December came, and Ember's breezing in her fourth month. Her bump is evident, and she has already gained some weight. Her whole demeanor was glowing.
Clover is a very doting husband. He is more determined to create a bright future for his family.
Christmas is around the corner, and Clover, as a Director, has a plus one for the upcoming Holiday Party. He was so excited to show off his wife that he spent a lot of time checking Pinterest for maternity evening gowns.
Ember, on the other hand, missed her company's party during the first week of December due to a week's bed rest due to light spotting. She was once again scared for her evaluation as a probationary employee. However, her company proved once again that they were very understanding of her situation and even considered whether her workload was too much for her and adding to her pregnancy difficulties. She was even included in the raffle draw and won a personal refrigerator.
The party is scheduled two days before Christmas and will be held in a five-star Hotel near the company. Clover has already prepared their couple's outfit.
The couple humbly entered the large banquet hall, elegantly decorated with a white and silver Christmas theme. On the left side, a row of rectangular tables was full of desserts. The round tables covered in white and silver decor were ready to be served with a sumptuous meal.
Clover wore a winter wool gray 3-piece suit, and Ember was in a maternity silver gown with a dark silver silk ribbon highlighting her pregnancy bump.
The program started, and the meal was served promptly.
A lot of pleasantries were exchanged between the big bosses of different departments. The bosses were even engaging with employees, and it seemed to have blurred the relationship between superiors and juniors.
In the middle of the conversation, "You are glowing, Mrs. Goldtwist. Very beautiful. If you don't mind, how far along are you?". A director's wife asked.
"I'm turning five in about a week. My husband is very careful and attentive to me. I am very blessed." Ember answered with a slight blush.
Clover rubbed her waist with his hand, which seemed to be perpetually glued to her. "Well, there are no do-overs. My wife should be happy always. I am looking forward to this new addition to the family."
"Every man should learn from this young Director." The woman glared at her husband, and everyone laughed.
In a few minutes, Ember felt the need to go to the washroom and excused herself.
When she got out, Brennan was waiting for her with a wine glass in his hand.
"Can we talk? I won't harass you. I promise." He opened his palms as if surrendering.
Ember looked at her husband from afar. When their eyes met, she hugged her stomach with both arms. Clover seemed to have understood and nodded with understanding in his eyes.
"Let's go near the gardens. It is well-lit there, and the air should be fresh."
Ember consciously picked a big stone table and sat on the other side. She opened her palm and gestured for Brenna to sit opposite her on the table.
"What do you want to talk about?" Ember asked patiently.
"You're four months pregnant, turning five?" His eyes were a bit accusatory, with his eyebrows frowning.
"Yes, and...?" She wants to laugh. She knows where this is going.
"It's mine." He blurted with conviction.
"No." Then she opened her silver purse and opened the gallery from her cellphone, searching for an image.
"How can you deny it? We were still together then! I remember—"
"No." Ember cut him off, handed him her cell phone, and continued.
"Have you heard of Non-invasive prenatal paternity tests? It's a test which can be done after the 8th week of—" Ember stopped when she noticed that Brennan had already seen the image on her cellphone.
He gave her back the cell phone and said, "I understand."
"Good. I wish you and Ms. Meadow a happy life." Ember slowly stood up and walked toward the banquet hall. He faintly called, "Ember," after 6 seconds, and she stopped walking.
"I'm sorry."
Ember turned around with a sincere smile on her face.
"I forgive you."
She walked back to search for her husband.
There's no need for words. In her mind, she may have pestered him during those years, but he was a willing victim. He could have just rejected her, but why did he not? Anyway, it was refreshing to receive an apology from him.
Ember scanned the large room and saw her husband at the corner talking to Ms Meadow. She thought, maybe they needed some closure too, so she found the dessert section and started picking cakes.
Meanwhile, Clover wanted to find his wife as soon as possible, but was held back by Meadow.
"What do you want to talk about, Ma'am? I can only spare a minute; my wife may be tired already. I need to go to her." He spoke straightforwardly.
"Right... she's been pregnant for almost five months, were you cheating on me?" she spoke in an angry whisper.
"No. I was loyal through and through when I was with you. I met her on August 1. We've been together since then." Clover took a quick look around and saw his wife enjoying cakes at one of the smaller round tables near the dessert section.
"I don't believe you. How can—"
"Ma'am, what you believe is not in my control. I said the truth. I was faithful to you in those five years. I have no obligation to explain either. Please excuse me, my wife needs me." He humbly excused himself and went straight to Ember.
Meadow was left dumbfounded.
Meanwhile, Ember put another cake into her mouth, enjoying the smooth and creamy taste of milky goodness. Her eyes closed in contentment while munching in peace.
Clover smiled as he approached her. He sat beside her lovingly and removed a white cream left at the corner of her mouth.
Ember felt his left arm surround her shoulder while his right arm enveloped her stomach. She leaned over him for a kiss.