his friends about the restaurant, including some celebrities. He also invested some heavy money to refurbish the place and modernize it. Along the years, he also invested to double and, after, triple the place and open two new locations. It became his small project, and also Thi's favorite restaurant. After that, Dev also invested in other promising restaurants, but this one was special.

They sat down, and Thi recommended some of his favorite dishes. It was Dev's little project, but Thi was the one who really loved the food. Especially now. As they waited for food, Émile asked:

"So, little brother, what is the important occasion? And don't say there's none".

"Yeah... I have some good news".

Nate smiled, already knowing the news, but not being able to say a word about it.

Thierry showed the ring on his finger.

"It's a beautiful ring..." Émile started saying, then stopped. "Wait? My baby brother is getting married?"

"Congratulations". Nate said, smiling.

"Dev told you, didn't him?" Thierry asked, looking at his smile. The face of someone who knew.

"He told me he was going to ask you the night we stayed at your home. That's why we took the kids. Don't blame him. He really wanted to share his anxiety with someone".

"How was it? The proposal?", Émile asked.

"It was simple, but beautiful". Thierry said, dreamily.

"And the sex after must have been great", Émile teased. Thierry just blushed. "And when will the wedding be?"

"We thought about just going tomorrow and register it. If you could be our witnesses".

"But you deserve a wedding. It is not like you are lacking the money for it".

"We have more important things to focus on now with the babies on the way".

"Babies?" Émile and Nate exclaimed.

"Don't pretend like you didn't know, Nate".

"Sorry", Nate laughed. "I didn't know you knew".

"I just guessed, again". He laughed.

"Wait, wait. You're pregnant, An?"

"Five months. Twins. Luckily, my clothes are really large, so my belly isn't apparent. But I know it won't take long for it to become impossible to hide". He said touching his belly.

"But I thought Dev couldn't... You know". Émile questioned.

"Our anti-rut pill has some unexpected effects".

"Interesting". Émile said. "Congratulations, baby brother".

"Yeah, congratulations, An".

"Thanks. I'm really happy. These babies are a light in this turbulent year". He touched his belly again and smiled. "And you can tell Hunter and Cael about it, if you want".

"Are you sure?", Nate asked.

"Yeah...", Thi smiled.

"Ok".

Their lunch went well. Their relationship was like three brothers, who teased each other, but were happy for their achievements. But Émile complained many times about how Thierry was getting married before him. Even so, he told them that he finally decided about getting married in Bjuldr. There, marriage between alphas have been legal for ten years already, and Émile planned a great ceremony, where he would wear a long white dress and veil. The wedding will be great, filled with celebrities and live streamed. But it would take at least five months to plan it. And Émile wouldn't agree with anything less than it.

"Are you coming for dinner tonight?", Thi asked Nate.

"Yes. Cael wants to see the kids". Nate stopped for a while to think. "I'll tell Cael before that".

"Thanks. I don't know, it's still strange to share those kinds of stuff with, because we have history".

"I understand". Nate smiled.

As they were talking, the food arrived. And, as Thi promised, the food was divine. It had a taste of home, with all the flourish from a restaurant. After they ate, Thi drove them back to the office. Émile went after Dev to give him his gifts and pester him to leave early so he could see the kids. It didn't work, but they still spent some time talking about movies and series, producing rights and castings.

Nate called Cael, so they could have some coffee in the afternoon.

"The coffee shop on the other side of the street has a new drink that I really wanted to try". He said with a sweet voice.

"Okay. Okay. I'll meet you at 15h. I have some time until my meeting at 16h30". He laughed.

"Thank you, babe".

"Sure, sure" Cael laughed.

At 15h, they met in front of the building.

"Let's go", Cael invited Nate, holding his hand, and they crossed the street.

When they got there, Nate got their new drink he talked about, and Cael got a cappuccino and a donut. He had a light lunch, and was already hungry.

"Now... The new reason you called me here". Cael said as they sat down.

"I'm becoming really predictable, am I not?"

"I'd rather think that I'm getting better at knowing you".

"Okay", Nate laughed. "I went to lunch with An and Émile today. He invited us to his wedding".

"I thought Émile's wedding is still some months away".

"Not Émile's, Antoine's. They are getting married tomorrow".

"Tomorrow?"

"Yeah..." He laughed. "An is pregnant and he wants to do the wedding before the belly starts to show".

"Wow...", Cael stopped eating. "So much happened at once".

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah... I'm alright".

"I know that you had feelings toward him".

"I did. But they are gone now. I'm with you. You are the man I love and with whom I want to build a life".

"You do?"

"I know it is still early to talk about it, and I might be rushing things. But I love you, a lot. The last months we spent together were the best ones I had, even with all the problems. Having you by my side was enough to make everything better. So it's not too much to say that I want to have you in my life for a long time, and to build a home with you, with kids, and cats and some horrible decorations that we brought back from our travels".

