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Now the kids are in university, pursuing their undergraduate studies. Thee believes that the house now feels empty.
“I miss the kids”, Thee said to no one in particular. Peach, who was reading a book across the couch from him, put his book down and paid full attention to his husband.
“Yeah, me too. Even though we just dropped them off for their next semester, the house feels a little empty.” Peach acknowledged his partner’s feelings.
Now in their early 40s, Peach and Thee did a great job in raising the two kids they adopted on the day of their wedding. Marn and Mhok stood now as young adults with great values and virtues. Peach and Thee had also encouraged Mok and Rome to adopt kids of their own when they tied the knot and were confused. Now, in their late 30s, Mok and Rome are fathers to 13 year old twin girls, who are thriving under their care.
“Should we have more kids?” Thee, always been the one to speak his mind, voice his thoughts out loud. “What?” Peach was stunned to say the least.
“I mean, think about it dear. We still have a few great years ahead of us. And I miss the chaos around the house. I mean I am not saying that I want to replace Marn and Mhok, they are my life, but I think I am ready for this. I mean, would we not enjoy another bundle of joy? Maybe another son, a daughter, I don’t know. But I think this is the right choice, if we do make one.” Thee rambled, but still managed to get his feelings out.
“I think we should think this through, Thee. It is not an easy task to raise a small child and we both are not getting any younger.” Peach said, the gears in his head churning at full speed.
“You are right, about the age. But Lookpeach, we are in pretty good shape though. Well, I am never going to be the one to pressure you into things, but can we think about this, a little slowly? Please!” Thee voiced out, his voice mellowing at the end.
“Alright, let’s think about this.” Peach added and smiled. And the 40+ year old golden shot back his 32 pearly whites back at his beloved.
Thee now over the moon that Peach is agreeing to one his ideas (arguably, the least crazy one on a scale of Thee to Peach), lunged forward to shower his Peach in kisses all over the face. And who is Peach, but a man in love. He is so glad to be loved by Thee, even after decades together.
The next few weeks passed in discussion about the logistical aspects of becoming parents in their 40s. From being able to provide the right guidance without the generational gap taking a toll, to the doubts of being able to be present in the child’s life well into their adulthood. Thee and Peach dove right into the discussions and the possible realities of adopting another kid.
Setting up guardianship became a primary concern. If something unfortunate had to happen to Thee or Peach, who would be willing to take care of another young child. Realistically speaking, Rome, Mok and Plub would be more than willing to welcome their child into their home, but would Thee and Peach be willing to share such a burden on them. Or what if Mhok or Marn wanted guardianship of this child? Would it be a burden in the way of their freedom as young adults or they would be willing to be a family to their siblings?
The questions flooded their minds.
Peach, always being the voice of reason, finally put a stop to this overthinking. After a particularly long discussion with Thee on this, Peach added, “I think we should not make any final decision before we talk to Marn and Mhok. They are a part of this as well and I think it is best to talk to them before we make any life altering decisions, Kian.” Thee, never in his years of marriage to Peach has said no. And this time wasn’t any different. He agreed. They would talk to their kids about this, when they come home for a weekend or vacation, before they made any such decision.
Marn was in her 2nd year of Bachelors, while Mhok was going to complete his 4th year and is looking forward to graduation. Thee made it very clear to his kids that, if they don’t want to take over Arseni, they need not at all. Mhok was grateful for this. The kid initially had assumed that the way to pay back Thee and Peach would be to agree to the demands his parents had put in front of him. It took years of learning and unlearning for both the kids and parents to reach trust and ensure that they were loved and cared for without any conditions. Marn, during her first year started showing interest in the business. Though still very unsure if this is the path she wants to pursue, she is willing to learn. And Thee, the ever loving father, agreed to teach her all his ways. After a long conversation, they agreed to take it slow.
Now, at their dinner table, a four seater that Peach had demanded Thee to buy for because the old dining table is too long and feels too formal for a family, sat the four of them.
“Kids, we have something to say.” Peach started first. “This is a big thing, so I would like for you both to be on board with us. Though, there's no pressure, but it would mean a lot for us to have your support.” The kids now paid full attention to their father.
“Me and Papa decided to think about having another kid.” Thee added to his partner’s previous words. “Now, we both want to raise the kid ourselves, as we did with the both of you. No nannies or baby sitters this time either. But, are you both on board with this?” Thee has never been the one to raise his voice against his kids. His voice now laced with uncertainty, but more than that, love. The love he held for his family.
The kids hadn’t said anything, though purely out of shock. Peach took it as a sign to continue. “I know we are not young really, but me and your Dad feel that we are capable of taking care of your sibling. But, in case anything unfortunate had to happen to us, then we didn’t want the burden falling on either of you.”
Peach held Mhok’s hand throughout his words. Thee looked expectantly.
“Well, uh, this is news to us.” Marn broke the silence.
“Dad, I don’t think raising our siblings and caring for them will ever be a burden to us. Papa, I think you should go ahead with your decision. It’s a good choice. And, I would be more than happy to be a legal guardian as well.” Mhok said, short but meaningful.
“It will be a baby brother obviously, right?” Marn said jokingly.
Peach and Thee finally chuckled and that broke the tension.
“But yes fathers, I am more than happy to have more people to love. I will be more than honored to care for another kid dad. Besides, I loved playing with the nieces a lot, well how different could it be?” Marn, though a little clueless about what it would be like to raise a child, still shared the enthusiasm.
Thee and Peach shared with their kids why they felt the need to have another kid and how this was in no way a sign that they felt unfulfilled or anything of that sort. The dinner was now peaceful and the future now a little certain.
In the privacy of their room, the couple finally relaxed. The kids had travelled back to their campus after their weekend at home.
Over the years, Peach had grown to appreciate intimacy. Now, he threw his body weight over his husband after a long day of work or simply whenever he felt the need to. The simplicity of just being with Thee, brought immense joy to Peach. Thee, the golden retriever, was happy to be cuddling his black cat. “Well, now we are gonna be parents again.” Peach said, his voice muffled as his head rested in Thee’s chest.
“Yeah, it feels unreal, Lookpeach.” Thee sighed with a content smile on his face.
“Good night Kian. I love you!” Peach said as he moved a bit up to peck Thee’s lips.
“Good night my beloved!” Thee added.
The upcoming days blend into weeks, as they navigated the bureaucracy and legality of adoption. A young mother, who did not have it in her emotionally to raise the child would choose Peach and Thee as her choice to raise the child. And they will eventually get to hold a just born baby girl. This round of parenting will prove to be much more different and difficult. There would be sleepless nights, doctors visits, formulas, diaper changes, and rounds of baby burps and pukes. But Thee and Peach are glad to do this, because they have each other.
Well now, Thee would secretly search for stars to buy in the name of his youngest. And Peach will eventually find out. After all, they are Theerakit Kian Lee and Peachayarat Janekit.