The talks with both exes finally brought closure.
Brennan and Meadow have had a heart-to-heart talk about their relationship and finally decided to take a break in the meantime to mend their unsettled hearts.
Ember had a safe delivery on May 8 and finally held their little bundle of joy.
It's a boy named Florenz Goldtwist.
A mini Clover, to be exact.
Even the temperament is the same. Gentle and obedient. Cries only when hungry or uncomfortable, but easily coaxed.
The new parents are exhausted but delighted nonetheless.
Grandma Meng came to stay with them to help with the baby. Ember and Clover were very grateful.
Ember was regularized and had a hefty bonus before she gave birth. She realized this company is an outstanding company that treasures its employees. So in little Florenz's first month, she treated her co-workers to an afternoon snack and received well-wishes for the baby's safe and excellent upbringing.
Clover did the same with his department and treated everybody with a packed lunch from Chenette's.
Everybody is aware of his little family as two A4 frames were displayed conspicuously on his console table in his office, of him and his wife in front of the Church in Blossom Hills. The second is of little Florenz's first day in the world, carefully wrapped in a white blanket. Full of innocence and security.
Anybody with a sound mind will know that this man is a loving family man.
On a fine Sunday morning, the third Sunday of June, the family of three with Grandma Meng traveled to attend a mass at the Church on Blossom Hills.
Florenz, tucked in his father's strong arm, is peacefully sleeping, unaware of the beauty surrounding him.
Ember is looking at her husband with gentle eyes while holding Grandma's hand in her arm.
"God, I am so blessed. Thank you for giving me this wonderful man who removed all my worries every single time. Gave me the love I crave. Accepted and loved me for all that I am. Thank you for giving me a complete loving family." Ember whispered in prayer.
As the mass came to a close, the priest reminded everyone, "Today we also celebrate Father's Day. I would like to request all fathers to stand up for the blessing."
Clover Goldtwist, in all his 6ft self, stood proudly with the infant in his arms, along with other fathers inside the church.
"May God bless and guide all fathers to raise their children in humility, kindness, purity, and holiness. We ask for blessings of strength, wisdom, love, and guidance..."
After the blessing, Clover looked at Ember, who was sitting beside him. With a doting smile, he looked at Ember Willowbells-Goldtwist with gratitude.
As the mass ended, they bowed to Grandma Meng and put her hand on their foreheads. The parents, in turn, did the same with Florenz, touching his forehead with his little hand in theirs.
(A/N This forehead touching of younger ones holding the hand of elders is a tradition from the Philippines called "Mano". A traditional act of greeting and respect.)
Clover gently hugged Ember and whispered, "Both of you are my treasure, the love of my life. Thank you for loving me."
They kissed for a second, and the family went out to enjoy the scenery surrounding Church on Blossom Hills.
——end——
Finally finished this short story! Took me a while to get to the ending, but I'm glad I finally did.
April 7, 2025.