"I want that too".

Cael held his hand and kissed the back of it.

"So let's build it. Our life", he kissed the back of his hand again.

"Ours". Nate smiled. "But before that, you should finish your coffee before it gets cold".

"Sure", Cael laughed.

They went back to work, but Nate was feeling a warmth from that conversation. They have been together for roughly half a year, but their feelings for each other run deep. And he could see the future of this relationship, how they were walking together towards that future. Cael was someone who made him feel comfortable, loved and cared. After so many bad relationships, it was the first time he felt that way. Maybe it was right for him to want more, to expect more. He wanted that life together that Cael was talking about. He wanted those cheeky couple settings. And he wanted small shoes and baby clothes. He wanted all those things. And when he thought about these things, he saw Cael in all of them. Maybe he should take this relationship seriously. They were already living together after all. What were the next steps?

***

People were arriving at 19h30, so Dev and Thi decided to talk to the twins beforehand. But how do they explain what a marriage is to a three year old? A ceremony? A contract? A vow? Maybe this one is easier for them to understand. They sat Collin and Killian in the living room, far from any toys that would disperse their attention. Collin was searching for something, while Killian was looking straight at Thi, both trying to figure out the reason they were sitting there. Dev and Thi grabbed two chairs and sat next to them.

"Babies, do you know what a vow is?", Thierry asked.

"Val?", the twins repeated.

"Vow. It's like a promise. Like a pinkie promise, but much more powerful and important", Dev explained.

"Yeah. Tomorrow, mommy and daddy will make a really important vow. And we want you to be there with us". Thi continued.

"What will you promise?", Killian asked.

"We will promise to love each other, forever. To be with each other and to care for each other. To be loyal and truthful". Dev said holding Thi's hand.

The twins didn't fully comprehend what they were saying, but they were excited and wanted to be there. Dev and Thi were happy, and went back to the preparations to receive their friends.

Soon, everybody was there. Émile asked his brother if he already chose an outfit for tomorrow, and he said no. Nate and Émile said they should find the outfit asap. And then they asked if Dev already had his, and he said he decided it even before he proposed. As Dev finished the dishes, the three went to look into Thi's wardrobe.

"How are you feeling, the night before your wedding?", Hunter asked as he helped prepare the salad. He was just trying to make some small talk, as the silence made things stranger.

"I'm feeling great, in fact". Dev smiled.

"How did the kids react?", Hunter inquired. As he touched the subject, Cael got close. He was still not used to being around them on an intimate level, but he was getting more comfortable. Dev made a gesture to tell him to get even closer, so he could participate in the conversation.

"Can I help with anything?", he asked.

"If you could get the serving plate for me. It's there", he pointed to the place. Then, he went back to the previous subject. "The kids answered well, I don't think they understand it completely... But it went well".

"Did you tell them about the babies yet?"

"We will tell after their birthday. Ah..." He looked at Cael. "An wanted to talk to you about the twins' birthday. Do you want to participate?"

"Can I?"

"You are their father. You should be present. And if you want to help prepare it too".

"Yes, I'd like that. Did you think of anything already?"

"We didn't have much time to think about it with all that was going on. They want something related to Mr. Puppy, a TV show they like. Émil said he could get some costumes and people to play the characters from the show. We are going to use the backyard for the party. A friend of mine that owns a children's buffet is going to provide the food. That is as much as we got".

"That's a lot already", Cael smiled. "What can I help?"

"Decorations, invitations, and being present". Dev said while he took the meat from the oven.

"Just that?", Cael laughed.

"Just that". Dev laughed too.

They were enjoying their time as they set the table. The kids went upstairs with their mommy to help him choose his clothes. So Cael, Dev and Hunter were alone downstairs. The three never spent much time alone together. It was strange, and their talk went slowly, and a little bumpy sometimes. But it was flowing somehow, they were communicating and enjoying the time together.

They finished setting the table and Hunter went to call Nate, Émil, Thierry and the kids upstairs. He knocked on the door and someone answered Just one last look. Soon they all were sitting on the table for dinner. The night went well, and, after the kids went to sleep, the six finished planning the twins' birthday party.

#########

Hello.

Sorry for the delays in the story. It's life happening.

I've been thinking about writing side stories with the couples swapped (Nate and Thierry; Cael and Dev; Nate and Dev; Cael and Thierry). Would you like to see that? If yes, which one would you like to see first?

I hope you're liking the story, and if there is anything you would want to see, any character you'd like to learn more about or any other curiosity you want to know, about the story, characters (or even me), you can ask and I will answer as soon as I see the comment.

See you soon :)