The week spent in Tuscany was blissful for Calix, Leslie and Calliope as they were surrounded by the region’s breathtaking beauty and tiless charm.
Staying in the rustic, stone villa nestled among rolling vineyards, the family of three woke up to the chirping of the birds and the scent of freshly baked bread.
Being pregnant didn’t stop Leslie from exploring the region together with Calix and Calliope. They wandered through the dieval towns, marveling at the cobblestone streets, historic architecture and vibrant markets.
"Mama, the birds here speak Italian too? Can they understand Poppy if Poppy talk to them?"
"Wow~ Castles! Do princess and her knight live there?"
"Hop hop! Poppy hop on the stones!"
Calliope’s excitent remained contagious as she danced through the markets and flower-filled courtyards, her small hands clutching gelato cones.
At the sa ti, Calliope continued musing about showing the trip’s photos to her unborn younger sibling. She often looked at Leslie’s tummy and tried to describe their current surroundings.
"Poppy, why are you talking to your baby sibling ah?" asked Calix once, his voice lacing with laughter.
"So that Poppy’s little sibling can know," answered Calliope quickly, "Poor baby, cannot eat gelato with Poppy yet."
Calix and Leslie exchanged hearty laughter, pleased and amused with Calliope’s antics.
Aside from the historic sites and the markets, the family of three also visited the vineyards and olive groves.
At the vineyards, they walked through the grape trees, taking in the fresh air while admiring the landscape. Then, they were brought to observe the wine-making process.
Leslie encouraged Calix to savor the locally made wine while she and Calliope had the ordinary grape juice, offered by the staff.
When the trip eventually ended, Leslie, Calix and Calliope returned ho with more unforgettable mories full of their love.
Once they reached ho, Calix and Leslie didn’t imdiately tell Old Madam Xu, Harper, Andrian and everyone else. They wanted to wait until family dinner this weekend.
"Oh~ So Poppy need to be hush hush, en? Cannot tell Great-Grandma yet?"
Calliope covered her mouth and lowered her voice when she asked Leslie and Calix about keeping the pregnancy secret for now. She was excited but, she would team up with her mama and papa.
Thus, the little dumpling spent the entire week being enthusiastic over the idea of revealing her baby sibling to her great-grandma, grandma, grandpa and everyone else this weekend.
At the sa ti, Calix brought Leslie to et Dr. Wang, the gynecologist. The female professional congratulated them while presenting the results of Leslie’s current health.
"Mrs. Xu’s condition is good. Keep having a good diet and follow the rest of my suggestions. Feel free to ask anything as well."
Calix and Leslie thanked Dr. Wang before having a short eting with Dr. Mo. The latter was also happy for them.
Eventually, the long-awaited family dinner arrived. Only Evelyn was not there because she was abroad for an event. She was appointed as a new ambassador for a jewelry brand.
The cozy dining room buzzed with hearty chatter as everyone enjoyed their als while sharing stories. A feast of sumr delights was served on the table.
Calix and Leslie exchanged a knowing glance, thinking it was the ti to reveal the joyful news.
Both of them stood up before the man clicked his glass once and said, "We have sothing to share."
All eyes drew to Calix and Leslie, their chattering was paused. Under their curious looks, the man smiled once at his wife before sweeping his gaze around the table.
"Leslie and I are expecting! Poppy will be a big sister!"
For a mont, there was silence as Calix’s words sank in. Then, the dining room erupted in joy.
"Oh! What a blessing! Another little one for to spoil! Congratulations, Leslie, Calix!"
"Wow! Such good news! Congrats! By the way, when’s the due?"
"Leslie! Calix! Congratulations! Oh, Poppy too!"
Among the cheers, Old Madam Xu clapped her hands together, her eyes glistening with tears. She hurriedly stood up, rushing to hug Leslie.
Harper also did the sa. She and Old Madam Xu collectively hugged Leslie, earning laughter from everyone. Vernon and Andrian smacked Calix’s back, still congratulating them.
Lucille laughed alongside the happy Alia, also overjoyed by the news. Calliope started boasting about getting a little sibling.
"Hehe, thank you, Grandma, Mom," Leslie bead, her cheeks flushed red. She returned Old Madam Xu and Harper’s embrace, "Everyone, thank you so much."
Old Madam Xu and Harper tightened the hug before loosening their arms. They looked from Leslie’s head to her tummy.
"Have you t the doctor? What did she say?"
"Do you have morning sickness now? Anything concerning?"
Andrian stepped in, placing his hands on the backs of Old Madam Xu and Harper. Laughing faintly, he said, "Hey, hey, we should let Leslie sit again ah. We can ask them later."
"Oh! Yes, yes! Leslie, sit down."
Chuckles rippled in the dining room as Old Madam Xu urged Leslie to sit. Harper escorted the elderly lady back to her chair while the rest also returned to their seats.
A beaming Leslie looked at everyone before her eyes settled on Calix’s face. The husband and wife exchanged another smile.
"I’m only five weeks in so far," Leslie said, her voice tender as she revealed more about the blessed news, "My due should be this coming April."
Calix talked once Leslie paused, letting him continue. Like her, his voice also brimming with emotions, "Leslie’s health is good so far, thank goodness. Actually, we found out when we were in Tuscany."
Calix shared the story of how he began to suspect Leslie was pregnant to which she chuckled and nodded, confirming what he said.
"Hehe~ I knew that I was more sleepy these days but, I never thought to check until he gave the test kits."
Then, Calliope chid in, saying how she had to be hush hush before tonight.
"Papa and Mama say cannot tell anyone ah. Poppy only tell Mimo. Hehe~ Poppy will have a baby sibling to play together later"
More laughter erupted in the dining room, followed by more questions as the family celebrated the news with love and anticipation.
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